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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