A total of 188 anti-WTO protesters arrested during Saturday's violent demonstrations have been released, a Hong Kong police spokesman said Sunday evening.

The Consulate General of South Korea was informed of the decision, who promptly arranged to receive their nationals. As regards the remainders, investigation is continuing.

The process to complete the necessary procedures, including interviewing individuals through interpreters, had met with some difficulties because of the uncooperative attitude of the arrested persons and arranging interpretation service, the spokesman said.

"Yesterday's implorable acts require police to conduct thorough follow up investigation in order to identify persons responsible for the disturbances that saw significant disruption to life in Wanchai district," he said.

"We reiterate that we respect individual's freedom of expression but condemn those who blatantly cause breach of peace by acts of violence," he added.

Demonstrations turned violent Saturday night. Around 114 were injured during the clashes between protesters and police. Demonstrators hit policemen with bamboo sticks, and police used pepper spray and smoke grenades to disperse protesters. Around 900 protesters were arrested.

Source: Xinhua