Jordan detains 3 people over strike call-activists

Sun May 4, 2008 10:54am EDT
 
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AMMAN, May 4 (Reuters) - Jordanian security arrested three activists for distributing leaflets calling for a general strike to protest food prices and government policies that fail to help the poor, activists said on Sunday.

Khalid Kalaldeh, head of the leftist "Social Jordanian Movement", told Reuters the arrests took place on Saturday when members of his small group handed out leaflets as part of a nationwide campaign.

Jordan's government has enforced steep fuel price rises and the cost of everything from bread to apartments has soared, hitting many people hard.

Activists say the authorities have in recent weeks refused permission to allow any public protests against the price hikes.

Kalaldeh said his group, set up late last wants a minimum wage, salary rises linked to inflation, legislation and other measures to control prices. (Writing by Suleiman al-Khalidi; editing by Matthew Jones)



 

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