Police arrest 100 Davos protesters

DAVOS, Switzerland (CNN) -- About 100 people were arrested in Zurich following violence by anti-capitalism protesters transported back from the World Economic Forum.

The demonstrators were put on trains in the Swiss ski resort of Davos and surrounding areas on Saturday after they held an illegal protest outside the conference centre.

Police in Davos used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets and later deployed the same tactics in Zurich when protesters set cars on fire.

Security remained strong in Davos itself on Sunday with all passes being checked and roadblocks and checkpoints near the congress centre.

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With helicopters buzzing overhead and barbed wire fences erected at strategic points, Switzerland's winter tourist heartland resembled a battle zone rather than an Alpine paradise.

Demonstrators said that despite a ban during the summit -- and heavy snowfall -- they were determined to deliver their message, against spreading globalisation, to the corporate bosses.

"We have to fight for the right to freedom of expression," said Kees Hudig, who came from Amsterdam.

Hudig -- as well as many Swiss newspapers and local people -- said the police response was heavy handed.

"They will have a big backlash," he said.

After a short stand-off on Saturday, demonstrators began to disperse about a kilometre (half a mile) from the convention centre where the forum was being held. The noise of the demonstrators was not heard inside the centre.

About 600 others were blocked on Saturday at Landquart, about 40 kilometres (25 miles away), where they blocked a major rail line between Zurich and many of eastern Switzerland's ski resorts.

Scuffles were also reported in Klosters, a nearby resort favoured by the British royal family for skiing vacations.

Police used water cannons in Chiasso, a town on the border with Italy, to disperse protesters trying to enter Switzerland.

Davos itself was almost cut off from the outside world. Most stores closed and McDonald's -- which had its windows smashed last year -- disappeared behind protective boards.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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