2008 Icelandic lorry driver protests
This article may be expanded with text translated from the corresponding article in Icelandic. (December 2013) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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The 2008 Icelandic truck driver protests were protests started by truck drivers in Iceland through March−April 2008. The protest came about due to increasing oil prices and working hours.[1]
Background[]
In 2008, due to the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, Icelandic oil prices were increasing rapidly, with one Icelandic reporting that fuel for his 4x4 truck cost as much as 12,000 kronas ($161).
Truck drivers began protesting against these prices, also aiming for lower tariffs on fossil fuels.[2]
Violence[]
Violence against protesters is very rare in Iceland.[3]
According to a person’s iReport footage, somebody from behind the police barricade sprayed a can of fluid into the crowd, possibly CS gas, as one protester is seen rubbing their eyes a few seconds later.[4]
Aftermath[]
Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde told the Fréttablaðið newspaper, “I am very sorry this happened. It is not in consistency with Icelandic traditions to solve disputes with violence, but I believe it is necessary that police use the resources they have to protect public safety.”[5]
References[]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Protests by lorry drivers in Iceland (2008). |
- ^ Whiteman, Hilary (24 April 2008). "Iceland fuel protests heat up". CNN. Retrieved 24 April 2008.
- ^ "Demonstrations By Truck Drivers Get Out of Hand". Iceland Review. 2008-04-25. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
- ^ "Topic: Crime in Iceland". Statista. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
- ^ "Iceland fuel protests heat up - CNN.com". edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
- ^ "Demonstrations By Truck Drivers Get Out of Hand". Iceland Review. 2008-04-25. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
- 2008 in Iceland
- Protests in Iceland
- Riots and civil disorder in Iceland
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