Montenegrin Police Fire Tear Gas At Opposition Protesters Near Parliament

Opposition leader Nebojsa Medojevic was reportedly among several people at the front of the crowd who were beaten by police.

Montenegrin police have used tear gas to break up a protest outside of the parliament building by the opposition demanding the government's resignation and an early election.

Opposition leaders and several hundred of their supporters gathered on the evening of October 17 in downtown Podgorica for the protest.

Correspondents say police fired tear gas when the demonstrators tried to advance through police barricades.

Montenegro’s main opposition bloc, the Democratic Front, set up tents near parliament in late September to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and the formation of an interim government until elections are held.

Early on October 17, police removed the tents, prompting a call from the Democratic Front for the evening protest.

A Reuters correspondent said opposition leader Nebojsa Medojevic was among several people at the front of the crowd who were beaten by police.

Police would not comment on the report that Medovjevic was beaten.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP