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Macedonian Protesters Throw Paint At Symbol Of Government Excess


Macedonia Protests Target Foreign Ministry With Paint
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WATCH: Once again, thousands of antigovernment protesters in Macedonia's capital marched on April 25, in what they are calling a "colorful revolution." Completing two full weeks of nightly protests in Skopje, activists made the Foreign Ministry their target this time. (RFE/RL's Balkan Service)

In what some observers are dubbing the "Colorful Revolution," thousands of protesters wearing vibrant clothes threw paint balls at Macedonia's Foreign Ministry building in Skopje on April 25.

The building was constructed during a controversial government revamp project in 2014 and is seen as a symbol of former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski’s waste and extravagance.

The antigovernment rally was held despite pouring rain and organized by the civil movement Protestiram ("I Protest") with support from the opposition Social Democratic Party.

As in previous protests spanning over 12 nights, demonstrators denounced President Gjorgje Ivanov’s decision on April 12 to end criminal investigations against top politicians, largely from Gruevski's ruling VMRO party, stemming from a wire-tapping scandal.

They also demanded the postponement of June 5 elections set by the government.

Protesters chanted "Jail for Gruevski" and "No justice, no peace."

The protest started in front of the Special Prosecution building where investigators have been probing alleged wrongdoing by pardoned officials.

Based on reporting by Balkan Insight, Deutsche Welle, and TASS

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