Fuel-price protests deadly in Zimbabwe

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s police and military patrolled the streets of the capital, Harare as a helicopter fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires Tuesday on the second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country.

Eight people were killed Monday when the police and military fired on crowds, according to Amnesty International. But Zimbabwe’s government said that three people were killed, including a policeman who was stoned by an angry crowd, according to Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.

The anti-government demonstrations amounted to “terrorism,” said Mutsvangwa on state television Tuesday night. The protests were “well coordinated” by Zimbabwe’s opposition, she said. She urged people to return to work and said the government forces would guarantee their security. She also said the government intends to pay an allowance to government workers to cushion them from the effects of the fuel price rise.

Police and soldiers went door to door and barged into homes in Mabvuku and other Harare suburbs and assaulted people, according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and witnesses. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change party said its headquarters was attacked.

The government over the weekend announced a price of $3.11 per liter, about a quarter of a gallon, for diesel, and $3.33 per liter for gasoline.

AP/TSVANGIRAYI MUKWAZHI Zimbabwean women inspect what remains of their stalls at a market in Harare on Tuesday. Residents damaged the market during protests over fuel-price increases.