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At least 3 killed, 30 injured in clashes with police in north of Argentina

29 July 2011 03:46 (UTC +04:00)

Police clashed with people, who illegally inhabited lands belonging to Ledesma sugar plant.

"Doctors reported deaths of a police officer and two young people, who were hospitalized after the clashes... Thirty more people were hospitalized with injuries, including 15 policemen," the radio quoted Roberto Baisel, the director of a local hospital, as saying.

A week ago over 500 families occupied a territory of 12 hectares that belong to the Ledesma sugar plant. They demanded that the land be transferred to their property and the government should finance the construction of houses for them. But a court ruled that the occupation of the land was illegal and ordered the police to free the occupied territory.

According to eyewitnesses, the occupants hurled Molotov cocktails, stones and opened gunfire on policemen as they approached them. Police forces used batons, tear gas and rubber bullets in response.