A protest outside the Kosovo Assembly in Pristina escalated into clashes between demonstrators and the Kosovo Police on Monday evening, October 5, as tensions grew over proposed changes to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
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Tensions increased after protesters blocked entrances and exits around the Assembly, preventing lawmakers from freely leaving the building. Some demonstrators threw pyrotechnic devices and other objects toward state buildings and police officers, according to the Kosovo Police.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons as officers moved to clear the area around the Assembly. Armored police vehicles were also deployed on Agim Ramadani Street, while additional police units attempted to push protesters away from the parliament building.
The Kosovo Police said that one protester was taken to a police station after allegedly possessing and throwing pyrotechnic devices toward state buildings. Later reports indicated that three protesters had been taken into police custody during the unrest.
12 people seek medical treatment
The number of people requiring medical assistance increased as the confrontation continued.
According to Naser Syla, director of the Emergency Center at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), 12 people sought medical treatment, including one police officer and 11 civilians. Most cases were linked to exposure to tear gas, while three people reportedly suffered cuts to different parts of their bodies. All those treated were later discharged from the hospital and were not considered to be in life-threatening condition.
The Kosovo Police later reported that six police officers had been injured, while 11 civilians sought medical assistance, according to Radio Free Europe.
The confrontation continued for several hours, with reports of burning containers, fireworks and other objects being thrown, while police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
The protest eventually subsided late Monday night, with demonstrators moving back toward central Pristina. The developments followed a day of political tension inside the Assembly, where lawmakers approved the proposed amendments in a first reading but did not complete the second reading required for the changes to become law.
The demonstrations are part of a wider wave of protests in Kosovo following the recent convictions of former President Hashim Thaçi and three other former KLA commanders by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Their convictions have triggered strong reactions in Kosovo and renewed debate over the role and powers of the court.