3 policeman, student hurt in scuffles as protesters try to block Ayalon Highway.
By JPOST.COM STAFFjp.services1(photo credit: )
As the student strike entered its 20th day on Wednesday, 33 students were arrested during demonstrations next to Tel Aviv University on suspicions of disturbing public order and endangering human life.
Three policemen and a student were wounded in the scuffles that broke out when the protesters tried to block the Ayalon Highway.
The students, who were protesting the proposed reforms of the Shochat Committee, also threw flares, hurled smoke grenades and burned tires.
The demonstration lasted several hours and involved thousands of students.
They also blew whistles and held banners with the words: "Olmert resign!" and "I am a poor student!"
Officers had warned the protesters that if they broke the law or disrupted traffic in the area, the appropriate legal action would be taken.
In response, National Student Union head Itai Shonshine called on the police to exercise restraint, Army Radio reported.
The students have staged protests throughout the country in recent weeks, demanding that the Shochat Committee, which proposes to raise tuition fees, be disbanded.