41 arrests after highway closing and tear gas attack
A seven hour closing of the Inter-American Highway by indigenous demonstrators ended with a tear gas attack by riot police, and the arrest of 41.
The closure was in San Felix, Chiriqui province, From 3:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.
The protestors the Indians kept the road closed at the junction of Toleand on other sections other parts of the highway.
The Indians had blocked the road with tires, rocks and branches to prevent the passage of vehicles. Over 300 riot policeused tear gas to disperse demonstrators who were demanding participation in talks on mining concessions and water.
