July 9, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian riot police on Saturday fired teargas at protesters demanding electoral reforms and said they had arrested more than 440 people.
An AFP reporter said riot police fired teargas rounds at around 2,000 protesters gathered near Kuala Lumpur's downtown Merdeka Square, a popular gathering place for demonstrators.
The protesters were carrying a huge Malaysian flag and were shouting "Reformasi" (Reforms) and "God is great".
Beating their batons against their shields, the black-clad riot police units pushed back the crowd away from the square, but a few defiant ones were seen trying to come back.
Thick smoke filled the air and witnesses said they could feel the stinging effect of the teargas on their face.
Protesters were also gathering in other parts of the capital, which was the subject of a massive police lockdown since Friday evening in a bid by police to thwart the demonstration.
Police said on their official Facebook page that 441 people had been arrested as of midday.
