Albanian anti — government protesters clash with police in Tirana

Student-led movement is strongest challenge yet to Rama Unrest has spread nationwide over corruption and lack of jobs Almost 200 protesters remain in custody By Fatos Bytyci TIRANA, Oct 17 (Reuters) — Thousands of young Albanians gathered outside the Education Ministry in the centre of the capital Tirana on Saturday on the fifth day of a growing student-led movement to force Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. The protest turned violent when a group of young people wearing masks hurled rocks at riot police, who responded with stun grenades, tear gas and a water cannon. Demonstrations over corruption and a lack of jobs have begun spreading throughout Albania. In Tirana this week, protesters smashed windows, set alight government buildings and clashed with police. Police figures showed that 500 protesters had been detained so far, 330 of whom were released. Some 120 police and 45 protesters were registered as injured, although many injuries to protesters are likely to have gone unrecorded. The unrest is emerging as the biggest threat to Rama, who has governed since 2013 and won a fourth term in elections last year. It follows months of largely peaceful protests triggered by plans to b