At Least 5 Dead As Protests Enter 3rd Day

Soldiers have been deployed across Zimbabwe following deadly clashes between security forces and protesters, reports BBC News. 

Shops in the capital, Harare, remained closed on Wednesday as the demonstrations against rising fuel prices entered their third day. 

Authorities arrested a prominent activist, Evan Mawarire, and shuttered internet and mobile phone services across much of the country in an effort to reduce protests. 

At least five people, including a police officer, have been killed so far, reported Al Jazeera (Qatar). Hundreds of people have been arrested in demonstrations in Harare and Bulawayo.

Police have responded to protesters with live ammunition and tear gas, reported the Guardian (U.K.).

On Monday, unions called for a three-day strike to protest a proposal that more than doubled the cost of fuel in the country. 

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the move was necessary to prevent fuel shortages. 

The offices of the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, were burned down. The governing Zanu-PF party says some of its property has also been damaged.

Activists and watchdog groups, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized police for using excessive force on non-violent protesters.