2007-06-02
Thousands marched in Rostock against the G8
The morning of June 2nd started out with the G8 being the top story as the
Police in Schwerin banned a planned march by the Neo-Nazi nationalist
party NPD. Police had said before that they feared they would not be
able to protect the nationalist march by the strong and organised
Antifascist Action group, which also had planned a counter-demonstration
in a nearby part of the city.
As 40 buses of neo-nazis freely rolled out of Schwerin to participate in
other demonstrations, the police encircled and arrested approximately
100 anti-fascist protestors for several hours. Police alleged that all of
them had
covered their faces with black masks, a tactic used by German
anti-racists to hide their identity from Nazis who photograph them and
then place photos on neo-Nazi web-sites urging attacks on them.
In Rostock at the large national anti-G8 march, protest organisers
announced that tens of thousands of people were in attendance. The
demonstration was
colorful and drew families as well as more radical people, both locals and
internationals. There were
numerous large banners, some criticising capitalism and the outcomes of
policies of the G8 nations and others lamenting widespread starvation
in Africa.
The situation turned violent towards the end of the march when
aggressive police began to provoke and attack sections of the crowd A
colorful Pink and Silver section of the demonstration attempted to calm
the situation as police charged into the march and randomly attacked
people. One participant said, "The police have to start violence in
order to justify their previous statements about fears of violent
elements at G8 protests. They have failed so far in their efforts to
criminalise all protests, and now will attempt to say to the press that
they showed restraint in Rostock. However, those who were there all saw
the Police use truncheons and pepper spray when totally unprovoked.
de.indymedia.org reported that water canons mixed with tear gas were fired
directly into the crowd during the closing rally, even as police
prevented protesters from leaving through the only exit, despite the fact
that the speeches and music had stopped.
Demonstration organiser Monty Schaedel was affected by the police violence.
He was sprayed with tear gas into his eyes. He described this as
“outrageous, stupid and provocative”.
Alex Smith from media G8way added that despite such massive police
repression and deliberate provocation those who disagree with the G8 will
not be suppressed and will be strengthened in their resolve to continue with
daily anti-G8 actions leading up to the summit.
On June 6, people are expected to attempt to
shut down the Rostock Laage airport as G8 leaders arrive as well as to
blockade roads to Heiligendam.
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Media G8way does not claim responsibility for the content of the statements it
distributes on behalf of the groups or individuals who use its service. Media
G8way is an international press service for individuals, groups, networks and
(dis)organizations who understand themselves to be part of an independent
radical left movement against the G8.
Contact:
Alex Smith +49 16092437902
Jo Smith + 49 015774630348
g8-press-int@nadir.org
http://dissentnetzwerk.org/node/2669