Third night of protests in Skopje, 2 riot police officers wounded
By Naser Pajaziti/ Published on: 15/04/2016
Skopje, 15 April 2016/Independent Balkan News Agency
By Naser Pajaziti
Two parallel protests were held last night in Skopje, provoked by the decision of the president George Ivanov to grant an amnesty for politicians involved in criminal and corruption acts.
Two riot police officers remained wounded, cars near the headquarters of the party in power, VMRO-DPMNE were damaged, while protesters from civil society backed by the opposition have attempted to approach near it. A clash between special police and protesters has occurred several meters from the headquarters of the party in power when protesters threw stones, fireworks and other objects to police.
On the other hand, another protest was taking place and this protest which was organized by the supporters of the party in power, VMRO-DPMNE, was held in front of the biggest opposition party SDSM's headquarters. These protesters have protested against the decision of president Ivanov to pardon the opposition leader, Zoran Zaev, accusing him of being responsible of destabilizing the country. But this group of protesters was dispersed without incidents.
Meanwhile protesters of civil society have called another protest today and they have invited citizens to participate. Meanwhile, Western European diplomats have called for quiet protests. Due to these protests, in the past three days police presence in the capital has increased. /balkaneu.com/