41 Injured in Macau May Day Rally

HONG KONG (AFP) - Clashes that broke out during a May Day rally in Macau injured 41 people, including two journalists and 32 policemen, the gambling hub's government said Sunday.

"Some protesters did not follow the route specified earlier by the police and clashed with the officers, resulting in injuries to 41 people -- three members of the public, two journalists, four protesters and 32 policemen," the statement said.

Three people -- a member of the public, a protester and a policeman -- were hospitalised, it added.

Riot police in Macau used water cannon and pepper spray in Saturday's clashes with hundreds of protesters who fought with stones and bottles.

The fighting erupted after protesters tried to force their way through police barricades to march along a main road where Macau's main casinos and tourist attractions are located.

Earlier radio reports put the number of injured at eight.

Local media reported that nearly 1,000 people joined the march, to demand job protection and tough action against illegal workers in the southern Chinese territory, the only place in China that allows casino gambling.

They also demanded action against corruption as well as financial help to offset inflation, a growing worry as soaring gambling revenue raises prices in the former Portuguese colony, which was returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

In nearby Hong Kong several thousand protesters marched through the streets to demand a minimum wage of 33 Hong Kong dollars (4.20 US) an hour and better job protection.