Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters in Republic of Macedonia

  • Parliament Speaker signs decree setting snap vote on June 5
  • President Ivanov rejects proposal to reconsider pardon

A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister at riot police during a protest demanding the resignation of President Gjorge Ivanov, in Skopje, Macedonia, on April 14, 2016.

Photographer: Besar Ademi/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse thousands of protesters in the Republic of Macedonia on the third day of demonstrations that started after President Gjorge Ivanov pardoned politicians and others involved in a wiretapping scandal.

Five police officers were injured in clashes with protesters late Thursday in the capital Skopje, according to the Interior Ministry. Demonstrators, who are expected to continue rallies on Friday, demanded Ivanov’s resignation, a halt in the organization of an early election scheduled for June 5 and the appointment of a government of experts that will prepare fair, democratic and credible vote. They also demanded that police release the 13 protesters arrested Wednesday.