Clashes in Asuncion between riot police officers and rural protesters

On 5 November 2008 clashes occurred in Asuncion between riot police officers and rural protesters who had assembled in front of the Public Ministry (the Paraguayan Department of Justice), located on Nuestra Senora de Asuncion Street. Police officials stated that the protesters provoked the clash by throwing objects and attempting to break through a police line around the ministry building. Officers used tear gas, and several protesters were injured in the clash. The protest -- which attracted approximately 3,000 rural workers from the interior part of the country -- began on 4 November; it is being organized by an umbrella group called Social and Popular Front to push several demands, including the removal of the attorney general and various legislative measures. As of last report, the protesters are assembled at Plaza Italia and plan to stage marches along Asuncion's streets during the course of the day on 5 November.