Kosovo opposition releases tear gas in parliament

 

Opposition lawmakers released tear gas Monday in Kosovo’s parliament as they once again tried to pressure the government into renouncing deals with Serbia and Montenegro.

 

Kosovo parliament

 

Clouds of smoke from two tear gas canisters forced lawmakers out of the debating chamber.

 

The parliamentary session restarted later in another room with most opposition lawmakers barred from entering. It had to be temporarily suspended again when another tear gas canister was opened there too, after four opposition lawmakers were let in.

 

An opposition political party, the Alliance for Kosovo’s Future, said one of its lawmakers, Pal Lekaj, was arrested, allegedly for using tear gas.

 

Meanwhile, police dispersed dozens of opposition supporters throwing stones and paint outside parliament. Windows were broken and some were covered in red paint. There were no reports of any injuries.

 

Clashes continued in other streets in the capital where at least one protester was arrested by police.