One gunshot wound and several arrests was the toll following yesterday’s demonstrations by different groups in the town of Moca, Espaillat Province. Victor Breton, spokesperson for the FALPO group, said that the aim of the 48-hour protest was to put pressure on the government to maintain the propane subsidy and to protest against the high cost of living. According to Breton, the Police occupied several communities, such as Monte de la Jagua and the upper part of the town of Moca. Other protests in Nagua, Baitoa and Navarrete were organized by the Alternative Social Forum. In contrast, a protest movement in the town of Bonao was a flop, failing to generate much public interest. In Moca, Miguel Angel Polanco was shot in the thigh, but the shooter was not identified. Besides Monte de la Jagua, Las Colinas, Los Vargas, Los Pena, Kilometer 5, Los Hidalgos and el Puente were affected by the unrest.
The Police used tear gas canisters to disperse the crowds.