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146 German police officers injured in violent G-8 protests

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ROSTOCK, Germany (CNN) -- At least 146 German police officers were injured, 25 of them seriously, in clashes Saturday with about 2,000 protestors demonstrating ahead of next week's Group of Eight summit.

Protest organizers claimed 80,000 people were on hand, while police estimated the crowd at 25,000 in the port city of Rostock, six miles from the seaside resort of Heiligendamm where leaders from eight industrial nations will gather starting Wednesday.

Police officials said the violence was limited to a small number of radicals who had infiltrated the otherwise peaceful demonstrators. There have been 17 protesters arrested, officials said.

Video showed demonstrators throwing rocks and bottles at police, who responded with tear gas cannisters and fire hoses. The police, clad in riot gear, were pushed back at times, but the video showed several protestors bloodied in the clashes.

There were 13,000 police in Rostock to provide security ahead of the summit of industrialized nations.

Saturday's demonstration is just the first of a week-long series of events planned by an umbrella organization of various issue groups, including those advocating policies about global climate change, AIDS, and international trade.

Thousands are expected to camp out in Rostock as they await the start of the summit. In addition to the United States, The nations participating are

Organizers said they will attempt to blockade the airport as President Bush arrives Tuesday and later they will attempt to march from Rostock to the summit site in the resort town of Heiligendamm.

Rock star Bono will entertain them Thursday with a concert in Rostock.

CNN's Frederik Pleitgen in Rostock contributed to this report.

Iran government backers pack rallies Iranian political supporters jammed the streets of the capital and other cities Wednesday in response to anti-government rallies during Sunday's observances ...

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