Kosovo Politicians Tear-Gassed Their Own Parliament

Kosovo Politicians Tear-Gassed Their Own Parliament

FastnewsMar 22, 2018
Parliament members from a Kosovo opposition party used tear gas to disrupt a controversial vote yesterday.
The Kosovo Assembly was voting on a border agreement with Montenegro. The agreement is reportedly a key condition for gaining visa-free travel through the European Union for Kosovars. But the small nation’s Self-Determination Movement opposes the measure, arguing that Kosovo would relinquish too much territory in the agreement: an estimated 30 square miles (77 square kilometers).
To halt the vote, party members released gas in the voting chamber before the vote could take place, and later again when Assembly members began to reconvene. This is not the first time; parliamentarians from the same group used tear gas to disrupt voting on the same issues in 2015 and 2016.
Kosovo opposition lawmakers throw tear gas before the vote for agreement on border demarcation with MontenegroKosovo opposition lawmakers throw tear gas for the third time before the vote for agreement on border demarcation with Montenegro during a parliamentary session in Pristina, Kosovo on Mar. 21, 2018.
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreementA lawmaker of the ruling coalition and security member remove a tear gas canister released by Kosovo opposition lawmakers during a parliamentary session in Pristina, Kosovo on Mar. 21. 
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreementA lawmaker of the ruling coalition and security member remove a tear gas canister.
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreementTear gas rises from canisters.
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreementTear gas rises from canisters. 
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreementTear gas rises from a canister released by Kosovo opposition lawmakers. 
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreement                                           Members of Kosovo Assembly leave the chambers.
Kosovo opposition lawmakers throw tear gas before the vote for agreement on border demarcation with MontenegroTear gas rises from canisters released by Kosovo opposition lawmakers. (EPA/Valdrin Xhemaj)
Kosovo opposition lawmakers use tear gas before vote on border demarcation agreementA security member inspects the Kosovo’s Parliament room. (EPA/Valdrin Xhemaj)
Kosovo opposition politicians release tear gas in parliament to obstruct a session in PristinaKosovo opposition politicians release tear gas in parliament to obstruct a session in Pristina.