Mass riots follow protest- Emergency declared

Jan 13, 2009
TBT Staff

RIGA-What began as a calm 10,000 strong protest in Dome Square has turned into a riot. Following the peaceful demonstration, thousands of demonstrators mobbed the parliament building and have destroyed several police cars.

Protestors have also broken into a Balzams liquor store and are currently looting the general vicinity around the parliament.

Medics report that eight people have been injured so far, as rioting continues into the night.

 A state of emergency has been declared by police as they report that drunk youths are still vandalizing the Old Town of Riga.

 Early in the evening, a mob tried to break into the Parliament building by breaking windows and were held back with police tear gas.

 With shouts of "Dissolve the Saeima" the protestors attempted to storm into the parliament building.

The rally earlier had been held to protest the Saeima and to demand the dissolution of its current members.

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