1997 in Albania - Hunger Strike of Students of The University of Vlora

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.