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Albania suspends seven police officers amid student protests
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Disciplinary investigations announced; findings remain pending
Albania suspended seven police officers and opened disciplinary investigations into their handling of protesters, police chief Skender Hita announced on October 17, according to Reuters and Euronews Albania. The investigations concern alleged overstepping of authority and disproportionate treatment. Student demonstrations seeking Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation continued for a fifth day. Reuters separately reported that its journalists found rubber pellets during clashes outside the education ministry. Hita did not identify the incidents behind the suspensions. The reports therefore establish an accountability process without announcing its findings or linking the suspended officers to the firing Reuters observed.
Reuters: Albanian police fire rubber bullets as student protests rage · Euronews Albania: Hita reports 167 arrests and seven police officers suspended