Occupy movement goes global with over 950 demonstrations worldwide
Posted October 15, 2011 4:21 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Occupy movement, which had its start in New York City, has spread around the world, with over 950 demonstrations worldwide.
Protests were held in Rome, London, and Athens as well as parts of Australia and Asia on Saturday.
The demonstrations in Rome appeared to be the most violent, with dozens of people injured. Protesters smashed store and bank windows and set fires in trash cans and cars. Sky Italia reported that peaceful protesters then turned on their disruptive brethren, hurling bottles in an effort to get them to stop.
Police also fired tear gas and water cannons on rioting protesters. Rome’s protests came one day after Premier Silvio Berlusconi narrowly survived a confidence vote.
The demonstrations in Europe coincided with long-running protests against austerity measures and failed financial policies.
In Frankfurt, continental Europe’s financial hub, about 5,000 people protested at the European Central Bank, with some of them setting up camp at a park in front of the bank.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange spoke to about 500 demonstrators outside St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, calling the international banking system a “recipient of corrupt money.”
Hundreds of people also joined peaceful protests in Hong Kong and Seoul.
Protesters around the world say Saturday is just the start and they plan to stick it out for the long haul.
The organizers of Toronto’s protests say their demonstration will last for an undetermined amount of time.
With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press
