Tirana removes paving stones after clashes; 388 face charges

Authorities removed paving stones from Tirana's main boulevard after protesters hurled them at police during escalating clashes. The unrest has spread to other cities this week. Student-led demonstrations, fueled by anger over alleged government corruption, job scarcity, and poor education standards, have swept central Tirana. Protesters demand Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation, setting fire to government buildings and banks while police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Police report 388 people face criminal prosecution, with masked youths tearing up sidewalk bricks to throw at officers. Dozens of police and protesters have been injured.