An unidentified protester is released from Edinburgh's Sheriff's court in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland

As many as 100 protesters are appearing in an Edinburgh, Scotland court, following violent clashes with police ahead of the G8 summit in the nearby resort of Gleneagles this week.

Officials say that among the suspects are anarchists who traveled to Scotland from other parts of Europe.

Police say the violence erupted Monday when protesters began bombarding them with bricks, paving stones and park benches. Riot police clashed with the demonstrators for several hours, bringing Edinburgh's city-center to a standstill.

Several police and protesters were treated for minor injuries.

The musician who organized last week's massive "Live 8" concerts for African aid, Bob Geldof, dismissed the protesters as "idiots."

Police in Edinburgh say they are prepared for large-scale demonstrations once the summit of the world's seven leading industrial countries plus Russia opens on Wednesday.