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The biggest protest launched by Puerto Ricans against Governor Ricardo Rossello and other male government officials making fun of journalists, gays and hurricane victims, among other people in leaked text messages, turned violent as the police released teargas canisters on protesters.
Marching in San Juan, the protesters sang, chanted, danced and carried the territory’s red, white and blue flag with a lone star, as they also protested against the alleged corruption involving money for victims of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which left nearly 3,000 dead. The gas was deployed on the protesters throwing objects on police officers at the Governor’s mansion, after multiple warnings to leave the area at 11 p.m.
“There is no schedule for the demonstrations; last Wednesday and Friday the protesters were until after 1 a.m. at the entrance of Calle Fortaleza,” a police spokesperson said.
“The mobilization of the police to evict the area is carried out according to the aggression acts that the protesters carry out against the security agents. The eviction process depends on the protesters and their conduct within the framework of the Law.”
Police in Puerto Rico deployed tear gas Monday night as protesters continue call for Gov. Rosselló to resign. https://t.co/r4wMYs1t3z pic.twitter.com/AiXbvi0sTH
— ABC News (@ABC) July 23, 2019
This is reportedly the third time tear gas has been used against protesters since the start of demonstrations earlier this month. Rossello had on Sunday said he will not seek reelection next year, and will also step down as leader of his party. But he refused to resign from his post as governor.
“I have listened, and I am listening to you today,” Rossello said in a video posted on Facebook. “I have made mistakes and I have apologized.”
But the protesters alongside pop singer Ricky Martin, who is gay and one of those ridiculed in the Rossello’s chats, said they wanted more.
