TIRANA, Dec. 12 – Albanian state police began criminal proceedings on Wednesday against 25 students and other citizens, all participating in the student protest seeking from the government to drop tuition fees and offer better education standards for more than a week now.
The police is charging protesters for rallying on Dec. 11 – the seventh and most massive day of protests – without obtaining a permit by the authorities.
According to the police, this “illegal protest” caused a breach in public order and peace and blocked traffic all over Tirana, in addition to leading students to throw hard objects at the yard of the Education Ministry, in front of which thousands have been protesting.
Among the criminally charged are prominent figures, like professor Edmond Tupe and artist Robert Aliaj. Police also charged some of the most well-known protesters who, leading thousands everyday, gave the student rally a face and a voice.
On Tuesday, the protests of thousands was divided in three groups; local media and students themselves suggested those who are really protesting for their right to free education remained in front of the Education Ministry, while other students, part of opposition forces in the country, were guided by opposition leaders to block the traffic at the Black Bird Roundabout and stay all night in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, where they also ignited a fire.
Due to this division, an online survey was conducted by students to determine where the protest should continue – 64 percent of students agreed to keep gathering in front of the Education Ministry.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama appeared at Top Channel Top Show yesterday to converse with a number of students, who social media later revealed belonged majorly to the Socialist Party and its youth branch, FRESSH.
So far, protesters in front of the Education Ministry have denied any political force looking to represent their cause, claiming this protest only belongs to dissatisfied students. Internet footage has shown students picking up the garbage from the capital streets every night after protests and peacefully sitting in front of the building, chanting songs and holding placards.
