By IANS
Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) : At least six people have been killed and 19 arrested when police opened fire on protestors during nationwide demonstrations against price rise in the Dominican Republic, EFE news agency reported Thursday.
The police in the northern city of Santiago said six people were killed in clashes Wednesday and three officers were injured.
The Alternative Social Forum (FSA), comprising dozens of local organisations, announced a 24-hour general strike Wednesday demanding the government hold the price line and increase wages. The transportation sector was worst hit.
The FSA has been demanding a 40 percent hike in wages as well as reduction in the prices of fuel, food, medicine and electricity.
They were also demanding houses for people who lost their homes in last year’s tropical storms Noel and Olga.
This was the third nationwide protest staged by the FSA against the government of President Leonel Fernandez, who will be seeking re-election May 16.