Updated Nov.30,2006 12:11 KST

Pitched Battles in Seoul as Police Block Anti-FTA Rally
Anti-globalization protesters staged ambush demonstrations in downtown Seoul on Wednesday as police blocked their planned second mass rally against a free trade pact between the U.S. and Korea. Protestors blocked traffic and engaged in pitched battles with riot police.

Police buses encircle the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall to block a second anti-free trade agreement rally on Wednesday.

Police buses encircled the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall to prevent demonstrators from gathering there on Wednesday morning. Police were on alert at some 1,252 posts nationwide to prevent demonstrators from making their way to Seoul. A total of 51,000 conscripted and riot police were deployed to block the nationwide demonstration.

As their plan to rally in the Seoul Plaza was frustrated, some 1,500 activists staged ambush protests in downtown areas like Seoul Station, Gwanghwamun and Dongdaemun on Wednesday afternoon and gathered in Uljiro and Myeongdong. One group of 150 protesters staged a demonstration in a nearby high school after police prevented them from rallying in front of the National Agriculture Cooperative Federation.

Police stand ready to block anti-free trade rallies in front of Seoul Station on Wednesday afternoon.

Traffic in downtown Seoul was paralyzed. A violent clash ensued when police attempted to arrest participant, but provincial cities were spared a repeat of the incendiary fires and other violence in the first anti-FTA demonstration on Nov. 22. Police are questioning protesters who ignored orders to disperse.

(englishnews@chosun.com )