Protests in Sarajevo damage government buildings

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Several government buildings in Sarajevo have been damaged and burned since anti-government protests began on February 7, officials said.

Historic buildings, including the site of the central government's offices, were set on fire. Numerous out-of-use offices are also in danger of collapsing.

Protests erupted across the country on February 7, as a response to the rising unemployment after state-owned factories were sold to private companies in Tuzla.

Damage assessments are being carried out on the city's buildings, Mayor Dzevad Becirovic said.

Becirovic said he hoped state property would never be harmed again, as they belonged to all Bosnian citizens. 

englishnews@aa.com.tr