Clashes Erupt as Protests Sweep Italy, Albania and Belgium

Large-scale protests led by student and youth movements have swept capitals and major cities in Italy, Albania and Belgium, with violent clashes breaking out between demonstrators and security forces.

The demonstrations reflected anger over government corruption, austerity policies and rising living costs. Those grievances brought protesters onto the streets across the three countries.

Student and youth groups were at the forefront of the unrest, placing their opposition to government policies at the centre of the demonstrations.

Confrontations with security forces punctuated the protests. The available details did not specify casualty figures, arrests or the extent of any damage.