Brutal US police arrest 2 peaceful protestors in Ferguson

At least two people have been arrested during peaceful protests over the police killing of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

Protesters poured out onto the streets of Saint Louis, Missouri Saturday for a silent march in solidarity with Brown who was shot dead by a white police officer on August 9.

St Louis city police arrested two protestors, one male wearing a mask and a black outfit, the other a news photographer, Philip Montgomery, on assignment for the website Mashable.

Protesters have pledged to maintain their movement as a federal Justice Department probe is being conducted into Brown’s death. They are calling for an end to discriminatory policing tactics against the blacks.

Meanwhile, five Ferguson residents have launched a recall effort against mayor James Knowles and called for a special election to find his replacement.

“We cannot describe how disgusted we are with you. We now ask that you vacate the office,” wrote the five residents.

Organizers say the move is an important step toward restoring accountability to the people of Ferguson.

In a meeting with about 20 small-business owners at a Ferguson soul food restaurant on Saturday, Knowles said he plans to stay in office and implement reforms.

So far, five officials in Ferguson, including its police chief, have resigned following a US Justice Department report highlighting the city’s “broken and racially biased” police system.

On Saturday, President Barack Obama acknowledged that police have been “oppressive” in Ferguson, Missouri, but said there is “no excuse” for violence against law enforcement agents.

Obama made the comments after two police officers were shot early Thursday morning outside the Ferguson Police Department during protests against the police force.

One officer was shot in the face, while the other was shot through the shoulder, according to St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar. Both officers were treated and released from hospital.