Estrada backers try to storm supreme court

Stone-throwing supporters of ousted Philippine leader Mr Joseph Estrada tried to storm the Supreme Court yesterday during a hearing…

Stone-throwing supporters of ousted Philippine leader Mr Joseph Estrada tried to storm the Supreme Court yesterday during a hearing into the former film actor's claim he is still president.

Some tried to climb over the iron fencing while others banged on the wooden shields of the lines of anti-riot police. They pelted the police with missiles.

Local television news quoted some of the protesters as saying they would camp outside the court compound until Mr Estrada was reinstated as president.

Police earlier pushed back a few dozen anti-Estrada protesters to avoid a confrontation.

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Mr Estrada, ousted in a "people power" revolt in January, filed a petition with the court on February 6th saying he remained constitutional head of state.