WORLD : Riot Police Block S. Korean Rally
Thousands of riot police blocked an anti-government rally today and arrested 433 workers and students, the day after six of their comrades were killed and the president threatened to use emergency powers against violent protest.
About 8,000 riot officers moved into the downtown area of this strikebound port and carried out the mass arrests to thwart a rally called by labor groups to denounce President Roh Tae Woo’s government. Police armed with shields and clubs guarded factories and patrolled streets, dispersing onlookers and keeping the area clear.
In Seoul, a 24-year-old union leader at a garment factory doused himself with kerosene and set himself afire to protest poor working conditions. He was reported in critical condition, and a fellow worker whose clothing accidentally caught fire also was hospitalized.
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