Malaysian protesters shift from streets to stadium

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian opposition-backed activists have agreed to move a planned rally for electoral fairness to a stadium instead of marching through the streets.

Protest organizers met the country's constitutional monarch Tuesday and announced they have accepted the government's proposal for the July 9 rally to be held in a stadium.

The compromise reduces the likelihood of a clash between protesters and police. Authorities recently detained nearly 200 people linked to the planned demonstration amid escalating political tensions.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has said authorities won't allow a street demonstration because it could trigger chaos in Kuala Lumpur. He said the government would have no objections to a rally in a stadium.