Two die as Argentina’s jobless protest
At least two protesters were reported to have been shot dead today when Argentinian police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at hundreds of unemployed workers who blockaded roads in protest at the economic crisis.
Acrid white tear gas wafted in the air as masked demonstrators scrambled and fled from rifle-toting riot police as they fired from behind plastic shields on a key bridge in Buenos Aires. Demonstrators threw sticks and stones back.
At least 60 arrests were reported when police broke up the demonstration at the Puerredon bridge connecting the capital’s north and south.
Masked demonstrators responded to the volleys of police tear gas and rubber bullets with a hail of rocks and smashed windows in cars, shops and local banks with clubs. A bus was set ablaze.
Other peaceful highway blockades were reported around the country.
The caretaker government of President Eduardo Duhalde had warned protesters to exercise restraint, warning it would not hesitate to use force to keep the peace.
Road blockades and protests against the government’s handling of a four-year-old recession have become near daily events across Argentina since the crisis exploded last December into street riots that claimed 29 lives.
Since January, the country has devalued its currency more than 73% against the dollar, defaulted on its £94 billion public debt and seen billions of pounds in international aid shut off.
