S. Korean Students Battle Police

Mobs of students demanding a new government battled riot police across the country today, and radicals hurling firebombs staged a surprise attack outside Seoul’s Roman Catholic cathedral.

Thousands of students fought riot police in Seoul and other cities during protests and services marking the seventh anniversary of the uprising in the southern city of Kwangju. Police said they had no details on casualties, but several police officers were seen with clothing burned by firebombs. Korean news reports said more than 300 people were detained. About 100 students hurled firebombs at riot police outside Myongdong Cathedral in the heart of Seoul after a service as shocked pedestrians watched.