Breaking News Reports From WEF in NY
Anti-WEF in New York : Breaking News Section Also see:IMC New York: http://nyc.indymedia.orgIMC NY Breaking News Section:http://nyc.indymedia.org/breaknews.php
Sunday 03.02.02:
The Anti-capitalist Convergence (ACC) announced it will be converging at 12:30pm today, on St. Marks Place for "a brisk stroll around the neighborhood." The stroll will begin at 1:00 and will include... music.
Saturday 02.02.02:
Roundup
After a small number of unwarrented arrests, thousands of people (20,000 in total?) took to the streets in a variety of legal (permitted) and illegal marches.
Things started in high spirits with two main marches, an RTS style event and the Another World Is Possible (AWIP) march. With huge puppets and banners the two groups of thousands of merged together, their combined numbers being more than 8000, with many still yet to arrive.
The peaceful nature and carnival atmosphere (pic) of the crowd who were now preparing to march to the Astoria hotel (a legal route, with action designation as green ie no violence, no poperty destruction) was soon challenged as police aggresively and violently moved in to try and seperate elements of the crowd. Riot police used batons and pepper spray (and later gas) to try and isolate those wearing black and red as arrests started to be made. Yet again 'zero tolerance' policing tactics mean repressive 'no protest' tactics. Sections of the crowd resisted being pushed towards waiting police buses and many people had excessive force used against them.
The police backed off and the march was able to continue, however the tone had been set for the day. As the march got near to the Astoria hotel riot police again began a series of interventions against the legal route, blocking the path of the protest and trying to split the crowd (memories of Mayday anyone?) Arrests were now being made in several locations and the progress of the march was slowed as police tried to channel it into tighter spaces. As things fragmented several groups of protestors became seperated and blocked in different areas. By now it was clear that despite the peaceful nature of the protestors police had their own plan to divide, detain and demoralise the protestors. Surveillance filming and wholesale photographing of demonstrators was also the order of the day and not just for those arrested (pic). As people departed the arrest total stood at 40 with many of these being under unprovocked circumstances.
In Munich, Germany, those demonstrating at the anti-NATO protests recieved similar but harsher treatment with over 700 arrested. Just like New York peaceful demonstrators were attacked and arrested by riot police. Through all of this repression however the protestors remained determined and defiant, ready to take to the streets to bring attention to, and take action on the issues.
=====BREAKING NEWS======
9:06pm EST According to a report from the Peoples Law Collective there have been 40 arrests, at this stage it looks like they are mostly minor charges.
8:41pm EST We have received a report that Approx 200 people performed a spiral dance, meditated and sang at Grand Central station. The police surrounded and threatened the group and repeatedly asked them to stop. Eventually the police waited for the group to complete their ritual. At this point nobody else remains.
7:55pm EST Protestors have been allowed to leave in groups of ten. We have received a report that nobody is now left at 46th and park.
7:46pm EST Those arrested are still in Grand Central. Please call the police at 212 340 2480 and ask that the people get released without charges.
7:30pm EST A transgender person (ftm) was arrested for using the mens bathroom. Two other people were also arrested as they tried to protect him.
7:23pm EST we have received a report that at 46th and park there are approximately 200 people, surrounded by barricades and police. They are not able to leave other than single file. A legal observer said a few people are being picked off for arrest as they attempt to leave.
7:18pm EST there is a pagan festival occuring grand central subway station. there are many police in attendance also.. so i guess its a pagan pig party..
6:39pm EST Reports of a small group in the region of 46th and park, police are following them.
6:11pm EST It is confirmed that negotiations with police have resulted in the peaceful exit of the dragon from the scene.
6:10pm EST According to reports negotiations are currently underway to allow the peaceful protestors south of 48th join the smaller legally 'sanctioned' march north of that point.
6:08pm EST According to reports, the group of protestors south of the 'sanctioned' march are currently stopped at 48th and Park and unable to leave north or south. Approximately 5000 police outnumber the protestors and are taking a lot of videotape of the protestors.
5:49pm EST The police have opened barriers at 47th and park and connected the two pens at 47th and 48th on park, the crowd is now diminishing, apparently due to frustration caused by the divide and rule police tactics that may have broken the momentum for the march in the cold air. the dragon may have left the cage.
5:40pm EST unconfirmed reports that the protestors are trying to break the barrier at 47th and Park, this is also the last known location for the dragon
5:23pm EST according to unidentified police reports, police are looking for a dragon at 47th and park..
5:06pm EST allgedly march has been divided at 46th and park, the much larger group, south and east along 46th are not being allowed to join the 'sanctioned' march north of that point along park
4:48pm EST The Peoples Law Collective reports thirty confirmed arrests.
4:42pm EST according to reports, police are forcing protestors into a two person wide channel and taking photos of protestors as they pass through
4:32pm EST the united march currently stretches along 46 from 2nd to park and three blocks up park, trying to go west, and appears to be blocked at this time
4:18pm EST Reportedly, there are now three marches in the vicinity of the Waldorf: one contingent stretches 10 blocks up Lexington, and is estimated at 20,00 people. A second contingent has been separated from the main group. International ANSWER is marching as well, and was last counted at 2000 people.
4:06pm EST According to reports, several hundred people have been separated from the march. The marchers have turned around, hooked back up with protesters, and are proceeding forward again.
4:04pm EST Unconfirmed reports that the Black Bloc has knocked over some barriers at 46th & 3rd and the situation has become intense.
3:58pm EST The Black Bloc has begun to knock over barriers at 46th street and 3rd Ave. The situation is very very tense.
3:58pm EST Marchers are stuck on 46th St. between Park and Madison. Police are blocking off both avenues.
3:56pm EST Billy Bragg is now performing on Park Avenue between 47th and 48th.
3:53pm EST Unconfirmed reports that there have been 72 arrests in the course of the day.
3:49pm EST As marchers have begun to approach the Waldorf, on 46th street reports are that it is blocked in on both sides between Madison and Park.
3:41pm EST The marches have begun to converge at the Waldorf-Astoria. The scene is still being described as very calm. AWIP / RTS has begun to march west on 46th st.
3:34pm EST Reports from 48th street are that the scene of the march here is largely calm.
3:34pm EST Police holding people back from the West of Park Avenue. It has been estimated that there are 25,000 demonstrators in the streets of NYC.
3:30pm EST At 56th & 5th Avenue it has been reported that 4 or 5 people have been arrested including an elderly man and a woman's head is being pushed into the pavement.
3:30pm EST The march has now grown to a point that marchers are negotiating with police for more space on the street.
3:18pm EST Dozens of arrests are reported at Columbus Circle and throughout the city. Confirmed reports that the police have been making targeted arrests and using excessive force.
2.15 EST Multiple police arrests outside Plaza Hotel. Confirmed reports that pepper spray and excessive police force were used when targeting protesters. The march was temporarily blocked but it is now continuing. Audio Reports 1 ¦ 2
1.50 EST The march around 59th and 5th (the southeastcorner of Central Park) has a festive atmosphere although police presence is increasing. Video
1.45 EST A dozen people have been arrested at Columbus Circle.
1.07 EST The Reclaim the Streets (RTS) march has now joined up with Another World is Possible (AWIP). The joint marchers may number over 8000 people. They have begun the march on the Waldorf-Astoria. Audio reports 1 ¦ 2 ¦ Audio report.
11.30am Midd day report by IMC reporter.
11.24am There have been unconfirmed reports that there has been one arrest near Columbus Circle. Reasons for the arrest are unclear. Pics and report.Prior to the arrest, three cars loaded with puppets were ticketed for "obstucted vision in a vehicle."
9.50am Police have reportedly arrested at least two people for wearing masks at a rally at 52nd and Park.
Early morning solidarity banner drop above motorway in Oakland, CA (pic)
===========
Friday 01.02.02:
The day before protests begin in earnest saw the counter-conferences in full swing, with the national Students for Global Justice conference attracting over 1000 since it began on Thursday. Many more activists have gathered at the Public Eye on Davos summit near the United Nations building (photo).
Amidst continuing police harassment on the streets the NYCLU criticised the police for their overly confrotational tone in preparing for the protests. New York's 'Civilian Complaint Review Board' agreed to stay open on saturday to deal with police misconduct complaints. Meanwhile the official WEF website is still out of action for a second day running after several online actions (see Thursday reports for details).
Solidarity actions were seen in several countries across the world including Switzerland (home of the WEF). In Lausanne around 80 people marched through the streets carrying brooms to sweep away WEF and stopped to protest outside a swiss bank, the post office hq (which is to be privitised) and a MacDonalds. In Davos (WEF hq) the authorities gave a grant for a demonstration - to only one person! The 79 year old local councillor, was permitted to demonstrate on Saturday between 13 and 16.30 o'clock in Davos along a proscribed route, while sympathizers were barred from participating. In Zurich 2000 people gathered for an anti-WEF demonstration, also in solidarity with the anti-NATO protests in Munich. By around 9.20pm the police dispersed the demonstration using tear gas and water cannon. A Roles Royce garage, newspaper office and several cars were damaged, either smashed or graffitied (no confirmation on the number of arrests). Meanwhile in Munich itself riot police made around 250 arrests after they surrounded the peaceful crowd of 2000 after a press conference - see Munich Breaking News.
===========
Arrests made at attempt to Reclaim Charis Community Space. Charis (sp?) had been community centre for 22 years. It was recently bought out and shut down. At around 10.30pm EST, 40 people participated in an impromptu action to reclaim it, but police were on the scene within seconds and arrested four people.
===========
Also in the early evening around 1500 people gathered for a pagan inspired celebration / vigil with chanting and drumming to mark the official start of the larger actions tomorrow. Photos
===========
In the early evening The Not With Our Money Coalition protested against the privatisation of prisons at the 'Four Seasons' where Elton John was performing to a very select crowd of only 200 WEF delegates during a Lehman Brothers-sponsored concert.
===========
Late afternoon saw more protests outside the clothing retailer GAP after yesterdays 1000 strong union demo, with activists demonstrating against the corporate practices of logging old-growth redwood forests. Eighty police were on duty. when protestors wheeling sections of logged trees arrived they were mobbed by corporate media. There was also a protest against Remy Cointreau's abuse of Haitian plantation workers (pics).
Report 1 (+ 8 Pics) : Report 2 : Pic
===========
The remaining ACTUP protestors arrested before a banner drop were released this morning after 21 hours in jail.
===========
Thursday 31.01.02:
Around 1000 union members and other protest outside GAP on 5th Avenue, showing solidarity with 3rd world workers that are exploited by US corporations.
Video Photo 1 2 *new: Report+12pics
===========
7 activists from aids group ACTUP were arrested for trespass just before a banner drop.
Report Photo
===========
WEF website becomes unavailable at 10.30 am NY time due to various Netstrike Actions.
http://www.thing.net/~rdom/ecd/fools.html
http://www.geocities.com/net_strike_net
===========
Early morning protests occur just around the corner from the WEF building. FOE protestors decide not to meet WEF representitives but to protest outside. Members of Falun Gong the chinese spiritual movement also protest.
Report (including photos) Photos 2
===========
ADDITIONAL INFO:
New York Indymedia newspaper the Indypendenthas background on the WEF including:
Guide to the WEF
High School Students Ready For WEF
Reclaiming the World: A look at direct action protests
Review of the book "Empire"
Media Analysis of pre-WEF coverage
Benjamin Barber Speaks About the WEF
WEF Member Corporate Crime Index
The Anti-capitalist Convergence (ACC) announced it will be converging at 12:30pm today, on St. Marks Place for "a brisk stroll around the neighborhood." The stroll will begin at 1:00 and will include... music.
Saturday 02.02.02:
Roundup
After a small number of unwarrented arrests, thousands of people (20,000 in total?) took to the streets in a variety of legal (permitted) and illegal marches.
Things started in high spirits with two main marches, an RTS style event and the Another World Is Possible (AWIP) march. With huge puppets and banners the two groups of thousands of merged together, their combined numbers being more than 8000, with many still yet to arrive.
The peaceful nature and carnival atmosphere (pic) of the crowd who were now preparing to march to the Astoria hotel (a legal route, with action designation as green ie no violence, no poperty destruction) was soon challenged as police aggresively and violently moved in to try and seperate elements of the crowd. Riot police used batons and pepper spray (and later gas) to try and isolate those wearing black and red as arrests started to be made. Yet again 'zero tolerance' policing tactics mean repressive 'no protest' tactics. Sections of the crowd resisted being pushed towards waiting police buses and many people had excessive force used against them.
The police backed off and the march was able to continue, however the tone had been set for the day. As the march got near to the Astoria hotel riot police again began a series of interventions against the legal route, blocking the path of the protest and trying to split the crowd (memories of Mayday anyone?) Arrests were now being made in several locations and the progress of the march was slowed as police tried to channel it into tighter spaces. As things fragmented several groups of protestors became seperated and blocked in different areas. By now it was clear that despite the peaceful nature of the protestors police had their own plan to divide, detain and demoralise the protestors. Surveillance filming and wholesale photographing of demonstrators was also the order of the day and not just for those arrested (pic). As people departed the arrest total stood at 40 with many of these being under unprovocked circumstances.
In Munich, Germany, those demonstrating at the anti-NATO protests recieved similar but harsher treatment with over 700 arrested. Just like New York peaceful demonstrators were attacked and arrested by riot police. Through all of this repression however the protestors remained determined and defiant, ready to take to the streets to bring attention to, and take action on the issues.
=====BREAKING NEWS======
9:06pm EST According to a report from the Peoples Law Collective there have been 40 arrests, at this stage it looks like they are mostly minor charges.
8:41pm EST We have received a report that Approx 200 people performed a spiral dance, meditated and sang at Grand Central station. The police surrounded and threatened the group and repeatedly asked them to stop. Eventually the police waited for the group to complete their ritual. At this point nobody else remains.
7:55pm EST Protestors have been allowed to leave in groups of ten. We have received a report that nobody is now left at 46th and park.
7:46pm EST Those arrested are still in Grand Central. Please call the police at 212 340 2480 and ask that the people get released without charges.
7:30pm EST A transgender person (ftm) was arrested for using the mens bathroom. Two other people were also arrested as they tried to protect him.
7:23pm EST we have received a report that at 46th and park there are approximately 200 people, surrounded by barricades and police. They are not able to leave other than single file. A legal observer said a few people are being picked off for arrest as they attempt to leave.
7:18pm EST there is a pagan festival occuring grand central subway station. there are many police in attendance also.. so i guess its a pagan pig party..
6:39pm EST Reports of a small group in the region of 46th and park, police are following them.
6:11pm EST It is confirmed that negotiations with police have resulted in the peaceful exit of the dragon from the scene.
6:10pm EST According to reports negotiations are currently underway to allow the peaceful protestors south of 48th join the smaller legally 'sanctioned' march north of that point.
6:08pm EST According to reports, the group of protestors south of the 'sanctioned' march are currently stopped at 48th and Park and unable to leave north or south. Approximately 5000 police outnumber the protestors and are taking a lot of videotape of the protestors.
5:49pm EST The police have opened barriers at 47th and park and connected the two pens at 47th and 48th on park, the crowd is now diminishing, apparently due to frustration caused by the divide and rule police tactics that may have broken the momentum for the march in the cold air. the dragon may have left the cage.
5:40pm EST unconfirmed reports that the protestors are trying to break the barrier at 47th and Park, this is also the last known location for the dragon
5:23pm EST according to unidentified police reports, police are looking for a dragon at 47th and park..
5:06pm EST allgedly march has been divided at 46th and park, the much larger group, south and east along 46th are not being allowed to join the 'sanctioned' march north of that point along park
4:48pm EST The Peoples Law Collective reports thirty confirmed arrests.
4:42pm EST according to reports, police are forcing protestors into a two person wide channel and taking photos of protestors as they pass through
4:32pm EST the united march currently stretches along 46 from 2nd to park and three blocks up park, trying to go west, and appears to be blocked at this time
4:18pm EST Reportedly, there are now three marches in the vicinity of the Waldorf: one contingent stretches 10 blocks up Lexington, and is estimated at 20,00 people. A second contingent has been separated from the main group. International ANSWER is marching as well, and was last counted at 2000 people.
4:06pm EST According to reports, several hundred people have been separated from the march. The marchers have turned around, hooked back up with protesters, and are proceeding forward again.
4:04pm EST Unconfirmed reports that the Black Bloc has knocked over some barriers at 46th & 3rd and the situation has become intense.
3:58pm EST The Black Bloc has begun to knock over barriers at 46th street and 3rd Ave. The situation is very very tense.
3:58pm EST Marchers are stuck on 46th St. between Park and Madison. Police are blocking off both avenues.
3:56pm EST Billy Bragg is now performing on Park Avenue between 47th and 48th.
3:53pm EST Unconfirmed reports that there have been 72 arrests in the course of the day.
3:49pm EST As marchers have begun to approach the Waldorf, on 46th street reports are that it is blocked in on both sides between Madison and Park.
3:41pm EST The marches have begun to converge at the Waldorf-Astoria. The scene is still being described as very calm. AWIP / RTS has begun to march west on 46th st.
3:34pm EST Reports from 48th street are that the scene of the march here is largely calm.
3:34pm EST Police holding people back from the West of Park Avenue. It has been estimated that there are 25,000 demonstrators in the streets of NYC.
3:30pm EST At 56th & 5th Avenue it has been reported that 4 or 5 people have been arrested including an elderly man and a woman's head is being pushed into the pavement.
3:30pm EST The march has now grown to a point that marchers are negotiating with police for more space on the street.
3:18pm EST Dozens of arrests are reported at Columbus Circle and throughout the city. Confirmed reports that the police have been making targeted arrests and using excessive force.
2.15 EST Multiple police arrests outside Plaza Hotel. Confirmed reports that pepper spray and excessive police force were used when targeting protesters. The march was temporarily blocked but it is now continuing. Audio Reports 1 ¦ 2
1.50 EST The march around 59th and 5th (the southeastcorner of Central Park) has a festive atmosphere although police presence is increasing. Video
1.45 EST A dozen people have been arrested at Columbus Circle.
1.07 EST The Reclaim the Streets (RTS) march has now joined up with Another World is Possible (AWIP). The joint marchers may number over 8000 people. They have begun the march on the Waldorf-Astoria. Audio reports 1 ¦ 2 ¦ Audio report.
11.30am Midd day report by IMC reporter.
11.24am There have been unconfirmed reports that there has been one arrest near Columbus Circle. Reasons for the arrest are unclear. Pics and report.Prior to the arrest, three cars loaded with puppets were ticketed for "obstucted vision in a vehicle."
9.50am Police have reportedly arrested at least two people for wearing masks at a rally at 52nd and Park.
Early morning solidarity banner drop above motorway in Oakland, CA (pic)
===========
Friday 01.02.02:
The day before protests begin in earnest saw the counter-conferences in full swing, with the national Students for Global Justice conference attracting over 1000 since it began on Thursday. Many more activists have gathered at the Public Eye on Davos summit near the United Nations building (photo).
Amidst continuing police harassment on the streets the NYCLU criticised the police for their overly confrotational tone in preparing for the protests. New York's 'Civilian Complaint Review Board' agreed to stay open on saturday to deal with police misconduct complaints. Meanwhile the official WEF website is still out of action for a second day running after several online actions (see Thursday reports for details).
Solidarity actions were seen in several countries across the world including Switzerland (home of the WEF). In Lausanne around 80 people marched through the streets carrying brooms to sweep away WEF and stopped to protest outside a swiss bank, the post office hq (which is to be privitised) and a MacDonalds. In Davos (WEF hq) the authorities gave a grant for a demonstration - to only one person! The 79 year old local councillor, was permitted to demonstrate on Saturday between 13 and 16.30 o'clock in Davos along a proscribed route, while sympathizers were barred from participating. In Zurich 2000 people gathered for an anti-WEF demonstration, also in solidarity with the anti-NATO protests in Munich. By around 9.20pm the police dispersed the demonstration using tear gas and water cannon. A Roles Royce garage, newspaper office and several cars were damaged, either smashed or graffitied (no confirmation on the number of arrests). Meanwhile in Munich itself riot police made around 250 arrests after they surrounded the peaceful crowd of 2000 after a press conference - see Munich Breaking News.
===========
Arrests made at attempt to Reclaim Charis Community Space. Charis (sp?) had been community centre for 22 years. It was recently bought out and shut down. At around 10.30pm EST, 40 people participated in an impromptu action to reclaim it, but police were on the scene within seconds and arrested four people.
===========
Also in the early evening around 1500 people gathered for a pagan inspired celebration / vigil with chanting and drumming to mark the official start of the larger actions tomorrow. Photos
===========
In the early evening The Not With Our Money Coalition protested against the privatisation of prisons at the 'Four Seasons' where Elton John was performing to a very select crowd of only 200 WEF delegates during a Lehman Brothers-sponsored concert.
===========
Late afternoon saw more protests outside the clothing retailer GAP after yesterdays 1000 strong union demo, with activists demonstrating against the corporate practices of logging old-growth redwood forests. Eighty police were on duty. when protestors wheeling sections of logged trees arrived they were mobbed by corporate media. There was also a protest against Remy Cointreau's abuse of Haitian plantation workers (pics).
Report 1 (+ 8 Pics) : Report 2 : Pic
===========
The remaining ACTUP protestors arrested before a banner drop were released this morning after 21 hours in jail.
===========
Thursday 31.01.02:
Around 1000 union members and other protest outside GAP on 5th Avenue, showing solidarity with 3rd world workers that are exploited by US corporations.
Video Photo 1 2 *new: Report+12pics
===========
7 activists from aids group ACTUP were arrested for trespass just before a banner drop.
Report Photo
===========
WEF website becomes unavailable at 10.30 am NY time due to various Netstrike Actions.
http://www.thing.net/~rdom/ecd/fools.html
http://www.geocities.com/net_strike_net
===========
Early morning protests occur just around the corner from the WEF building. FOE protestors decide not to meet WEF representitives but to protest outside. Members of Falun Gong the chinese spiritual movement also protest.
Report (including photos) Photos 2
===========
ADDITIONAL INFO:
New York Indymedia newspaper the Indypendenthas background on the WEF including:
Guide to the WEF
High School Students Ready For WEF
Reclaiming the World: A look at direct action protests
Review of the book "Empire"
Media Analysis of pre-WEF coverage
Benjamin Barber Speaks About the WEF
WEF Member Corporate Crime Index
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