By Xinhua,
Seoul : Thirty-seven South Koreans were arrested in clashes with riot police in downtown Seoul on Sunday when conducting a massive protests against U.S. beef imports.
The police said they consider seeking arrest warrants for some of those apprehended.
“We will select those who masterminded the illegal acts of refusing to disperse, occupying roads and attacking policemen in the course of their apprehension,” said Han Jin-hee, head of the National Police Agency.
They will be charged with obstructing traffic, attending an unauthorized rally and violence, Han said.
No reports about casualties so far.
Sunday’s conflicts between thousands of protesters and police came amid a nationwide campaign against the government’s latest decision on resuming U.S. beef imports. Civic groups and local peasants said the imports of U.S. beef might put the South Koreans in danger of mad cow disease.