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Over 100 detained in S. Korea protest over US beef imports
Police detained more than 100 protesters on Wednesday after they took part in night-time rally against a deal to allow beef imports from the United States.
- AP
- Published: 09:08 May 28, 2008
Seoul: Police detained more than 100 protesters on Wednesday after they took part in night-time rally against a deal to allow beef imports from the United States.
It was the largest number taken into custody so far amid weeks of demonstrations that have thwarted the government's plan to end restrictions on imports of American beef imposed over four years ago due to fears of mad cow disease.
A total of 113 people were apprehended and were being questioned, said a Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency officer.
Thousands of South Koreans have held candlelight protests and street rallies on a near-daily basis since the April 18 deal to resume US beef imports. Crowds have occasionally reached up to 10,000.
The protesters want the government to renegotiate the accord, which they say does not adequately protect the country from beef infected with mad cow disease.
South Korea slapped a ban on US beef imports in December 2003 after the first US case of mad cow disease was discovered in the state of Washington. Two more cases were later discovered.
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