Tense clashes in Quito as riot police quell protest

A tense night in Quito's main square.

Riot police in Ecuador scuffle with anti-government demonstrators protesting new labor laws and the rising cost of transportation.

The protest had started peacefully enough.

Hundreds of workers and students took to the streets earlier to protest President Rafael Correa.

They're say they are angry that measures proposed by his government will cut their salaries and reduce their benefits.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) STUDENT PROTEST LEADER, MAURICIO CHILUIZA, SAYING:

"The repressive system being implemented by Correa's government is a system copied from different repressive countries in Latin America. As students, we're obliged to take to the streets to defend our right to freedom of expression and freedom to organize."

The trouble started when the marchers reached the main square and riot police moved in.

Authorities say 15 people were injured and eight people were detained.

Police say they were able to