Organizers of a rally in Zagreb, distanced themselves from acts of violence

According to recent reports, more than 30 people were injured in the clashes that erupted this afternoon in the center of Zagreb, between a group of youth numbering about 500 people and the police. About 60 people were arrested. The riots began after a peaceful rally of veterans, demanded the authorities to release from prison 350 Croats accused of war crimes. "Despite the fact that we have publicly called on all protesters to support this campaign with dignity and honor, without causing the incidents all happened in spite of our wishes," – said in a statement the organizers of the rally, veterans. Organizers of the rally, attended by 10-15 thousand people reported that they categorically distance themselves from the participants of the ensuing campaign of violence. As the broadcaster HRT, «during a protest veterans were accompanied by whistling every mention of names of the Prime Minister and the President of Croatia Jadranka Kosor and Ivo Josipovic, calling government officials as traitors, communists and enemies of Croatia." Participants of the rally demanded the release of a citizen of Croatia Tihomir Purdue, who was arrested recently in Bosnia and Herzegovina on suspicion of war crimes, and hundreds of other Croats in prison on similar charges. According to media reports, the protest was attended not only veterans, disabled veterans and their families, but also about a thousand farmers, fishermen and other citizens. In addition, in the crowd were seen by representatives of various youth groups including football fans. Shortly after the veterans began to disperse, a group of youths tried to break through police barricades to the central square where the building of the government. Participants in the action, shouting anti-government slogans, started throwing stones at policemen, bottles and torches. The police responded with tear gas. There have been conflicting reports about whether the young people who rioted, participants of the rally in support of veterans. It is reported that some veterans were trying to stop the clashes between police and young people. The clashes of protesters with police took place in Zagreb on Thursday. Then several people were injured. Observers note that in the past few days anti-government rallies have become frequent. Protest actions are not only in Zagreb but also in other Croatian cities. The leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party, Zoran Milanovic after today's events called Jadranka Kosor a date for early parliamentary elections on Sunday.