LONDON (AFP) — Thousands of angry demonstrators rallied in London Wednesday on the eve of a G20 summit on the global economic crisis, as police deployed in force.
Amid bright spring sunshine, demonstrators rallied to causes ranging from helping the world’s poor, action against climate change and punishing those reponsible for the current downturn.
“It’s our money they’ve stolen” read a placard branded outside the Bank of England, as huge crowds gathered in the City to protest Thursday’s summit.
One protestor dressed as the Grim Reaper led the rally to the central bank, where demonstrators chanted: “Build a bonfire, build a bonfire. Put the bankers on the top.
“Put (Prime Minister) Gordon Brown in the middle. And then burn the ... lot,” they added.
The Times described the pre-summit security lockdown as “Fortress London” while the City AM newspaper ran the frontpage headline: “G20: A City Under Siege.”
The threat of terrorism is also taken seriously — and while there is no specific information about an attack, police are on high alert with the national terror threat level at “severe”, meaning an attack is “highly likely.”
Police say around 2,500 officers are taking part in the massive operation to secure the G20, along with more to protect and escort world leaders and international officials at the summit.
All leave for officers in London has been cancelled for the summit and police have been called in from five other forces to bolster available resources....
Four pro-capitalists can be seen - with one holding a “Who is John Galt?” placard, a reference to the Ayn Rand novel Atlas Shrugged. Another protestor held a placard against government intervention in the economy.
so there are around 4,000 protesters?? Like a Million Moron March
No mention of SOCIALISM. No mention of DEATH THREATS (what do they think rhetoric about burning people alive is???).
I loathe the Liberal establishment.