CLEVELAND (Sputnik) – Earlier, a Sputnik correspondent reported that at least a dozen protesters who attempted to burn the US flag outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, were arrested.
Protestor lit flag on fire, then lit himself on fire, catching others on fire. Flames extinguished by firefighters. No serious injuries.
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 20, 2016
US Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump is expected to accept the GOP presidential nomination at the convention.
17 arrests today. Total #RNCinCLE arrests thus far = 22. #RNCINFO
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 20, 2016
The total number of arrested since the start of the GOP convention in Cleveland now stands at 23.
There were more than one hundred police officers at the scene on Wednesday, including some on bicycles and horseback, and dozens clad in riot gear, according to the Sputnik correspondent.
All of those arrested today were involved in demonstrations. No media members, etc. were arrested.
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 20, 2016
The demonstration with the flag burning action was pre-planned, according to its organizers.
LIVE on #Periscope https://t.co/K7P8xOhgle
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 20, 2016
