Thousands protest high cost of living in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA. – Some 10,000 Honduran workers protested Thursday in different cities against the high cost of living and the rapid increase of fuel prices, which has reached record highs.

In the capital, Tegucigalpa, teachers and students left the University of Education and traveled 6 kilometers to the center of the city wielding banners and signs, chanting slogans like: “This move will not stop and anyone who opposes it will be crushed.”

Several police officers watched the demonstrators and merchants to prevent attacks with stones or the defacing of property, as is common in such insurrections.

During the march, the teachers’ union leader Luis Sosa said protests were held in 18 provinces. According to local radio reports, there were protests in major cities like San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba (north), Santa Rosa de Copan (northwest), Danli, Juticalpa (east) and Choluteca (south).

On Wednesday, some 3,500 farming families took 12,000 hectares of land in eight provinces but were evacuated under the threat of police forces.

The event was organized by supporters of former President Manuel Zelaya, who was deposed June 28, 2009.