Police and protesters clash at university in Oaxaca

Federal police surrounded a university packed with leftist protesters here Thursday, clearing barricades and firing tear gas as the activists showered them with gasoline bombs.

At least 20 protesters, 10 officers and three news photographers were injured.

About 200 police officers in body armor and carrying riot shields advanced to the gates of Benito Juarez Autonomous University and fought the protesters for more than six hours before retreating.

Under Mexican law, police must get permission from the university rector to enter. Rector Francisco Martinez, speaking on the university radio station, called the action an attack and demanded that police withdraw.

The federal police said they intended to “restore order and peace” on the streets and did not plan to storm the school. Among the leftists’ demands is the resignation of state Gov. Ulises Ruiz.

Protesters with scarves covering their faces were seen running from the campus and lobbing gasoline bombs packed with nails, stones and firecrackers. Officers hit back with water cannons and rounds of tear gas, supported by helicopters and armored vehicles. Some also picked up rocks and bottles and hurled them back at protesters.

A free medical clinic near the university reported that more than 20 protesters had been treated for bruises, cuts and injuries related to tear gas.

The 10 officers received various burns and bruises, the federal police said in a statement.

Photographer David Jaramillo of the Mexican daily El Universal was hit in the arm by a bottle rocket loaded with nails and was hospitalized in stable condition, the statement said. Two other photographers suffered minor injuries.

The university radio station reported that at least six demonstrators had been arrested.

The university is a stronghold of the movement to oust Ruiz, who is accused of rigging the 2004 election to win office and organizing bands of thugs to attack dissidents.