Police in Papua New Guinea opened fire on protesting university students in the capital Port Moresby.  Four people are dead and 13 are injured, and the PNG Prime Minister reportedly said the violence was "unfortunate".

The students had set off to march on parliament, where Prime Minister Peter O'Neill faces a possible motion of no confidence over corruption allegations he denies.  The students are demanding that Mr. O'Neill stand down. 

Police confronted the group and reportedly demanded that they hand over the protest leader.  When they refused, the students say that officers started firing into the crowd, as well as punching and kicking demonstrators.  Cops also reportedly fired tear gas to disperse an angry mob gathered at Port Moresby General Hospital. 

"I saw policemen hit and kick girls who couldn't run and were bashed up," said Daiv Ruta, who witnessed the violence on the way to work.  "I cried and was told I will be shot if I was going to take photos or video," he added.

There is anger on campus, with cars and buildings being set on fire.  Mothers from the surrounding community came out to protest the police violence, marching with their hands above their heads.

There are reports the unrest against Mr. O'Neill has spread to Mt. Hagen and the highlands.

By most metrics, Papua New Guinea is a mess.  It was ranked one of the most corrupt countries in the world in 2012 by Transparency International; A 2014 arrest warrant against PM O'Neill for corruption has yet to be carried out; 70 percent of the country lives in poverty.