Reuters AlertNet Lite - Macau launches probe after man shot at protest

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Macau launches probe after man shot at protest

02 May 2007 01:19:17 GMT
Source: Reuters

HONG KONG, May 2 (Reuters) - Macau authorities are investigating whether police fired the bullet that injured a man at a May Day march in the Chinese gambling enclave that erupted into violence.

Macau Security Police chief Lei Siu-peng said on Wednesday a man had been hit by a bullet and media reports said he had been struck while riding a motorcycle with his son some 300 metres from the protest.

Riot police confirmed they had fired five shots into the air during the protest. Lei said 10 people were arrested and 21 police officers injured in the fracas involving 2,400 protesters.

"We are investigating the incident to see if there is any link between the bullet which wounded the man and the shooting ... but we have to emphasise that the gun fire was to prevent a stampede," Lei said.

The South China Morning Post said on Wednesday a 50-year-old man had been shot in the neck and was taken to hospital.

It gave no further details on his condition.

The Macau government said police had taken appropriate measures to restore order.

Protesters carried banners and placards calling for better labour protection and an end to corruption in the former Portuguese enclave. Some also demanded the resignation of Chief Executive Edmund Ho, Macau's Beijing-appointed leader.

Witnesses said scuffles erupted when protesters hurled water bottles at police and tried to break through police cordons, while local television stations showed police beating back protesters with batons and dragging away a number of them.

The protest ended after about six hours.

Dozens of protesters and police were hurt in Macau last May Day, when a similar protest turned violent.

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Last updated:Wed May 2 01:21:05 2007