Albanian prime minister, artist and writer
Protests in Tirana mark the 101st day as demonstrators clash with police over a coastal luxury hotel project linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Environmentally sensitive coastlines have already suffered damage, and critics say the plan would restrict public access.
Kosovo’s leadership faces a defining verdict as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague convicts former president Hashim Thaci and three other KLA leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sentences range up to 25 years, while some charges are acquitted. Protests erupt in Pristina and at EULEX facilities as the court emphasizes personal responsibility.
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers has found Hashim Thaci guilty of murder, torture, illegal detention and cruel treatment related to the 1998-99 conflict. He has been sentenced to 25 years and awaits appeal. Co-defendants Krasniqi, Veseli, and Selimi were also convicted on various counts; crimes against humanity were not proven.
Mass student-led protests have escalated in Tirana since Tuesday, with demonstrators attacking government buildings, including the Education Ministry, and clashing with riot police. Security forces have used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets; authorities report hundreds injured and dozens detained. Protesters demand better university conditions, lower costs, action on corruption and Prime Minister Edi Ramas resignation.
Youth-led protests against rising living costs have turned violent in Milan, Bologna and other northern cities. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse masked demonstrators who have thrown stones, set fires and looted shops. Authorities have arrested dozens, many of them minors, and political leaders have condemned the disorder.
Protests in Tirana have escalated over the past week, driven by demands for better university conditions and anger over corruption. Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected calls to resign, attributing violence to external interference. Authorities report hundreds injured, with police sustaining the majority of casualties as clashes with demonstrators intensify.
Italian authorities have expanded security deployments as protests by the October 17 Movement and allied groups intensify across Milan and Rome. Minors figure prominently among those detained; authorities warn of harsher penalties while police increase monitoring and drone surveillance.
Protests across Albania have intensified as students, teachers and citizens call for lower tuition, better schools and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Security forces have used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets amid clashes outside the education ministry, with injuries and detentions reported.