Police in cat and mouse game with protesters

Anthony Butcher · 05-07-2005, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Edinburgh city centre came to a standstill yesterday when anti-capitalist protesters clashed with police in the first outbreak of violence in the run-up to the G8 summit.

Tense standoffs developed at several locations as hundreds of officers in full riot gear used their shields to force back demonstrators trying to break through the cordon surrounding them.

Protest groups said police had been unnecessarily heavy-handed
In one incident four policemen chased a single activist through the crowd, only to be pelted with missiles ranging from sticks and plastic bottles to plants ripped up from Princes Street gardens.

Riot police were forced to draw their batons and use their shields after being confronted by masked anarchists waving sticks.

Several thousand officers, drawn from forces across Britain, were drafted on to the streets of Edinburgh after extreme groups threatened to cause major disruption in the capital's financial district during a so-called Carnival of Full Enjoyment.

Police advised shops to close for the day, and companies such as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Life told staff to wear casual clothes to stop them being targeted by anarchists.

But in the event, fewer than 30 people were arrested as about a thousand demonstrators played a game of cat and mouse with the police without smashing windows or causing any damage to financial buildings.

Protest groups and Edinburgh residents complained that police had been unnecessarily heavy-handed.

Jay Kaye, a spokesman for Dissent, said: "I didn't see any violence, but I did see riot police charging demonstrators. It really is a sad day for democracy if we can't voice our views without police escalating tension and causing trouble."

Paul Coppola, 52, a retired hotelier who was enjoying a day out in the city when he became caught behind police lines, said: "The police have been totally over the top. I saw them push a girl over and I think she was trampled in the rush. Everyone is penned in and can't leave."

Steph Cant, 16, who was sitting in Princes Street Gardens when the police charged, said: "This is disgraceful. I was enjoying a day out with my pals and now I can't go home. I was watching the protest and it was calming down and that was the moment the police got heavy and started battering people."

Senior officers criticised organisers of yesterday's demonstration, saying that "a hard core of determined activists" from across Europe were intent on causing disruption.

Tom Halpin, Assistant Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Their agenda was not lawful protest, this was about bringing disruption. Large numbers have been facing up to the police. They are clearly organised and co-ordinated.

"We have recovered maps, radios, mobile telephones and weapons, including stones and staves.

"The so-called carnival has been staged without discussion and clearly those involved are determined to cause as much disruption as possible."

The protests began when around 100 protesters, dressed in colourful fancy dress and wigs, emerged banging samba drums and blowing whistles.

As a police helicopter buzzed overhead, the group, which described itself as The Fairy Army, danced along Princes Street, closely watched by officers, some in riot gear and some on horseback.

The demonstrators intended to make their way to Princes Street Gardens for a picnic, but within 30 minutes of setting off they found themselves penned INTO phpbb_a street unable to leave for more than two hours.

Elsewhere in the capital, members of the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army, dressed in clown outfits, poked fun at officers in riot gear and performed slapstick comedy in front of police lines.

mkpdavies · 05-07-2005, 03:06 AM

You wait until the police have tasers! Fried clown anyone?

Anthony Butcher · 05-07-2005, 03:09 AM

I think that we should consider going along to big events like this and filming what happens. There is certainly some room for political involvement, whether in the form of criticising rioters or prosecuting police for assault (obviously depending upon who was causing the trouble).

I would certainly like to see what goes on for myself.

mkpdavies · 05-07-2005, 03:12 AM

You would be lynched by the protesters on this occasion if they knew you were UKIP.

Anthony Butcher · 05-07-2005, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkpdavies

You would be lynched by the protesters on this occasion if they knew you were UKIP.

That is why I used the word "we". I will stand behind you and film them lynching you.

mkpdavies · 05-07-2005, 03:30 AM

I'd take 10 of them with me.

Anthony Butcher · 05-07-2005, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkpdavies

I'd take 10 of them with me.

We could nickname you Boromir afterwards...

Seriously though, I think that we ought to start getting involved in big events - notby hijacking them, but by being there, being part of them and reporting back on what really happens.

You are always advocating putting videos on the websites; so let's make some of our own.

Perhaps this could be another affinity group if anyone is interested? This might be a good starting point for Youthkip as well.

John Carter · 05-07-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Jay Kaye, a spokesman for Dissent, said: "I didn't see any violence, but I did see riot police charging demonstrators. It really is a sad day for democracy if we can't voice our views without police escalating tension and causing trouble."

I think it's a sad day for democracy when the residents of the places can't go about their daily business because there's a bunch of hippies (who're trying to "have their say" and can't remember how to compose a letter in which to do so) blocking their way.

Should have sprayed the lot with a water cannon loaded with a mild, yet effective, soap. That'd have 'em running for cover.

Hereward the Wake · 05-07-2005, 12:21 PM

I think it's a sad day for democracy when war criminals, liars and euro-federalists attempt to held there sordid meetings in this green and pleasant land.

Lets go to Edinburgh and ensure President Bush never can set foot in Britain again.

Compose a letter, bah, the only language Blair really understands is violence.

John Carter · 05-07-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hereward the Wake

Lets go to Edinburgh and ensure President Bush never can set foot in Britain again.

Let's not. Bush is a way better man than any of our politicians. For starters, he actually understands that he's been elected to serve his own people (Americans) and puts them first rather than putting everyone else first (like Blair does).

We'd be far better off as a country if we found our own Bush and elected him to serve us.

05-07-2005, 03:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 31,158 Party: Libertarian Party	You wait until the police have tasers! Fried clown anyone? __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

05-07-2005, 03:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 31,158 Party: Libertarian Party	You would be lynched by the protesters on this occasion if they knew you were UKIP. __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

05-07-2005, 03:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
mkpdavies Uber Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Woking Posts: 31,158 Party: Libertarian Party	I'd take 10 of them with me. __________________ http://brits4ronpaul.blogspot.com/ http://wokinglibertarians.blogspot.com/ http://lpuk.org My ignore list Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

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05-07-2005, 03:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Anthony Butcher Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Long Ashton, Bristol Posts: 10,205 Party: None	I think that we should consider going along to big events like this and filming what happens. There is certainly some room for political involvement, whether in the form of criticising rioters or prosecuting police for assault (obviously depending upon who was causing the trouble). I would certainly like to see what goes on for myself.

05-07-2005, 12:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
Hereward the Wake Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Posts: 237	I think it's a sad day for democracy when war criminals, liars and euro-federalists attempt to held there sordid meetings in this green and pleasant land. Lets go to Edinburgh and ensure President Bush never can set foot in Britain again. Compose a letter, bah, the only language Blair really understands is violence.