208 protesters were arrested after confrontations with riot police in the hours before the U.N. climate conference to be held in Paris, Monday. The New York Times reports that 174 of those arrested are being detained for possible charges, according to France’s interior minister.

French President Francois Hollande referred to the behavior of some protesters as “scandalous.” The actions were allegedly “disruptive” and had little to do with environmental concerns. The place of the protests, Place de la Republique has been designated as a memorial area for victims of the attacks in Paris that took place Nov. 13.

According to police, tear gas was used to stop several hundred people from throwing objects at forces, including memorial candles.

Climate group 350.org distanced themselves from other protesters, saying that the protesters throwing the projectiles were “unaffiliated with the climate movement.” Two peaceful demonstrations took place after a ban was placed on marches, due to France’s state of emergency following the Nov. 13 attacks.

According to 350.org, protesters that engaged in violence went against a “nonviolent pledge that every group in the climate coalition agreed to.” The statement, issued by the group, conveyed hope that further freedoms would not be hindered during the conference.

Sources say that an effort between countries and high-profile businesses and companies will be announced Monday. The effort is expected to put tens of billions of dollars toward the development of clean energy, in an attempt to fight climate change.

An anonymous French source says that the event, known as the “Clean Tech Initiative” will be attended by President Hollande. The initiative is being launched by Microsoft founder Bill Gates. According to the source, France, the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea will be participating in the initiative.