Albania protest turns violent in Tirana

Masked protesters threw stones and firebombs at police in Albania's capital, Tirana, on Saturday during a fresh anti-government demonstration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The protest began peacefully in the rain outside the education ministry before dozens of youths threw paving stones and firebombs at police and set fire to rubbish bins. Police used two water cannon to disperse the group.

Interior Minister Ervin Demo said on Friday that 350 people had been hurt so far in the protests, including about 200 police officers and around 40 passers-by. He also said 269 people under 18 had been arrested.

The demonstrations began peacefully in May over perceived corruption, after opposition to a luxury hotel project in a protected nature reserve linked to US President Donald Trump's family. Since mid-October, they have become a wave of often violent protests also focused on the health system and the lack of prospects for young people.

The government on Wednesday introduced fines of up to 5,500 euros, or $6,100, for violent participants.