Albanian PM warns of ‘red line’ after police station set ablaze

Albanian PM Edi Rama accused protesters of crossing a “red line” Monday after a police station was set ablaze during anti-govt demonstrations.Demonstrators have clashed with police since last Tuesday as months of protests escalate, driven by fresh demands for better university conditions, anger over corruption and renewed calls for Rama’s resignation. “Protests are a right, whereas violence is a crime; this red line must be drawn clearly at this critical stage of our democratic development,” Rama said.The PM said he was prepared for dialogue, except with those who commit violence and political parties that fail to distance themselves from it.Protesters again briefly clashed with police outside the education ministry Monday afternoon, after gathering in their hundreds from early morning. Demonstrators hurled stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas, forcing the crowd to disperse.“We will continue our movement until Rama resigns. We are not criminals, we want social peace and better living conditions in our country,” Leka Sina, a 22-year-old science student, told AFP. “Violence is not a solution, but govt also needs to reflect deeply to understand this revolt,” he added.Across the demonstrations police have regularly used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds that have targeted govt buildings and smashed stores in several parts of the city. Around 300 people have been injured in the clashes, more than half of them police, according to the authorities.Source: AFPYou use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.