Several injured, scores arrested during Polish independence day march

Several injured, scores arrested during Polish independence day march

2011-11-13 05:14:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

WARSAW (BNO NEWS) -- Several people were injured and scores were arrested on Friday as nationalist and leftist protesters clashed with police during a march on Poland's Independence Day, local media reported.

According to reports, police used tear gas and water canons to pacify demonstrators after masked protesters threw garbage cans and bottles at police. At least 21 protesters and eight police officers were injured during the clashes, the news.pl website reported.

Police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said about 150 people were detained on rioting charges in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. He added that police video evidence will be vital in identifying more culprits.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk was being kept informed of the situation, the premier's spokesman Pawel Gras said. "It will definitely be the recommendation of the Prime Minister to punish those arrested ruthlessly, regardless of nationality or political sympathies," he added.

There were also reports that some vehicles were attacked and set on fire during the violence, which erupted when the opposing groups clashed and police intervened. Two large demonstrations had been planned for Independence Day in central Warsaw. One was organized by far-right nationalist groups while anti-fascist groups said they were going to block the nationalists' march.

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