At least 41 people were injured when protesters and riot police clashed yesterday in the most violent Macau rally since 2007.
Water cannon and pepper spray was used against workers who charged at a police cordon in a protest against illegal labour and runaway house prices.
Thirty-two police officers, four protesters, two journalists and three passers-by were injured in the clash. Portuguese photo journalist Carmo Correia suffered concussion and a broken cheekbone when hit by a water cannon and knocked over. A police officer and a protester also suffered concussion.
Security Police chief Lei Sio-peng said police showed restraint despite being pelted with rocks.
A total of 1,500 people took part in various protests yesterday, including about 800 people in the labour rally, police said. At midnight, dozens were still at the scene of the clashes where a police cordon remained in place.
'Workers' discontent is raging because illegal labourers are everywhere,' said Ng Sek-io, a leader of the rally. 'Imported labourers have taken away locals' jobs.'
Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on, who was in Shanghai for the World Expo opening, expressed concern about the clash and offered condolences to the injured.
