Clashes in Mexico City

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    Members of the teachers' union CNTE and protesters stand near a burning barricade before they are evicted from Zocalo Square by the riot police in downtown Mexico City

    Members of the teachers' union CNTE and protesters stand near a burning barricade before they are evicted from Zocalo Square by the riot police in downtown Mexico City September 13, 2013. Violence broke out in the historic heart of Mexico City on Friday as scores of riot police forcibly evicted thousands of striking teachers occupying the capital's iconic Zocalo just days before Independence Day celebrations in the capital. Firing tear gas at angry protesters, riot police braced for violence as they swept into downtown Mexico City to re-take control of the Zocalo and its surrounding streets, the culmination of weeks of protests that had seen teachers set up a massive protest camp in the world's second largest square. The Metropolitan Cathedral is pictured in the background. REUTERS/Henry Romero (MEXICO - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS EDUCATION BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

    Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the demonstrators on Friday, arresting 31 people, as the government took control of the historic center after weeks of protests by teachers.

    Teachers have been camped out on the square in protest of a new education reform designed to impose tougher teaching standards, and strip educators of some privileges such as the right to pass on their jobs to their children. (REUTERS)