Thousands in Seoul protest G20 summit

Thousands of South Korean peace activists and civic group members have taken to the streets to protest next week’s Group of 20 leaders’ summit in Seoul.

The rally organizers have put the number of protesters at 40,000, DPA reported on Sunday.

The protesters gathered outside Seoul’s city hall, voicing anger over the G20 policies, which they say hamper labor rights and cut social welfare.

They also protested a free-trade agreement that US President Barack Obama plans to sign with South Korea before the summit.

Thousands of riot police officers surrounded the protesters, using pepper spray to stop hundreds who tried to make their way toward the city center.

Activists say the G20 tries to pass the burden of the global financial crisis over to the general public.

Activists have promised more rallies every day until the summit kicks off on Thursday.