Hand grenade explodes in backyard of Kosovo court building

A supporter of the opposition parties in Kosovo throws a rock towards police in riot gear securing Kosovo’s parliament building, in capital Pristina on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.

Wednesday’s protests followed news of the arrest of opposition lawmaker Donika Kadaj-Bujupi on charges of releasing tear gas in parliament.

Lawmakers, who were due to debate the government’s proposed budget for next year, left the chamber, but appeared to be trying to hold the session in another room.

“This is a criminal act of individuals against whom measures should be taken”.

Outside the building, opposition protesters threw rocks, bottles, and paint at police officers and parliament.

Prime Minister Isa Mustafa called their actions criminal.

The violence broke out as King Abdullah of Jordan was on a visit to Kosovo.

The protesters oppose plans to set up an association of Serb-run municipalities giving greater autonomy to Kosovo’s Serb minority, saying it will deepen the ethnic divide and increase Serbia’s influence. The two sides are holding EU-led talks to overcome their differences.

The opposition also objects to a border demarcation deal with Montenegro that it says hands Kosovo territory to its neighbour. “We have been opposing the parliament for nearly two months now, and we will continue until they are fulfilled”, said Visar Ymeri, the head of the Self-Determination party.

The court last week suspended any action on the deal with Serbia until it has ruled on its constitutionality.