Riots in Riga, police declared an emergency situation
13.01.2009, 21:54
An estimated 10,000 people have jammed into
Latvian capital Riga's Dome Square tonight, and cheered loudly when Society
for Different Politics Saeima deputy Artis Pabriks called on President Zatlers
to dissolve Saeima. By now eight people have been injuried, LETA reports.
Periodically, the crowd chants: "Dissolve Saeima!"
Despite some side streets being totally jammed, people are still streaming
into Old Town.
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Police are out in great numbers as well, and ambulances are also at the scene
just in case.
Security forces in military uniform are guarding the Saeima building
nearby.
Clashes at the Saeima building in Old Town Riga tonight have counted a number
of injured persons, including police officers.
The number of injuries is at eight at this time.
On nearby Smilsu Street, a Municipal Police car was turned over, and armed
special forces have stepped back from the mob a bit toward Dome Square.
Several other police vehicles were demolished as well.
The rioting broke out as thousands of demonstrators dispersed after the mass
protest rally on Dome Square. An angry mob moved toward the Saeime building and
attempted to gain entry. Many windows were smashed.
Police and special forces used tear gas to thwart off the attack.
Police in Riga have declared an emergency situation in all of Riga, and are
on high alert tonight as drunk and aggressive youths are still roaming the
streets of Old Town.
Among other things, vandals have looted a "Rigas balzams" liquor store on
Smilsu Street, not far from Saeima.