Thursday 2 September 2010

Maputo Protests Over Price Rises




Two children have been shot dead and at least four more have been killed during riots in Mozambique.

Police and rioters clash in the capital Maputo, as rioters take to the streets in protest over rising prices.

Police use tear gas and fire rubber bullets into the crowds.

But they quickly ran out of bullets and began firing live rounds.

The protests appear to have been touched off when the government boosted bread prices by 30 percent on Wednesday.

[Woman in Portuguese]:
"They increase the price of bread, rice, oil. Everything is expensive."

Hospital sources report that at least 11 people have been injured in the clashes.

One doctor speaks with reporters.

[Unidentified Doctor]:
"So far we have received 11 wounded, six hit by bullets, one due to a fall, another one hit by a stone. Some of the wounded are in serious condition in the intensive care unit. We are prepared to receive all wounded."

The increase in the price of bread comes as wheat prices have shot up worldwide.

The impoverished country is also heavily dependent on imports from South Africa.

South African products have become increasingly expensive in recent months, compounding the misery in Mozambique.


[Sourced from here]



Two children have been shot dead and at least four more have been killed during riots in Mozambique.

Police and rioters clash in the capital Maputo, as rioters take to the streets in protest over rising prices.

Police use tear gas and fire rubber bullets into the crowds.

But they quickly ran out of bullets and began firing live rounds.

The protests appear to have been touched off when the government boosted bread prices by 30 percent on Wednesday.

[Woman in Portuguese]:
"They increase the price of bread, rice, oil. Everything is expensive."

Hospital sources report that at least 11 people have been injured in the clashes.

One doctor speaks with reporters.

[Unidentified Doctor]:
"So far we have received 11 wounded, six hit by bullets, one due to a fall, another one hit by a stone. Some of the wounded are in serious condition in the intensive care unit. We are prepared to receive all wounded."

The increase in the price of bread comes as wheat prices have shot up worldwide.

The impoverished country is also heavily dependent on imports from South Africa.

South African products have become increasingly expensive in recent months, compounding the misery in Mozambique.


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