400 protesters arrested at US capitol

  • 12/04/2016
Democracy Spring/Facebook
Democracy Spring/Facebook

Capitol Police in the United States have arrested more than 400 protesters from an organisation seeking to remove big money from politics.

The mostly calm and orderly demonstration by Democracy Spring resulted in arrests for what the US Capitol Police called "unlawful demonstration activity" such as crowding and obstruction.

Organisers vowed to repeat the demonstration every day for a week.

400 protesters arrested at US capitol

Democracy Spring/Facebook

The protest was held "to demand congress take immediate action to end the corruption of big money in our politics and ensure free and fair elections," said Democracy Spring on its website.

The group lists actor Mark Ruffalo and academic Noam Chomsky and dozens of well-known activist groups among its supporters.

"We believe this is the people's house, and congress should be responsive to the people. We need to protect voting rights," said Peter Callahan, the group's communications coordinator.

400 protesters arrested at US capitol

Democracy Spring/Facebook

Protesters hoisted a scarecrow-like effigy of a corporate lobbyist holding money bags and a sign reading, "Warning: massive civil disobedience is next."

Police arrested those who sat on the stairs of the East Front of the Capitol, the seat of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Reuters / Newshub.