Strike organized to protest violent crime

Over 800 members of the Cooperativa de Transporte San Cristobal, including bus and taxi drivers will go on strike today, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Horacio Acuña, president of the organization, said the strike was called in protest of the country’s mounting crime rate. On Friday, long-time bus driver Julio Cesar Justavino, 46, was killed while defending himself from two men who tried to steal from him and several passengers. A total of 12 transportation workers have been victims of homicides so far this year.

To protect themselves from thieves and other assaults, a growing number of bus and taxi drivers have begun to carry arms, since criminals don't seem to be afraid of police force, commented Acuña.

In the past, bus drivers were permitted to carry baseball bats and sticks for protection, but security authorities have since revoked that privilege.

Acuña explained that criminals often observe police activities in the city, and therefore know when to strike.