Police Fire on Protesters; Casualties Are Reported

Police fired rubber bullets at rock-throwing protesters during a general strike that paralyzed the Dominican Republic, officials said. Protest organizers said at least six people were killed and 60 injured in clashes with police and soldiers around the country. Police said they could not confirm the casualties.

Demonstrators blocked roads with flaming tires and marched to protest rolling blackouts and the rising costs of gas and food. Most businesses closed, classes were canceled, and public buses were idle. Soldiers in the capital, Santo Domingo, randomly searched vehicles for weapons.