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Kosovo Rector Quits After Violent Protests


Protesters splash police with red paint during a February 7 rally for the resignation of Pristina University's rector.
Protesters splash police with red paint during a February 7 rally for the resignation of Pristina University's rector.
The rector of Pristina University has resigned from his post after clashes on February 7 between police and protesters.

The demonstrators accused Rector Ibrahim Gashi and other professors of faking their academic credentials.

Gashi announced on February 8 that he was stepping down from the university post, blaming the recent violence on Kosovo's political opposition parties.

Gashi's appointment had been backed by Kosovo’s governing coalition.

For more than a week, demonstrators in Pristina -- mostly university students -- have demonstrated for his resignation and the firing of professors accused by Kosovo media of publishing research in fake online journals in order to bolster their academic credentials.

However, more demonstrations are expected in the days ahead as protest organizers continue to push for the credentials of all Pristina University staff to be scrutinized by an independent body.

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and RFE/RL's Balkan Service

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