Eighteen protesters arrested at Republican Convention venue in Ohio

Cleveland, July 21: The Cleveland Police on Wednesday (July 21) arrested 18 protesters following a scuffle after the demonstrators tried to burn an American flag near the entrance of Quicken Loans Arena, the venue where Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was formalised as the presidential candidate. [GOP Convention turns ugly as Ted Cruz faces insults for not endorsing Trump]

Two of those arrested were charged with an assault on an officer after he and his colleagues tried to confiscate the flag, the local police chief Calvin Williams told the media. [Trump nominated as presidential candidate]

The others arrested were accused of inciting violence near the arena, the police added.

The Wednesday arrests were the biggest seen during the four-day convention, which concludes on Thursday, as the total number of arrested went up to 23, official sources said.

A group called the Revolution Club had warned of trying to burn the flag to protest against US policies, especially military intervention abroad, said a Reuters report.

The police, however, also faced criticism over their action. The Amnesty International said later on Wednesday that exit routes were blocked by the police and it caused much inconvenience to people with disabilities. It said the police's dispersal order was not properly audible, the CNN reported.

The Ohio chapter of the National Lawyers Guild was criticised the police action, expressing concern about the arrests and employing police action against peaceful protesters.

Oneindia News