Riot police use tear gas to disperse Tafileh protesters
15-11-2012 12:00 AM
Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Gendarmerie and security forces used tear gas Wednesday afternoon to disperse angry protesters in the southern governorate of Tafileh.
The protesters attempted to storm into the local governorate building in protest of the government's decision to liberalize fuel prices, which led to a substantial hike in prices of oil derivatives ahead of the winter season.
A demonstration had launched from the Grand Mosque in Tafileh towards the governorate building and assembled there before riot police used tear gas to disperse them.
Eye-witnesses told Ammon News that protesters hurled rocks at gendarmerie forces afterwards.
A number of protesters were hurt as a result of tear gas and were rushed to the military-run Prince Zayd hospital.
The main highway in the governorate was blockaded by rioters.
Meanwhile, Tafileh Technical University (TTU) student announced going on strike for three days starting on Sunday by refusing to attend classes in protest of the government's decision.
TTU President Yacob Masaafeh said that the University will remain open, noting that the decision made by employees and students is unofficial, and warned them of disciplinary measures if they miss work.