Hundreds injured as 15000 S. Koreans protest US beef after Rice visits Seoul

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-30-2008 08:57

South Korean protesters have clashed with riot police at a rally against the resumption of US beef imports. The demonstration came hours after the US secretary of state vouched for the health of American cattle.

A protester who is attempting to march on the road leading  to the presidential Blue House is apprehended by riot police  during a rally in Seoul June 29, 2008. Protesters, who fear  the mad cow disease, held the rally on Sunday demanding the  full-scale renegotiation of the U.S. beef import deal and  the resignation of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak (SOUTH KOREA)

About 15,000 people staged a street demonstration in Seoul on Saturday night, demanding the government withdraw its decision to lift a ban on US beef imports. Several hundred protesters were hurt during the rally that continued until Sunday morning.

Police say the clash left more than 100 riot police injured, and about 50 protesters were arrested on charges of assaulting police and illegally occupying streets.

Police say they are considering using tear gas if violent demonstrations continue.