Hundreds of arrests during deadly Angola fuel protests

Angolan police arrest hundreds amid fuel price unrest

Angolan police on Friday arrested hundreds of people protesting against a rise in fuel prices, with officials reporting one death and several injured amid escalating violence. The demonstrations, called by a coalition of opposition parties, took place in the country's capital, Luanda, and several other cities following a call for a nationwide strike. The protests have sparked a violent backlash from police, with officers firing live rounds into the air and at protesters.

Officials said that the man died in an accident involving a truck trying to break through a police cordon, but the circumstances are under investigation. Videos on social media appeared to show police firing live rounds at protesters and beating those already in custody. The government has accused opposition leaders of orchestrating the violence.

The protests were sparked by a decision by Angolan authorities to raise fuel prices by 15 percent earlier this month, citing global factors and the need to maintain revenue for public investments. The increase has sparked widespread frustration, especially amid soaring inflation and widespread poverty.

Human rights groups have criticized the government's heavy-handed response to the protests and called for an independent investigation into the events.