Taiwanese police clash with anti-nuclear protesters

Taiwanese security forces have clashed with a large crowd of anti-nuclear protesters in the capital Taipei.

On Monday, hundreds of protesters staged a sit-in, paralyzing traffic in the city’s main commercial area.

Riot police used water cannon to disperse some of the protesters while removing others forcibly.

The angry protesters were demanding construction on Taiwan’s fourth nuclear plant be stopped.

“Anti-nuclear public opinion is very high,” a young anti-nuclear activist at the rally said, adding, “The government should respond to the public’s desires as soon as possible.”

Anti-nuclear groups and opposition parties have staged several protests this year, hoping the government will gradually phase out nuclear energy.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has said his administration will hold a referendum on the issue before the plant begins operating.

“Many people had hoped for a complete abandonment of the fourth nuclear plant,” the government said in a statement issued later on Monday, adding, “Under this scenario, rising electricity prices are unavoidable.”

Taiwan relies on nuclear power for about 18% of its energy needs.

Taiwanese are worried a planned nuclear power plant close to the capital could increase the possibility of a Fukushima-like disaster.

Japan’s Fukushima plant was damaged in a mega-earthquake followed by a tsunami on March 11, 2011.

A report released by a Japanese parliamentary panel later said the incident at the Fukushima nuclear plant was not only due to the tsunami, but also a “man-made disaster.”