HONG KONG (AP) - Police arrested 16 Falun Gong protesters, including four Swiss, a scuffle outside the Chinese government liaison office Thursday.
The group, which also included 12 Hong Kong people, had demanded that the Swiss be permitted to travel to Beijing, where authorities have recently rounded up Falun Gong protesters and deported some foreigners.
Hong Kong police broke up the demonstration after four hours when the Falun Gong members ignored an order to move away from the office's front door.
Police Superintendent Michael Chiu said the protesters were arrested for obstruction following a complaint from the Chinese government office.
He did not know whether charges would be filed or if the Swiss would be deported. Chinese authorities earlier denied the four visas.
When police moved in, the local Falun Gong followers tried to protect the Swiss, yelling and shoving as officers removed them. Other police kept reporters away.
From inside a police van, Swiss protester Erich Bachmann shouted that the Hong Kong police were supporting China President "Jiang Zemin's persecution."
Chiu denied claims that officers had assaulted the protesters.
He said some Falun Gong followers had recently entered the office and Chinese government workers inside had safety fears. Falun Gong has insisted all its actions are peaceful.
China has outlawed Falun Gong as an "evil cult." Although it maintains it is simply a spiritual and meditation group.
Falun Gong remains legal in Hong Kong where it carries out frequent protests against Beijing's attempts to eradicate the group in China.
It claims hundreds of followers have died in the custody of mainland police. China disputes charges of any abuse. Independent verification is impossible to obtain.