Several hundred demonstrators had previously thrown stones and eggs at law enforcement officials.

But the most violent clashes are in the northern city of Tuzla, where demonstrators set a government building on fire. Several official were seen escaping from the windows of the burning building.

Eyewitnesses report that as many as 6,000 people are on the streets of the city, which has a population of about 80,000.

CHAOS in Bosnia: Tuzla Cantonal Building in on fire. Protestors chanting "We are on our way to Sarajevo." pic.twitter.com/zwVmY57U5W

— BHDragons.com (@BH_Dragons) February 7, 2014

The demonstrations began on Tuesday, after controversial privatizations of key local industries since 2000 resulted in eventual bankruptcies, leaving much of the working population unemployed. In total 27.5 percent of all Bosnian adults are without a job.

The worst of the protests so far were on Thursday, as 130 people – mostly police – were injured, as rioters began to attack shops and set fire to bins in Tuzla.

Zenica, Bihac and Mostar are some of the other population centers that have witnessed clashes.

As protests have spread, the demands have broadened, with demonstrators asking not just for better economic conditions but for an overhaul of the political system. According to non-profit Transparency International Bosnians experience more corruption than any other Balkan state.

An election is scheduled for October.

Prime Minister Nermin Niksic, who held an emergency government meeting on Thursday, has recognized the validity of the protesters’ complaints, but implored them to refrain from violence.