Protesters set Congressional building in Paraguay ablaze

Asuncion [Paraguay]: Protesters in Paraguay’s capital set the country’s congressional building on fire Friday night over the ruling party’s decision to create an alternative Senate with the purpose of passing a law that would allow President Horacio Cartes to seek re-election.

Protesters vandalized offices and hallways throughout the building in Asuncion as the flames spread through the structure, reports the CNN.

Police vehicles also were targeted.

Firefighters rushed to the scene while riot police showed up with water tanks. Police fired rubber bullets at some of the protesters.

A Senate meeting that was to be held Saturday morning has been canceled.

Protesters indicated they will stop the demonstrations once they get a commitment from Cartes that he will not seek a second five-year term, something prohibited under the country’s 1992 Constitution. (ANI)