Emergency declared in Paraguay

Protesters in Asuncion clash with riot police Monday.

ASUNCION, Paraguay (CNN) -- The government declared a five-day state of emergency Monday after at least one person was killed and dozens injured during protests in the capital.

President Luis Gonzalez Macchi asked the military to help police restore order in the landlocked South American republic about the size of California.

During the state of emergency all meetings and protests are banned and police can detain any of the country's 5.5 million citizens without a judge's order.

The protests involved blocking roads, including shutting off access for a few hours Monday morning to the bridge that connects Paraguay to Brazil.

At least 55 people were arrested during Monday's protests, which involved blocking roads, including shutting off access for a few hours to the bridge that connects Paraguay to Brazil.

The protests turned violent and left at least 50 people hurt.

One man died of injuries sustained in a gunfight with two police officers, who were also hurt, according to police.

An 11-year-old boy was also among the injured. Doctors said the boy would recover from his gunshot wounds.

The protesters say they want economic changes in the government, or a change in government to bring on such changes.

The government says they are followers of ex-Gen. Lino Oviedo, who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a 1996 coup attempt.

Oviedo is now in Brazil, which has given him political asylum. Paraguayan officials say the protesters want a new government installed to allow Oviedo to return.

The next presidential elections are set for 2003.