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October 25, 2026

Albania: Police officer suspended after street violence — FrontPages.eu, October 25, 2026

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Sunday, October 25, 2026

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A member of the elite Shqiponjat police unit has been suspended after footage showed him beating a protester with a rubber baton. The suspension follows a chaotic demonstration in which 28-year-old Erjon Vishkulli was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet; he is being flown to Rome for emergency surgery to save his sight. Police reported that five of their own officers were injured by Molotov cocktails and stones during six hours of street battles. Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded by setting up a table and chairs outside his office, inviting student leaders to a public dialogue they have so far refused. While the premier attempts symbolic diplomacy, the rhetoric elsewhere is less restrained: one academic told local media the state is at war with its own people and warned the country is on the verge of civil war. The protests, which have now entered their fourth month, show little sign of dissipating as students prepare to return to the Ministry of Education this afternoon. Away from the capital, firefighters in Fier managed to contain a major gas cylinder leak in a residential neighborhood, preventing what officials described as a potential tragedy.

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A police officer from the 'Shqiponjat' unit has been suspended following footage showing him beating a protester with a rubber baton. This comes as Erjon Vishkulli, a 28-year-old protester, sustained a severe eye injury from a rubber bullet during clashes, requiring further surgery in Rome. The State Police officially reacted, reporting five officers were also injured by thrown stones and Molotov cocktails. Parents of protesters have denounced police brutality, and a professor accused police…

BalkanWeb: Student protest injury: Journalist reveals last information, the 28-year-old's…

Erjon Vishkulli was injured in the eye during a protest, and while his eye is reported to be saved, he will undergo further surgery in Rome.

Shqiptarja.com: Protest Violence: Police Suspend Officer for Beating Citizen; 5 Police Injured…

Following the release of footage showing a police officer from 'Shqiponjat' unit beating a protester on the ground with a rubber baton, the officer has been suspended pending an administrative investigation. Police reported 5 officers injured by thrown stones and Molotov cocktails.

BalkanWeb: We are on the verge of civil war where the state is fighting its people…

Professor Pecnikaj stated on News24 that the state is at war with its people and accused the police of using barbaric violence against protesters.

BalkanWeb: Injury in the eye of Erjon Vishkullit during the protest, AMP and Prosecution…

Following the protest injury of Erjon Vishkullit, the Agency for Media along with the Prosecution have initiated investigations, and a police officer has been suspended for violence.

Shqiptarja.com: Protester Shot in the Eye During Protest in Tirana, Bleeding and Screams in…

A protester was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet during a protest in Skanderbeg Square, leading to bleeding and chaos. The injured individual was transported by Report TV's vehicle to the Trauma hospital.

Reporter.al: 'Arrest Him, But Don't Shoot Him in the Head': Parents Denounce Police Violence

Parents of protesters are reporting incidents of police brutality, including severe injuries.

Top Channel: State Police reacts after October 24 protest: 5 officers injured, 'Shqiponjat'…

The State Police have responded to the protest of October 24, reporting that 5 officers were injured and one employee from the 'Shqiponjat' unit has been suspended.

Top Channel: Violent protest in Tirana: Police and protesters injured, one person injured…

The violent protest in Tirana resulted in injuries to both police officers and protesters, with one individual sustaining an eye injury and remaining hospitalized.

BalkanWeb: Shehaj in hospital, reveals condition of young man who was severely injured

Shehaj has been hospitalized and has provided details about the condition of a severely injured young man.

JOQ News: Erjon Vishkulli undergoes surgery after rubber bullet in the eye, will need…

Erjon Vishkulli, the 28-year-old who was shot in the eye with a rubber bullet by the police during Saturday's protest in Tirana, has undergone an operation at the Trauma Hospital. According to the latest information, the young man will need another intervention.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has reiterated his invitation for dialogue with protesting students, even amidst their provocative actions. He underscored this commitment by physically placing a table and chairs outside the Prime Ministry building, a symbolic act amidst continued rejections and unrest.

Top Channel: PM Rama insists on student dialogue, despite provocative student actions.

Prime Minister Rama has not given up on his request for dialogue with students, inviting them again, despite the students' use of stone stools and wooden chairs.

BalkanWeb: After massive student protests, Rama repeats the invitation for dialogue, but…

Following large student demonstrations, Prime Minister Rama has reiterated his call for dialogue, though he has not appeared in any video statements.

Shqiptarja.com: PM Rama Invites Protesters for Dialogue Again, Sets Up Table and Chairs…

Amidst several rejections, violence, and chaos, Prime Minister Rama has again invited protesters for dialogue, placing a table and chairs outside the Prime Ministry building.

Student protests continue, with plans to gather again at the Ministry of Education. Recent demonstrations have been marked by widespread tear gas, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and intense clashes. Critics accuse Prime Minister Edi Rama of criminalizing protesters, and police are facing scrutiny for allegedly conducting illegal phone searches.

Reporter.al: From Flamingos to Tear Gas: Four Months of a Student's Protest

A student recounts four months of protest experiences, ranging from initial stages to confrontations involving tear gas.

Top Channel: Photo-News: What wasn't seen from the protest?! Fireworks, Molotov cocktails…

A photo report captures unseen aspects of the protest, including fireworks, Molotov cocktails, widespread tear gas, and intense clashes between police and protesters.

Top Channel: Violent protest in the capital: Police deployed in several areas, detentions…

A violent protest took place in the capital, requiring police deployment in various areas and leading to the detention of individuals.

BalkanWeb: Student protests continue, students return to the Ministry of Education at…

Student protests are ongoing, and students are scheduled to return to the Ministry of Education at 2:00 PM.

Shqiptarja.com: Tirana Chaos: 6 Hours of Violence and Destruction; PD Leads Masked Group, Blue…

Tirana experienced 6 hours of violence and destruction during a protest, with the Democratic Party (PD) allegedly leading a group of masked individuals, using their headquarters as a base.

Reporter.al: Medical Student Refutes Rama's Accusations of Criminalizing Protesters

A medical student directly challenges Prime Minister Rama's claims that protesters are being criminalized.

Reporter.al: Police Criticized for Illegal Phone Searches of Protesters

The police are facing criticism for allegedly violating the law by searching protesters' phones.

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