Police Shut Down IMF/World Bank Protest Headquarters Amid Fire Code Concerns

Protesters' convergence center, occupied by hundreds of demonstrators from all over the world, was closed down by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday morning, citing fire safety violations. The raid occurred just a day before the planned mobilization to shut down the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Protest organizers claimed the shutdown was an attempt to prevent them from voicing their concerns about the IMF and the World Bank's financial policies, which they say have damaged the environment and caused social and economic havoc in developing countries.

Key Takeaways:

• The Washington Metropolitan Police Department shut down the IMF/World Bank protest headquarters on Saturday morning, citing fire code violations.
• The convergence center, occupied by hundreds of protesters, had a kitchen with propane tanks, which allegedly violated Washington's fire code.
• Protest organizers claimed the shutdown was an attempt to prevent them from voicing their concerns about the IMF and the World Bank's financial policies.
• Over 20 policemen closed off the street where the building is located, and hundreds of protesters of all ages, races, and dress codes stood calmly on the sidewalk, awaiting instructions from head activists.
• Although police appeared to have confiscated most of the puppets the demonstrators had made, Jennifer Krill, a Rainforest Action Network activist, stated that they would still have a great demonstration.
• Two people were arrested, but police were unable to confirm any arrests.
• Demonstrators reported finding the shutdown attempt as a way to hamper their efforts, but instead, it has strengthened their resolve to be out in the streets tomorrow.

Statistics:

• 20 policemen closed off the street where the building is located.
• Hundreds of protesters were occupying the convergence center.
• 2 people were arrested, but police were unable to confirm any arrests.
• 11 countries were represented by a group of 25 people who visited the home of World Bank President James Wolfensohn to hand-deliver a letter at 6:00 a.m.
• The protest is expected to shut down the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Sources:

• United Press International
• Rainforest Action Network
• Mobilization for Global Justice
• National Lawyers Guild
• Washington Metropolitan Police Department
• The Washington Post
• The Guardian