PRISTINA, Kosovo—Kosovo’s opposition used tear gas and pepper spray inside parliament and pelted police with rocks and pink paint outside the building on Tuesday in another attempt to force the government to renounce recent deals with Serbia and Montenegro.
Albin Kurti, a leader of the opposition Self-Determination Movement, used pepper spray on ministers, forcing lawmakers to evacuate the main hall. A tear gas canister was also opened in the hall. Outside, police also used tear gas to stop rock-throwing protesters from breaking in. Windows were broken and riot police were covered in paint. Rocks and firebombs were thrown at police and a few cars were damaged.
Lawmakers from the governing coalition later held the session at a different hall in the building. Opposition parliamentarians were not allowed to enter as the 2016 budget was passed by 79 votes to 1.
“These sessions are illegitimate and those decisions cannot be considered as legitimate,” said Visar Ymeri of the Self-Determination party, adding that Kurti and another lawmaker were injured by police pepper spray.
Police denied that, saying lawmaker Albulena Haxhiu was injured by the tar gas used by her colleagues, according to police spokesman Baki Kelani.
The spokesman said six policemen and one protester were injured, and two opposition supporters were arrested after being found with firebombs.
