Protesters have resumed a blockade of the U.N. offices in Sri Lanka's capital after police abandoned their efforts to free workers trapped inside.
Hundreds of protesters, led by the country's housing minister and Buddhist monks, laid siege to the building Tuesday demanding an end to U.N. investigations into alleged abuses committed during the country's civil war.
Police moved in and began dismantling a stage that blocked a gate to the compound and escorting staff and their vehicles out.
But forces withdrew after Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa ordered them to stop. His supporters manhandled one officer. Some U.N. staff are still trapped inside the building.
Hundreds of protesters, led by the country's housing minister and Buddhist monks, laid siege to the building Tuesday demanding an end to U.N. investigations into alleged abuses committed during the country's civil war.
Police moved in and began dismantling a stage that blocked a gate to the compound and escorting staff and their vehicles out.
But forces withdrew after Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa ordered them to stop. His supporters manhandled one officer. Some U.N. staff are still trapped inside the building.
