UN reclaims Kosovo courthouse
2008-03-17 10:49
Kosovska Mitrovica - UN special police stormed a UN courthouse in northern Kosovo on Monday, evicting Serb demonstrators who have occupied the building since last week to protest Kosovo's declaration of independence.
The riot police used tear gas as they clashed with thousands of Serbs who later gathered in front of the courthouse in Serb-dominated Kosovska Mitrovica.
At least one UN vehicle was set on fire during the riots.
Several demonstrators and policemen were injured, witnesses at the scene said.
The Kosovo Serbs took over the UN court last Friday amid anger over Kosovo's February 17 independence declaration.
UN police said 53 Serb demonstrators who occupied the courthouse were arrested in the early Monday morning action by about 100 UN riot police.
- AP