When it appeared that the protest held in Pristina had been dispersed, the Kosovo police issued a press release regarding the situation created in front of the Parliament.
The police announced that they have escorted 3 protesters and say that 11 citizens have sought medical assistance in hospital as a result of injuries from the throwing of tear gas. Also, according to the law enforcement agencies, 6 police officers have sought medical assistance.
“Referring to the situation and developments that occurred in the evening hours near the state institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, where some protesters have continuously thrown pyrotechnic devices, fireworks and strong means, towards the building of the Government and the Assembly of Kosovo, the Kosovo Police, in order to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation of the situation, has been forced to act several times against protesters who have shown violence, using the necessary police equipment, tear gas including water cannon to disperse the crowd.
The Kosovo Police, for safety reasons of citizens and traffic participants, has been forced to temporarily stop the movement of vehicles on several streets around the center of the capital, in areas where protests are taking place, at various time intervals.
As a result of the protest and developments on the ground, the failure to respect the continuous police calls for calm and the violation of the law, three (3) persons/protesters have been escorted to the police station, against whom all further actions will be taken in cooperation and coordination with the justice authorities.
Based on the information to date, as a result of the attack and throwing of various means at state facilities and in some cases at police officers who were on official duty, six (6) police officers have suffered injuries of various natures, who have been provided with medical treatment. Also, according to the information to date, eleven (11) citizens/protesters have sought medical assistance, who have also been provided with medical assistance, information which may change depending on developments.
The Kosovo Police has not acted on any day and in any case against protesters who have protested peacefully and democratically, but has acted only in cases where protesters have shown violence against institutions and police officers, who have continuously, through communications with protesters and through public appeals, continued to appeal to protest peacefully and within the legal framework. The protest is continuing even in these late hours, which is currently peaceful, while police officers will be present on the ground to guarantee public order and safety, as we have continuously emphasized, the safety of citizens, the safety of public and private property, as well as the smooth conduct of the peaceful protest continue to be the interest of the Kosovo Police", - the police statement states. /LAPSI.al
