Relatives and human rights activists on Sunday called on the government to release 23 men beaten and arrested during clashes between police and garment workers just more than a week ago, and said they would defy a ban on public gatherings if they were not.

The 23 protesters, union leaders and garment workers were apprehended during two days of violent demonstrations—for a doubling of the monthly minimum wage for garment workers to $160—that turned deadly on January 3 when military police shot and killed five people and wounded dozens more. The 23 have since been charged with intentionally causing violence and damage to property.

Continue reading:Relatives Call On Government to Release 23 Detainees