Nine anti-war demonstrators were arrested for acts of civil disobedience Thursday after blocking access to the Capitol in protest of what they called America's unjust attack on Iraq.

Helena Police Officers and Capitol security guards blocked off the walkway with police tape and surrounded the protestors, who had massed against the southern doorways of the Capitol building.

Inside, the 58th legislative session continued without interruption while outside, demonstrators watched the sit-in from the south Capitol lawn. The action took place less than two hours after the disassembly of a larger anti-war protest, which included about 300 demonstrators.

Police brandished their handcuffs and closed in to make their inevitable arrests. Several teenage protestors gave up their stronghold on the Capitol doors after police told them they would be arrested if they refused to leave. The remaining protestors, however, didn't budge.

Holding signs reading "Not in my name" and draped in bed sheets painted with peace logos, the demonstrators held their ground as the crowd sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee."

James Grimes of Bozeman, a veteran of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, was among the demonstrators and one of the last to be arrested.

"I don't believe in innocent children and civilians dying," Grimes said. "I can't be over there to be a human shield."

Before police put another woman in handcuffs, she stated her displeasure with U.S. military action in Iraq.

"I don't believe in a preemptive strike on a country that is not a threat," she said.

"This is the only way we can demonstrate our opposition to the war," said protestor Bob Nichols.

Paul Edwards of Helena received a round of applause from the crowd as police led him away in handcuffs. Helena police officers treated the protestors gently and remained calm throughout the demonstration.

Protestors represented Helena, Bozeman and Livingston.

Lt. Mike Anderson of the Helena Police Department followed his officers though the gauntlet of applauding protestors.

"They were asked to leave several times," he said of those who were arrested.

The specific charges against the protestors were unavailable Thursday afternoon.