Clashes Erupt in London as G-20 Protesters Confront Police

Strategic Insights -

Protesters, predominantly from anti-capitalist and anarchist groups, converged on London's financial district, known as "The City," ahead of the G-20 summit. The demonstrations, branded "Financial Fool's Day," drew over 4,000 participants, who clashed with riot police in central London. The protests turned violent, with protesters vandalizing the Bank of England and smashing windows at the Royal Bank of Scotland. An effigy of a banker was set ablaze, and more than 30 people were arrested.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 4,000 protesters, including anarchists, anti-capitalists, environmentalists, and Tibetans, converged on London's financial district to protest against the global financial crisis.
  • Protesters clashed with riot police, resulting in the vandalization of the Bank of England and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
  • The protests turned violent, with the use of projectiles, such as paint, eggs, and fruit, against police lines.
  • A group of anarchists, skinheads, and masked protesters repeatedly attacked a police cordon.
  • A small mob broke into a closed RBS bank branch, stole keyboards, and used them to break windows.
  • Protesters used spray-painted graffiti on the RBS building, writing "Class War" and "Thieves."
  • Mounted riot police eventually pushed the protesters back.
  • The protests were called ahead of the G-20 summit, where world leaders hope to take concrete steps to resolve the global financial crisis.

Statistics:

  • Over 4,000 protesters clogged London's financial district.
  • More than 30 people were arrested during the protests.
  • The protests resulted in the vandalization of the Bank of England and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Sources:

  • Raphael G. Satter, The Associated Press London --