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Protesting students charged over violence, not treason: S. African police

Xinhua, October 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

The South African police has denied allegations that six university students were charged with treason for taking part in a violent protest against tuition fee hikes.

The six students appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

They were facing charges of trespassing and contravening the Gatherings Act, police said.

The six were arrested when protesting students were trying to force their way into the parliamentary premises in Cape Town.

Thousands of university students gathered outside the parliament on Wednesday, demanding the fee increase to be scrapped.

They have rejected a government offer to cap the rise at six percent.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades after clashing with protesters.

The fee hikes were said to be a result of a reduction in education funds.

The ruling African National Congress Secretary General Gwede Mantashe claimed to support the students' demand after a meeting with student representatives in Johannesburg. Enditem