Police Repression at ASEM Protest in Hamburg

The demonstration started around mid-day at Millerntorplatz , moved on along Reeperbahn, St. Pauli Fischmarkt, Hafenstraße, Baumwall to the Rödingsmarkt. Reports estimated that between 4 and 6 thousand people took part, with over 1,000 "black bloc" anarchists leading the march.

Following the High Court appeal against the police changing the route of the march, the registered route was partly approved. Yet, the demonstration was 'accompanied' by a large police cordon. The police presence was so large that cops almost outnumbered protesters.

The the procession was repeatedly stopped and provoked by police for no reason. Snatch squads and other units tried to penetrate the mass but were resisted by Black Bloc linking arms. Cops also used pepper spray, and later water cannons, to stop the march, as well as attacking people with kicks and punches. According to the Media G8way press group, a correspondent of free radio station Kombinat Hamburg was punched in the face. One demonstrator was told that the reason for the assault on him was because "he took a photo of a police officer." A few people were reportedly arrested while, in response, fireworks were shot several times.

Throughout the march, 'sound vans' made announcements to keep people informed about what was happening, while also playing enthusiastic music to 'pump up' protesters. There were also occasional stops for speeches.

Fed up with continuous provocation by cops and the altered route along empty streets, the demo organisers finally decided to end the march early as a "protest against police tactics". People began to disperse in small groups but police blocked the street. People tried to break through, then eventually sat in middle of the street. Others fled through gaps in the police 'kettle'. Several more arrests were made.

Many people headed back to the Rota Flora social centre. Eventually, hundreds built barricades outside. Hundreds of cops came too and this led to several hours of minor confrontation and some thrown objects and cops blocking streets. The police blasted with their water cannon tanks. By 8pm the situation was 'calm' again.