Hunger Strike of Students of The University of Vlora
Students of the University of Vlore began a hunger strike on campus on 20 February 1997 with about 50 students joining the movement. Their demands were the resignation of the government and the full return of invested money. This strike is considered by some to have been the main driver of the escalation of the situation into armed conflict. On 22 February the Forum for Democracy declared its support of the strike. Students from Gjirokastër and Elbasan came to give their support. They were then driven by the students FRESSH Vlorë to Tirana. In contrast were the students of the University "Luigj Gurakuqi" in Shkodra, whose Students Union declared: "The students share the pain of the citizens of Vlora in losing money in pyramid schemes, but on the other hand, think that freedom and democracy, homeland and nation have a higher price". On 26 February thousands of people surrounded the building of the University to defend from feared attack by The National Intelligence Service SHIK (Shërbimi Informativ Kombëtar.), The same day a group of strikers requested more medical help, raising doubts about the group of doctors near them. On 27 February in Vlora Shkodra, mayor Bahri Borici of the United Right, declared his support for the hunger strike. 28 February 1997 was a decisive moment in the history of Albania. After strengthening their perimeter around the building of the university, the rebel forces, without warning, attacked SHIK building. In fighting between the rebels and government forces, nine people were left dead - six officers and three civilians. The massacre of 28 February marked the start of a ten day Civil War and the beginning of anarchy in southern Albania for about a year.
Read more about this topic: 1997 In Albania
Famous quotes containing the words hunger, strike, students and/or university:
“Viewed narrowly, all life is universal hunger and an expression of energy associated with it.”
—Mary Ritter Beard (1876–1958)
“If magistrates had true justice, and if physicians had the true art of healing, they would have no occasion for square caps; the majesty of these sciences would of itself be venerable enough. But having only imaginary knowledge, they must employ those silly tools that strike the imagination with which they have to deal; and thereby, in fact, they inspire respect.”
—Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)
“Teaching Black Studies, I find that students are quick to label a black person who has grown up in a predominantly white setting and attended similar schools as “not black enough.” ...Our concept of black experience has been too narrow and constricting.”
—bell hooks (b. c. 1955)
“Cold an old predicament of the breath:
Adroit, the shapely prefaces complete,
Accept the university of death.”
—Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)