Seoul Radicals Hurl Firebombs, Police Answer With Tear Gas

Police fired tear gas to break up a violent protest 15 miles from the main Olympic Games site today by radical students demanding that the Olympics be shared with North Korea.

There were no reports of arrests or injuries in the 30-minute clash at Korea University in eastern Seoul. Police under pressure fired tear gas to disperse the students.

It appeared to be the first time that tear gas was used in Seoul since the Olympics began on Sept. 17. The government banned tear gas during the Olympics in an effort to limit protests by radical students.

About 500 radical students, hurling firebombs and rocks, clashed with riot police in front of the school’s main gate after a campus rally, during which they shouted that the Olympics are being used to perpetuate the division of the Korean peninsula.

“Oppose dictatorial Olympics!” students shouted as they marched around the campus.

Police blocked the march and deflected with shields the firebombs and rocks thrown by the students. When attacked, police used tear gas and repelled the protesters.

The protest occurred about 15 miles from the main Olympic venues and was confined to the main gate in front of the school. There are no Olympic facilities in the area.