Anti-government protesters clash with police in Nepal’s capital; several injured

KATHMANDU (AP):  Police in Nepal’s capital have hit protesters with batons to break up a demonstration against the appointment of the country’s chief judge as the head of an interim government.

Hundreds of opposition party supporters gathered in Kathmandu on Saturday and burned an effigy of Supreme Court Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi, who was sworn in Thursday as the head of government, tasked with holding elections in three months.

Police in riot gear used batons to beat the protesters, who threw stones at the officers. An Associated Press reporter saw at least six policemen and several protesters injured.

The four biggest parties agreed earlier in the week to make the judge the head of government. The smaller opposition parties oppose the appointment, saying the new government should have representation from all parties.