Riots rock Slovenia's second largest city

Recent protests and bloody conflicts between protestors and police in Maribor have spoiled quietness and calm in the second largest city of Slovenia, local media reported on Tuesday. A dozen police officers were injured and 27 protesters were arrested when 10,000-strong protest against Maribor Mayor Franc Kangler, who was accused of corruption, turned violent on Monday. More over, three police horses sustained minor injuries and 14 police cars were damaged by the protesters, Maribor police announced on Tuesday. The social turmoil was said to be the largest violent protest since Slovenia declared independence in 1991. Slovenian Interior Minister Vinko Gorenak said the protests were illegal. He condemned organizers of the protest for having "incited violence" and called for calm. President Danilo Turk, who voiced his concern over the use of force in the latest conflict, called for an independent inquiry.