SAPPORO, July 5: Thousands of farmers and activists from around the world demonstrated on Saturday in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo ahead of next week’s summit of the Group of Eight rich nations.

Japan mobilised thousands of riot police to prevent any violence on the streets of Sapporo, the closest major city to the lakeside resort of Toyako, where world leaders will meet from Monday.

Dozens of masked protesters marching to rock music were warned by police against entering restricted areas as Japanese organisers of the rally called on the demonstrators to avoid violence and clashes with police.

“No violence! Please follow rules,” said one of the organisers with a loudspeaker before the protesters hit the street. “Thousands of police have come here from throughout the nation and are watching us!” Two protesters were arrested, organisers said, one of whom was a driver leading a group of protesters.

He refused to move his truck and riot police broke the vehicle’s side window before dragging him out, arresting him on the spot.

Security was tight for the rally, which brought together union activists, anti-war demonstrators, farmers and students in a park in Sapporo.

Riot police wearing helmets and carrying shields patrolled downtown streets and the central park, part of a 21,000-strong force deployed to ensure security for the summit.

“Of course violence is not good,” said a protester from London. “It does not cause any good.” ”But look at the number of cops here,” said the man, 50, who declined to be identified.

Despite the two arrests, the Sapporo rally, in which organisers estimated 5,000 people took part, was peaceful compared to protests in recent years.

Japanese authorities were taking no chances, refusing entry to 19 South Koreans, with others still detained at airports.—AFP