At a glance
- Albania's Health Ministry said 310 people have been injured since protests began on 13 October, including 191 police officers, 88 protesters and 31 bystanders, in a 9pm update on 19 October, Albanian Daily News reported.
- Ten police officers were hurt when masked individuals set fire to a police station over the weekend, State Police director Skender Hita said, condemning the Molotov cocktail attacks on officers as serious violence, Balkan Insight reported.
- PM Edi Rama said a "red line has been crossed" with the attack on the police station, and that his government is "ready to talk with anyone but we don't negotiate with those who commit violence".
- 141 Albanian university professors issued a joint statement condemning police violence against students and calling for Rama's resignation and a caretaker government, Balkan Insight reported.
- Rama alleged authorities had intercepted an explosive-laden drone aimed at his office two days earlier, without evidence, and also blamed the opposition, Russia and Iran for the unrest.
Albania's Health Ministry said 310 people have been injured since anti-government protests began in Tirana on 13 October, after masked individuals set fire to a police station over the weekend, Albanian Daily News reported, citing a ministry update issued at 9pm on 19 October.
The ministry put the toll at 191 police officers, 88 protesters and 31 bystanders injured. Four bystanders were treated at Tirana's University Trauma Hospital on Sunday, including a foreign media representative who was discharged and reported out of life-threatening danger; three more people, including a police officer and a minor who had been protesting, were treated at the "Mother Teresa" University Hospital Centre and reported in stable condition.
Police station set on fire
State Police director Skender Hita said ten officers were hurt when masked individuals set fire to a police station during the unrest, and condemned Molotov cocktail attacks on officers as serious violence, Balkan Insight reported. Prime Minister Edi Rama told reporters on Monday that "a red line has been crossed with the attack on the police station", and said his government is "ready to talk with anyone but we don't negotiate with those who commit violence". He gave police his full backing despite claims of excessive force, and said authorities had intercepted an explosive-laden drone two days earlier that he alleged was meant to strike the prime minister's office, without giving evidence. He also blamed the opposition, Russia and Iran for inciting the unrest, again without presenting evidence.
Professors demand Rama's resignation
Separately, 141 Albanian university professors issued a joint statement condemning police violence against students and calling for Rama to resign in favour of a caretaker government, Balkan Insight reported. The protests began as a student movement over education costs and conditions; see our earlier report on the toll through 17 October, when fire also reached part of the High Court building.
What this means for visitors and residents
A police station is now among the buildings targeted, widening the list of sites to avoid beyond the government quarter and the High Court and Bank of Albania buildings mentioned in earlier reports. Continue to steer clear of demonstrations and any area near police, government or party buildings in central Tirana, and expect tear gas, water cannon use and road closures with little notice. The UK's travel advice for Albania tells visitors to avoid protests, follow local authorities' instructions and check local media, since unrest has also spread to other cities.
Sources
- Albanian Daily News: 310 Injured Since Protests Began in Albania, Including 191 Police Officers, Health Ministry Says, 2026-10-19
- Balkan Insight (BIRN): Albania's Capital Rocked by Chaotic Weekend of Street Unrest, 2026-10-19
- GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office): Albania travel advice: safety and security