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2008 Icelandic lorry driver protests

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Icelandic police with riot shields on 23 April.

The 2008 Icelandic truck driver protests were protests started by truck drivers in Iceland through March−April 2008. The protest came about due to increasing oil prices and working hours.[1]

Background

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In 2008, due to the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, Icelandic oil prices were increasing rapidly, with one Icelandic reporting that fuel for his 4x4 truck cost as much as 12,000 kronas ($161).

Truck drivers began protesting against these prices, also aiming for lower tariffs on fossil fuels.[2]

Violence

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Violence against protesters is very rare in Iceland.[3]

According to a person's iReport footage, somebody from behind the police barricade sprayed a can of fluid into the crowd, possibly CS gas, as one protester is seen rubbing their eyes a few seconds later.[4]

Aftermath

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Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde told the Fréttablaðið newspaper, “I am very sorry this happened. It is not in consistency with Icelandic traditions to solve disputes with violence, but I believe it is necessary that police use the resources they have to protect public safety.”[5]

References

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  1. ^ Whiteman, Hilary (24 April 2008). "Iceland fuel protests heat up". CNN. Retrieved 24 April 2008.
  2. ^ "Demonstrations By Truck Drivers Get Out of Hand". Iceland Review. 2008-04-25. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
  3. ^ "Topic: Crime in Iceland". Statista. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
  4. ^ "Iceland fuel protests heat up - CNN.com". edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 2021-12-10.
  5. ^ "Demonstrations By Truck Drivers Get Out of Hand". Iceland Review. 2008-04-25. Retrieved 2021-12-10.