Global Way Of Action
The latest huge global day of action focussed on the IMF and World Bank summits in Prague, on September 26th. These two institutions are greatly responsible for the carnage currently visited on the world, affecting most tragically the poorest inhabitants of the poorest countries.
Around The World
In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, more than 200 activists sat with linked arms and blocked traffic in the entire downtown area.
Meanwhile in Sao Paulo a peaceful protest was attacked by the Civil Guard after some property damage and painting the streets. One policeman lost his head and shot his gun off, but the crowd faced him off.
In Toronto, Canada, 200 marched thru the financial district, with one person arrested for involvement in J18.
150 demonstrators also paraded anti-capitalist banners in Montreal, ending at the Stock Exchange Tower. In many ways this was a building action for the upcoming Group of 20 meeting (G-20) in Montreal this October. A "G-20 Welcoming Committee" has formed, contact stopftaa-mtl@tao.ca
Despite bad weather in Cork, Ireland, about 60 people marched to protest against capitalism and the 'deaths from Debt' today. Led by a wooden coffin, they brought a major stoppage to traffic and met a sympathetic response.
Five hundred people reclaimed the streets in Berkeley , dancing to hip hop music. California Federal Bank and McDonalds were targeted and the evening ended with small bonfires in the street.
In Florida , Anarchists dropped a Banner in Solidarity.
During the evening in Malme, Sweden, anti-imperialists smashed all the bank windows around Nydalatorget square.
Authorities banned, the planned concert against capitalism in Moscow , so instead there was a noisy demonstration with many separate meeting places. A press release mockingly promised that demonstrators would trash a McDonalds, although there was no McD nearby. 6 were arrested for carrying banners and making speeches.
The carnival against capitalism in Wellington, New Zealand , saw police attack protesters after 150 people occupied a branch of the Westpac Bank. At least 13 people were arrested and several hurt.
At Chennai, India, Human Rights-Tamil Nadu Initiative, Jubilee-2000, Tamilnadu Womens Collective and Citizens for freedom of expression jointly organised a protest of 450 persons (402 women) against the IMF and World Bank. This is just one of over 150 different mobilisations throughout the country from September 26th until October 2nd (birthday of Mahatma Ghandi) against the WTO policies.
400 turned out in Washington, USA, most of them union members and activists involved in last Spring's protests of the World Bank/IMF. They rallied in support of local parking lot attendants who are trying to unionize. 35 who sat down and blocked traffic were arrested and transported away.
Hundreds of Connecticut activists also joined forces at Bushnell Park for an unpermitted mass march.
A newspaper spoof, the Financial Crimes, is available at: http://www.financialcrimes.com
There were two-days of action against IMF and WB in Kyiv, Ukraine, focussing on the repression happening in Prague. Worthless "IMF credits" were given out with leaflets in the street, as posters were pasted on the underground reading "More banks - less hospitals", "Credits -- heroin, IMF -- drug-pusher" etc.