MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) – The protesters blocked a major highway connecting Guatemala City with the Villa Nueva village on Wednesday. After a failed attempt at dialogue, police used tear gas and petrol bombs to disperse the protesters.
According to El Periodico, several civilians were beaten in clashes with police officers.
The hike in water and garbage collection rates from $3.26 to $9.80 was announced in January. According to local authorities, the measure is being introduced in order to cover a shortfall in providing public services.