Clashes in Jordan injure 8 protesters

Amman (Jordan), Feb 18 (AP) Clashes erupted today inJordan''s capital between government supporters and opponentsat a protest calling for more freedoms and lower food prices,injuring eight.

It was the seventh straight that Jordanians, inspiredby uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, took to the streets todemand more say in decision-making.

The Amman protest drew about 2,000 people, includinghard-line leftists, Muslim conservatives and students callingfor reduced powers for the king and the chance to electmembers of the Cabinet.

Students from the growing Jaayin or "I''m Coming"movement chanted "we want constitutional reforms; we want acomplete change to policies."

Jordan''s king enjoys absolute powers, ruling by decreeand he can appoint and dismiss Cabinets and parliamentwhenever he wants.

About 200 government supporters trailed theprotesters, chanting: "Our blood and souls, we sacrifice foryou Abu Hussein" -- a reference to Jordan''s King Abdullah II-- before clashing with the opposition march.

"They beat us with batons, pipes and hurled rocks atus," said Tareq Kmeil, a student at the protest. "We tried todefend ourself, to beat them back."

He said at least eight people were injured. He saidthe injuries included fractures in the head, arms and legs.

"Police didn''t do anything to protect us," he said. "Policeforces just stood on the side watching us getting beaten."Police spokesmen were not immediately available for comment.

(AP)