Thousands of protesters clash with police in Croatia

Thousands of protesters clash with police in Croatia

2011-02-27 05:33:53 GMT+7 (ICT)

ZAGREB, CROATIA (BNO NEWS) -- About 15,000 anti-government protesters on Saturday clashed with Croatian police during a rally in the capital, Index news reported.

Protesters, who were mainly veterans from the 1991-1995 civil war, demanded Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor's resignation and changes to the country's government. 

Police used tear gas and batons, while demonstrators threw stones and bottles at the police officers. According to police, 25 people were injured, including 12 policemen, while at least 60 people were detained.

Protesters also called on the government to protect war veterans after a Croat was arrested in Bosnia on charges of war crimes ended in Zagreb.



On Thursday, the country also experienced protests. Prime Minister Kosor said Croatia needs peace and stability, and not protests on the streets.



"If we are on the streets we will not finish the European Union negotiations, and we will not achieve this strategic and historical goal in a year in which we mark the 20th anniversary of Croatia's independence," Kosor warned, as cited by the Croatian Times. 


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