Thousands of riot police blocked a protest rally Saturday by dissidents calling for the overthrow of President Roh Tae-woo and the expulsion of U.S. troops. Police arrested more than 500 people.

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The government deployed about 7,000 troops in a major show of strength. Hundreds of police in combat fatigues with shields blocked off the park where the rally was to be held. Other officers blanketed the city center.Dissidents and radical students staged scattered, peaceful protests in the downtown area after the rally was blocked. Bands of students attempted to march in some downtown areas but were quickly dispersed and some students were dragged away.

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