South African police said today they had freed 77 protesters who were arrested because they refused to disperse after demonstrating against landlessness and poverty.
Protest leaders said the arrests on Wednesday were part of a crackdown ahead of the 10-day U.N. World Summit on Sustainable Development, to be held in Johannesburg from Monday.
Police said the 77 members of the Landless People's Movement were arrested when they refused to disperse after a legal march to the provincial housing department on Wednesday.
Earlier today, about 50 protesters gathered outside the Johannesburg police station where 77 were being held, and vowed to wait until their comrades were released.
About 100 world leaders and 40,000 delegates are expected to attend the Earth Summit, which will seek ways to curb poverty and promote environmentally friendly policies.