Saturday 26 June 2010

Anti-G20 protests erupt in Toronto




TORONTO in Canada has today erupted with massive and angry protests against the G20 meeting of the global neoliberal elite.

Reports Digital Journal: "What started as a large peaceful protest in downtown Toronto to rally against the G20 summit has suddenly turned violent.

"Police cars have been set ablaze, protesters hurled bricks and golf balls at windows and many Toronto venues are on lockdown.

"A portion of the G20 summit protesters in Toronto clashed with police Saturday afternoon, forcing Toronto Police to take control of downtown Toronto.

"At King and Bay streets, a Toronto Police vehicle has been set on fire. Along Yonge Street, various stores -- such as American Apparel and the Zanzibar strip club -- have had their windows broken by thrown objects.

"The security perimeter on Front Street has not been compromised, Toronto Police say. Now, black-clad protesters have dispersed across Toronto, wrecking havoc on a wide range of Toronto sites.

"The Yonge and College streets area are facing impacting damage; news report say protesters are also moving to University and College streets. Police are reportedly using tear gas right now at the University and College area, the Globe & Mail reports.

"One Globe reporter recently liveblogged: "Huge rubber bullet shot at cluster of photographers and me, missed but close." This is reportedly the first time in history Toronto Police have used tear gar.

"The violent protest has forced Toronto attractions to shut their doors. The Eaton Centre, the Delta Chelsea Hotel, the Sheraton Hotel and the subway system between Bloor and St. George stations have been shut down.

"Also, police headquarters at 40 College Street is on lockdown."