Minor skirmishes marred a mostly peaceful protest by thousands of Hungarians in their capital, Budapest. It is the third night of demonstrations sparked by the Prime Minister's admission that he lied to win the last election.

The city was on edge after protests on previous nights turned violent in the most serious disturbances witnessed since the 1956 uprising. Some 15,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building.

Dozens of people broke away and tried to start trouble near the main train station but were quickly subdued by riot police, witnesses say.

More than 200 people were injured and 137 arrested in the two previous nights of protests that police claimed were hijacked by hard-core activists. Hungary's Prime Minister remains in the job despite growing calls for his resignation.

Ferenc Gyurcsany was caught on tape admitting that his party had lied in order to win the last election. However, he has rejected calls to step down.

PHOTO CAPTION

A policeman grabs a demonstrator in downtown Budapest early September 21, 2006. (Reuters)