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July 29, 2008
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Tuesday
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Rajab 25, 1429
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Police break up workers’ protest in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 28: Riot policemen wielding batons on Monday broke up a demonstration in Kuwait by Bangladeshi workers and made several arrests among the protesters who were demanding a pay rise.
The incident occurred in Jelib al-Shuyukh, northwest of Kuwait City, scene of one of two protests near the capital involving hundreds of Bangladeshi workers demanding better pay and living conditions.
The second protest took place in Mahbulah, south of Kuwait City, witnesses said, without specifying if there had been any police intervention. In May the Kuwaiti interior ministry warned that it will deport foreigners who instigate gatherings and strikes and will arrest and prosecute the participants.
About 200,000 Bangladeshis work in Kuwait, mostly as cleaners and in other low-paid jobs.
Hundreds have gone on strike in recent months complaining of non-payment of salaries or delays in obtaining their wages as well as inhuman working conditions.
They have also charged that they are receiving half of the $200 monthly salary promised them in Bangladesh before arriving in Kuwait.—AFP
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