 "Anti-Uber protest in Costa Rica's Capital")
Thousands of taxi drivers upset at Uber's threat to their livelihoods blocked key roads in and near Costa Rica's capital on Wednesday, with dozens arrested amid clashes with police, officials said.
Anti-riot officers intervened to prevent protesters cutting off access to the country's main airport northwest of San Jose.
In the east of the city, a violent confrontation with police resulted in the arrest of four taxi drivers. TV news images showed a police officer with his face bloodied.
The head of Costa Rica's police force, Juan Jose Andrade, said on Twitter that police found nails strewn across one road.
The taxi drivers called the protest to demand the government block Uber's smartphone app.
The American-based internet ride-hailing company operates in Costa Rica without government authorisation.
It responded to the taxi protest against it by offering fare discounts to passengers in San Jose.
Anti-riot officers intervened to prevent protesters cutting off access to the country's main airport northwest of San Jose.
In the east of the city, a violent confrontation with police resulted in the arrest of four taxi drivers. TV news images showed a police officer with his face bloodied.
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At least 28 other taxi drivers were arrested in other parts of the city for blocking roads, the government said.
The head of Costa Rica's police force, Juan Jose Andrade, said on Twitter that police found nails strewn across one road.
The taxi drivers called the protest to demand the government block Uber's smartphone app.
The American-based internet ride-hailing company operates in Costa Rica without government authorisation.
It responded to the taxi protest against it by offering fare discounts to passengers in San Jose.