Eight people had been detained by the State Police by 5:30 p.m. following violent incidents during a protest held outside the country’s Parliament on Thursday.

According to police, several protesters pushed and struck officers deployed to maintain public order and security, throwing eggs, tomatoes, stones and other objects at them.

Police said officers repeatedly used loudspeakers to instruct protesters to stop the unlawful actions, comply with police orders, respect the security perimeter around Parliament and avoid blocking the road.

Authorities said the instructions were not followed by some participants. Police subsequently used individual pepper spray as part of standard procedures aimed at stopping the violent actions and detained eight people involved in the incidents by 5:30 p.m.

The State Police said officers were carrying out their duties to maintain public order and security while protecting citizens’ right to protest peacefully.

Police also appealed to protesters to respect the law and refrain from violence against officers, warning that any unlawful conduct would be dealt with in accordance with the law.