Kuwait police break up demo by Asian workers

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

KUWAIT CITY (AFP) — 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.

The government, in a statement issued after a meeting, pledged to ensure that "contracts made between companies and workers are honoured," and that it will back the "just demands" of workers, according to KUNA state news agency....