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Report: Violent protests unlikely in London

By Fu Jing and Li Qian (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-28 18:33

London: Thousands of demonstrators held a large-scale protest in London Saturday, ushering in a series of protests days ahead of the Group 20 (G20) financial summit to be held in the British capital, but observers say this year's rallies are not likely to turn violent.

More than 150 non-governmental organizations concerning climate change and other global issues participated in the rally. Some say they hope the world leaders will work to achieve new "global justice" while gathering in the conference.

A local risk analysis company on Friday forecast that protest groups are planning a series of demonstrations in the days leading up to the G20 summit on April 2 and limited disruption of traffic and businesses is likely.

However, protests are unlikely to be large-scale, except for one scheduled for Saturday, going from Temple Underground station on the Embankment to Hyde Park in London.

The results were provided by Exclusive Analysis, which produced a report on civil unrest risks during the G20 summit in London with maps of planned and likely locations for marches.

The risk-forecasting company said the risk of small-scale vandalism around the G20 summit will be greatest in the City of London; locations of property damage will likely be influenced by policing decisions.

"It will not bring huge violence," the company said. But "smash of windows, and quarrel with police" are possible.

On April 1 and 2, it is likely that instances of small-scale violent protests involving hundreds rather than thousands of activists will occur. The risk of violent protests will probably be highest in the City of London on 1 April at noon and in the afternoon, and on April 2 outside the security perimeter of the Excel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock.

The analysts assess the risks to individuals to be minimal, contrary to media reports that City employees wearing suits and ties would be targeted on March 28.