Taipei police disperse anti-Chen protesters

TAIPEI, Oct 11: Taiwan police hauled between 50 and 100 demonstrators off a downtown street today after they staged an unauthorised overnight protest against President Chen Shui-bian.

Tens of thousands had taken to the streets of Taipei the previous day, the island's National Day, calling on Chen to step down over allegations of corruption.

Demonstrators blocked half a street beside Taipei Railway Station on Wednesday, bringing the biggest confrontation with police since campaigners to oust Chen began daily protests around Taiwan on September 9.

''We wanted them to leave, but those few people wouldn't go,'' said Chang,'' said Chang Fu-chung, spokesman for the campaign, which advocates cooperation and non-violence. ''The police used fair means to move them.'' The campaign's legally permitted encampment on a plaza next to the station had filled up after about 100,000 demonstrators ringed the presidential offices yesterday and marched in the streets that night, snarling traffic and forcing buses to change routes.

Local television showed several officers forcing apart the clenched fists of a masked protester who was lying face-up in the street.

The protesters, led by former ruling party chairman Shih Ming-teh, are seeking the ouster of Chen, whose family and aides they also accuse of corruption.

Chen has rejected the accusations, and on Tuesday his office issued a statement calling the protest ''irresponsible'' amid National Day celebrations that involved foreign dignitaries.

REUTERS