Albanian protests turn violent: What we know

Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Tirana has seen several nights of clashes and the protests are spreadingByPaul Kirby, Europe Digital Editor and Paulin KolaProtesters and anti-riot police have clashed in Albania's main cities in scenes not witnessed for a long time.Government buildings have been attacked and some private businesses, too.So what is happening?How big and unusual are these protests?Albania's capital Tirana has seen months of protests from an anti-government "Flamingo" movement, but what started on Tuesday this week was on a different scale.And the clashes have spread beyond Tirana - to include the main cities of Durrës, Shkodër, Korçë and Vlora. The new demonstrations were announced as a student movement, ostensibly demanding action by the government to help with the high cost of education fees and books - and the higher cost of living.Secondary schools joined in, swelling the numbers.Before too long, masked protesters threw stones at police, and they responded with water cannon, tear gas and batons.Many were incensed by scenes of a young man being carried away, his broken leg dangling with him in agony.Apologies were expressed but failed to calm the s...