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14:24 GMT, Sunday, 1 June 2008 15:24 UK

In pictures: Seoul beef protest

Protesters marching towards president's residency in Seoul 1/6/08

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At least 20,000 people in Seoul have taken part in a protest against a government plan to resume US beef imports.

Protester being hit by riot police shield 1/6/08

Protester being hit by riot police shield 1/6/08

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They say the move does not protect consumers against mad cow disease, which was detected in a Canadian-born cow in the US in 2003.

Man being carried away by police in Seoul 1/6/08

Man being carried away by police in Seoul 1/6/08

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Seoul's beef market was closed to US imports in 2003 following the discovery of the brain-wasting disease. Prior to that it was the US beef farmers' third biggest export market.

Protesters push at a line of riot police in Seoul 1/6/08

Protesters push at a line of riot police in Seoul 1/6/08

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Tensions rose as police blocked the crowd from marching on the Blue House, the president's official Seoul residence.

Man being detained by Seoul riot police 1/6/08

Man being detained by Seoul riot police 1/6/08

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More than 200 of the protesters were detained as they clashed with police.

Crowd being sprayed by water cannon jet 1/6/08

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Police deployed water cannon in three areas to try to disperse the crowds.

Man being sprayed by water cannon jet 1/6/08

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Dozens of people were hurt, but none were reported to have been seriously injured.

People crouching to hide from a water cannon jet 1/6/08

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Angry South Koreans have held almost daily rallies on the issue for a month.

Crowd being sprayed by water cannon jet 1/6/08

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Polls say the popularity of President Lee Myung-Bak has plummeted in the wake of the decision.

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