CHSINAU, Moldova (AP) — Protesters scuffled with police who fired tear gas at them Sunday during a march in the Moldovan capital attended by thousands who were demanding the resignation of the government and early elections. More than a dozen people were injured.

The protest was initially peaceful, with demonstrators claiming that the government is under the influence of politically-connected business people who dictate policy.

But later some protesters hurled stones and other objects at police as they walked toward the home of one of Moldova's most influential businessmen. Moldovan police said 14 police officers and two protesters needed medical treatment from injuries sustained in the scuffles.

Political leaders and parties declined to take part in the protest because Orthodox Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, a religious holiday in Moldova.

Moldova has been rocked by protests since September 2015, when demonstrators began demanding a proper investigation into more than $1 billion that went missing from three banks prior to parliamentary elections in November 2014.

In the past year, Moldova has been mired in political turmoil, and has had six prime ministers.