Police ban protests against US beef

South Korean police refused to allow more candlelight protests against the resumption of American beef imports, after the government announced yesterday it would not tolerate violent, illegal rallies.

Authorities used police buses to encircle a plaza in front of Seoul City Hall - the main site for weeks of evening rallies - to prevent protesters from gathering.

Nevertheless, about 1,700 people marched into nearby downtown streets chanting slogans demanding the government of President Lee Myung-bak cancel its decision to lift a ban on US beef. Thousands of riot police quickly chased them away. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries or clashes.