Thousands of protesters have descended on Malaysia’s capital – despite the closing of key roads – to attend a banned rally demanding electoral reforms. Police fired rounds of tear gas and used water cannons to disperse the crowds. Police in the capital said more than 1,400 people were arrested Saturday. Most were expected to be released within a few hours.

Protesters from Bersih, a group of 62 non-governmental organizations and opposition parties, gathered in Kuala Lumpur early Saturday chanting anti-government slogans.