Tirana:Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans for new legal measures targeting protests as demonstrations by university students demanding improved education conditions continue in the capital.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the protests, which began on October 13, have entered their 13th day and have garnered support from high school students, citizens, faculty members from several universities, and various trade unions. Some of these demonstrations have turned violent.

Protesters have been marching through the streets and squares of the capital, initially gathering outside the Education Ministry, where stones were thrown at the building. The protests later moved to the prime minister's office, where tensions escalated between demonstrators and security forces. Clashes involved protesters throwing stones at police and public institutions, with officers responding with tear gas. Some demonstrators were injured, and Molotov cocktails were occasionally used.

Prime Minister Rama reiterated his calls for dialogue, as he had in previous days, but these calls were rejected by the protesters. The students have stated their intention to continue the demonstrations. Rama noted that the current law governing demonstrations dates back to 2001 and does not address the use of digital technology tools that are now fundamental to protests.

The proposed legislative package includes compensation for businesses affected by demonstrations, fines for participants in violent protests, measures against calls for violence on social media, and amendments to the Criminal Code. The regulations would also introduce fines for organizing unauthorized demonstrations, failing to comply with orders to disperse, wearing masks during protests, and obstructing traffic. Additionally, there is a focus on requiring the removal of social media posts calling for violence and initiating legal proceedings against those responsible.