|
|
Farmers' protest leaves 40 injured in NW Colombia |
 |
+ |
- |
10:12, April 24, 2008 |
About 40 people were injured and 24 arrested Wednesday as protesting farmers clashed with police in Colombia's northwestern Antioquia department, riot police commander Jorge Cartagena said.
The farmers were protesting against the eradication of illegal crops like coca and poppy. Their demonstrations begun Sunday.
The protesters blocked the main highway linking northwestern Colombia with ports in the country's north, demanding that the government grant them immediate work alternatives or suspend the eradication.
"Some armed persons were detected shooting with long-range rifles from the mountains near Taraza municipality, and the 24 people that participated in those riots were arrested," said Cartagena.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said that guerrilla leaders have joined the protesters to impede an accord between officials and coca farmers.
Source:Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article