Spain, Portugal Truckers' Strike Turns Violent, Kills Two Picketers

Madrid, Spain (AHN) - Two striking truck drivers died in Portugal and Spain while one picketer was injured as protests against high fuel cost in the two countries turned violent on Tuesday.

A 52-year-old Portuguese driver who climbed a truck to prevent it from passing through a strikers' barricade fell under the wheels and died near Alcanena in northern Lisbon. A striking Spanish driver was run over by a non-striking truck driver while manning a picket line in Granada. The driver was arrested.

In the port of Motril near Granada, police clashed with picketers trying to prevent tankers from delivering fuel cargo to petrol stations, injuring one of the strikers. One picketer was detained by police and two other strikers were arrested in Irun at the French border for puncturing lorry tires to prevent the trucks from operating.

The Spanish truckers' strike started on Monday with picketers using trucks to block roads in major cities. The blockade caused traffic jams up to 10 kilometers long and shortage of fuel and food supplies in petrol stations and supermarkets.

The strikers are demanding cuts in fuel taxes and the imposition of a minimum price for fuel. The government is offering lower social security payments and financial facilities for retiring drivers.