Cities across Bosnia-Herzegovina broke out in the largest burst of public unrest since the 1992-1995 Bosnian War Friday, as protesters set fire to government buildings and clashed with riot police in Sarajevo and Tuzla, acting out of anger over high unemployment and political corruption.
"I think this is a genuine Bosnian Spring. We have nothing to lose. There will be more and more of us in the streets. There are around 550,000 unemployed people in Bosnia," Almir Arnaut, an unemployed economist and activist from Tuzla, told Reuters.
Demonstrators have attempted to break into the presidential building in Sarajevo, according to several reports.
Agence France-Press reported that in Tuzla, hundreds of protesters stormed a local government building, destroying furniture and throwing televisions.
In previous clashes on Thursday, more than 130 people were wounded, according to the AFP.
According to the BBC Balkans correspondent Guy De Launey, frustration over incompetence and “years of inertia” is the root of protests breaking out in Bosnia.
More than 40 percent of the population is unemployed in Bosnia, but the Central Bank places unemployment closer to 27.5 percent, accounting for “grey economy jobs” according to the AFP.
The protests are unprecedented for the region since fighting from the 1992-1995 Bosnian war ceased.
Take a closer look at the Bosnian protests and unrest in photos below.
Police stand in front of anti-government protesters in Sarajevo February 6, 2014. Hundreds of people turned out in solidarity in the capital Sarajevo, with teenagers throwing eggs and stones at a government building and fought with police. Four officers were taken to hospital, officials said. Reuters/Dado RuvicPolice detain an anti-government protester in Tuzla February 6, 2014. Dozens of people were injured on Thursday in a second day of anti-government protests in the Bosnian town of Tuzla, backed by smaller demonstrations in other towns over unemployment and political inertia. The protests reflect resentment over the ethnic politicking that has stifled governance and economic development since a 1992-95 war.ReutersPolice stand in their positions as they face anti-government protesters in Sarajevo February 6, 2014. Hundreds of people turned out in solidarity in the capital Sarajevo, with teenagers throwing eggs and stones at a government building and fought with police. Four officers were taken to hospital, officials said.Reuters/Dado RuvicPolice hold up their shields as they face anti-government protesters in Tuzla February 6, 2014. Dozens of people were injured on Thursday in a second day of anti-government protests in the Bosnian town of Tuzla, backed by smaller demonstrations in other towns over unemployment and political inertia.ReutersPolice detain an anti-government protester in Tuzla February 6, 2014. Dozens of people were injured on Thursday in a second day of anti-government protests in the Bosnian town of Tuzla, backed by smaller demonstrations in other towns over unemployment and political inertia.Reuters/Edmond IbrahimiAn anti-government protester sits on the ground in front of police during a demonstration in Sarajevo February 6, 2014.Reuters/Dado RuvicSmoke rises near the police as anti-government protesters hold a demonstration in Tuzla February 6, 2014.Reuters/Edmond IbrahimiA man points as people attempt to put out a blaze at a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014.Reuters/Dado RuvicSmoke rises from a blaze at a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014.Reuters/Dado RuvicA man climbs out of a window as smoke rises from a blaze at a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014. Reuters/Dado RuvicA protester climbs up the stairs to a government building set on fire in Tuzla February 7, 2014.Reuters/Dado RuvicA protester stands near a fire set in front of a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014.Reuters/Dado RuvicProtesters stand near a fire set in front of a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014. Reuters/Dado RuvicProtesters run near a fire set in front of a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014.Reuters/Dado Ruvic
