Israeli police arrest 85 after rally turns violent

JERUSALEM - The Associated Press

AFP Photo

Israeli police say 85 protesters were arrested after clashing with officers and vandalizing banks in Tel Aviv.
 
The demonstrators had gathered Saturday night to protest the arrest of 12 social activists a day earlier. Some blocked main roads and scuffled with police.
 
Police say others shattered windows on five banks. Media reported that in one case, protesters charged inside a bank and planted a tent, the symbol of social protests that swept the country last summer.
 
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says police made the arrests to prevent looting. He estimated there were 1,500 demonstrators in the protests, though media reports gave a number four times higher.
 
Activist leader Dafni Leef accused police of brutality, saying officers bruised and humiliated her when they detained her Friday. She was released on bail.