Thousands gather for anti-G8 protests in Northern Ireland
Posted on: June 16, 2013
Thousands rallied in Belfast on Saturday, protesting against the coming G8 summit in Northern Ireland’s county Fermanagh. The action is part of the peaceful anti-G8 demonstrations meant to send a message of protest and concern to the G8-leaders.
What started as 1,500-strong march to the Belfast City Hall in police estimates, grew into a massive rally in front of the hall after thousands of people accumulated there.
Trade unionists, environmentalists, socialists and rights activists were among those taking part in the protest organized by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and aimed “to challenge the agenda of the G8 leaders.”
The demonstration was marked by strong security presence, with hundreds of police flanking the march’s route, dozens armored vehicles deployed, and several helicopters patrolling the city.
The police have blocked about 100 jeering loyalists, who have been staging a separate rally, along the protest’s way.
Many Belfast shops chose to board up their fronts, fearing the protests could turn violent, but the march went on peacefully.
“Obama and Cameron, you’re not welcome,” the protesters chanted, according to the Guardian.
Source: RT
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