Posted 23rd July 2001

Genoa - Other Side Of The Fence

Over 100,000 people were in the streets of Genoa, Italy, on Friday to express dissent against the closed meetings of the Group of 8. The 'G8' -leaders of the world's most economically powerful countries - meet yearly to discuss general international policy direction. Demonstrators from all over Europe have converged on Genoa to protest the undemocratic nature of the global social planning of the G8 meetings and to present alternative visions of the way the world's population could undo poverty, inequality and environmental disintegration. Italian authorities tried to derail the protests by creating a barricaded "no go" red zone near summit sites, deploying 20,000 riot police and army troops armed with tear gas, batons, and water cannons. Earlier authorities restricted border traffic, blocking entry to thousands of activists, and sealed off Genoa's harbor, airport and most train stations.

Yet, the manifestations [protests] have been extensive and spirited. The protests mark the climax of the European Summer of Resistance which included festivals and demonstrations around the continent in places like Barcelona, Bonn, Gothenburg, and Salzburg where activists expressed dissent against the severe consequences of neoliberal economic globalization and mobilized to create social models and actions toward global democracy. Thursday, over 50,000 were in streets to state their protest for, and offer alternatives to, worldwide immigration policy.

From July 16-22, the Genoa Social Forum is hosting organizations and groups from around the world who seek alternatives to the current destructive policies pursued by Western governments. The mainstream press, beyond the usual distortions of focusing on violence by the few, are beginning to consider the movement's positions and question the legitimacy of extensive, repressive police buildups in response to popular protest.

What Happened?

On Friday, while over 100,000 persons protested, thousands participated in acts of organized civil disobedience. Headed by the Italian Ya Bastas and Tutte Bianchi, activists attempted in various locations to break through the sealed off 'Red Zone' G8 security barriers. There has been one confirmed death in Genoa of a young man, Carlo Giuliani. He was then run over by a police vehicle.

There are still unconfirmed reports of a death of a woman. At least two others received serious injuries to the face after being hit with 40mm tear gas canisters. Many other people were injured. Alternative press members have been beaten and their equipment destroyed. Similar to previous alternative globalization protests, solidarity demonstrations have been organized worldwide against the G8 and the police violence in (see local IMC websites, left column, global site) locations such as Athens, Australia, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Germany, Los Angeles, New York City, Salzburg, Stockholm, San Francisco/Berkeley, Vancouver, and Washington DC.

Thursday saw a massive demonstration by migrants and anti-G8 protesters. At least 50,000 people met in the late afternoon to march through the town along the red zone. Migrants, greens, anarchists, communists, members of non-governmental organizations and many more demonstrated against the G8-meeting and policies that open the borders to trade, money and power while closing them to poor immigrants, refugees and dissenters. Thousands of people were prevented by authorities from reaching Genoa in the past few days.

See Indymedia for detailed coverage from other side of the fence. .

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