Guinea police fire tear gas at students protesting the firing of a teacher

CONAKRY, Guinea - Residents of the northern town of Labe say that riot police fired tear gas at hundreds who gathered to protest the firing of a teacher who allegedly criticized the Guinean government in class.

A student said Monday during the march that Mariama Tata Diallo was an exemplary teacher and shouldn't be fired for being active in Guinea's opposition. Another student, Binta Diallo, said that police fired tear gas at the students and some were hurt but that they would not give up until Diallo is reinstated.

Other witnesses said Monday that anti-riot police and a mobile security force remained on the streets of Labe, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of the capital, Conakry.

- www.vancouversun.com