Washington, D.C. -- More than 100 protesters upset with the way world leaders have handled the economic crisis have clashed with police outside the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington.
Several activists were pushed to the ground by police after they attempted to march onto a prohibited street. Authorities also used pepper spray on the protesters.
Police say one protester accused of using pepper spray on an officer was arrested. Six other people accused of vandalizing two banks before the rallies also were taken into custody; police think the incident was linked to the protests.
Earlier, demonstrators tried to block three intersections, including an area near hotels where they say delegates to the meetings are staying. In each case, the protesters were steered back to the sidewalk by police.
The IMF is a Washington-based lending institution that monitors the global economy, warns of impending crises and provides financial and technical advice to its 185 member nations.
The activists are upset by world leaders' handling of the economic crisis. They held signs that read "Capitalism do not resuscitate" and chanted, "Pump up the people power."
