Zimbabwes second-largest city, Bulawayo saw  police arrest a large number of human rights activists and union members during protests on November 18. At least 2000 people participated in the protests. Police reportedly attacked the crowd with batons and used dogs as well. The harsh crackdown follows the November 13 statement by the Zimbabwe Freedom Movement that it is committed to removing dictator Robert Mugabe by force if necessary. One reason for the demonstrations is the recent extraordinary rise in the cost of living in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean governments own figures for October (released November 18) said inflation went up 70 percent during the month. The inflation rate for the past years is almost 530 percent.