Police use tear gas after protest escalates

The protest near the Government and the Assembly of Kosovo continued into the evening. Police announced that, after pyrotechnic devices, fireworks and various objects were thrown, officers used tear gas to regain control of the situation.

According to the official statement, a group of protesters dissatisfied with the failure to vote on the law on the Special Court repeatedly threw various objects, pyrotechnic devices and fireworks at state institutions.

Police said that throughout the protest they had asked participants to conduct the gathering peacefully, refrain from damaging public property, avoid obstructing free movement and respect the laws in force.

Because of the continued throwing of objects, the blockage of traffic and the use of pyrotechnic devices and fireworks, the authorities said they were forced to take the necessary measures.

The Kosovo Police said they used tear gas, as a lawful police measure, to enable officials to leave the Assembly and bring the situation under control, despite repeated calls for calm.

The throwing of objects, pyrotechnic devices and fireworks, along with the burning of several rubbish containers and the lighting of fires in the streets, caused material damage, according to the police.

The authorities stressed that, up to that point, no seriously injured people had been reported.

The Kosovo Police reiterated that it recognizes the right to peaceful and democratic protest, while calling on protesters to remain calm, refrain from damaging public property and respect the law.

With the protest still ongoing, the police said they would continue to remain present to ensure public order and safety. According to the police, protecting citizens and state institutions, as well as ensuring the orderly conduct of the protest, remained a priority.