Demonstrators blocked roads in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa (ORLANDO SIERRA)

Tegucigalpa (AFP) – Thousands of Hondurans blocked streets across the country Wednesday night demanding the resignation of President Juan Orlando Hernandez as tensions mount over strikes by police and truckers.

Police spokesman Jair Meza told AFP that street occupations were reported in several areas of the country, but the force was working to restore order despite a sit-down strike by special operations units. 

Meza said looters had raided and torched businesses in the capital, Tegucigalpa, while others blocked streets with bonfires made from tires and rocks.

He added that the police were receiving reinforcements from the armed forces to control the groups that, in their opinion, are made up of gangs and opponents demanding the resignation of President Hernandez.

Mezo said the striking officers — mostly riot police — claim “harassment in the workplace and abuse of authority by many chiefs,” according to a statement.

The special forces police officers say they are given “terrible food,” that they are sent on missions without their expenses being covered and that they are denied labor rights and salary increases.

The Ministry of Security responded in a statement that police bosses “ordered the review of work days,” while recognizing that there had been extra shifts to address the demonstrations.

The conflict deepened when police chief Jose Aguilar visited the area where the strikers were holed up but had to flee after a tear gas canister was thrown at him, another police spokesman Orlin Cerrato told a press conference. 

Meza said that there was also a strike by truck drivers, who since Monday have parked their rigs on roads near the capital, demanding a pay rise. 

The blockage caused a shortage of fuel in some areas of the country, which in turn led to long lines of vehicles at gas stations, the spokesperson said.

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.