MANAGUA (Reuters) - Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in the capital of Nicaragua on Monday to demand the resignation of the countrys president after a violent crackdown by police on protests that have left at least nine dead.

Demonstrators waved blue and white Nicaraguan flags and chanted President, get out! as they rallied in several points around the capital of Managua. But the government kept police back from the demonstrations after the violence of recent days.