Clashes erupt as Madrid cops squelch austerity protest (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

10-07-2012 • http://chrisinmaryville.net/

Sporadic clashes have broken out in central Madrid, with twelve people reportedly injured after riot police moved in to clear the Plaza de Neptune, threatening to arrest those who would not leave. The demo turned violent when police encircled about 300 protesters who refused to leave the square. The demonstrators chanted slogans, while some threw projectiles at police vehicles. Twelve people have reportedly been injured as Madrid’s police split up the crowd, giving protesters the choice to either leave or face arrest. Two people have been arrested, El Pais reported. A group of roughly 100 protesters tried to organize a sit-it, but left without incident, with police not trying to detain any of them.