Labor protests turn violent in London
London, United Kingdom (AHN) – The largest protest in London since the beginning of the invasion of Iraq in 2003 turned violent Saturday when anarchists attacked what they considered symbols of capitalism, including shops and a luxury hotel.
Hundreds of thousands of mostly peaceful demonstrators converged on Hyde Park to protest major budget cuts that could result in about 300,000 public sector jobs lost by 2015. The protests were organized by the Trade Union Congress.
But while the demonstrators marched, hundreds of anarchists with their faces covered went on the offensive, smashing store windows, clashing with police and taking over the tony department store Fortnum and Mason near Piccadilly Circus.
The Daily Mirror reported that up to 300 people were in Trafalgar Square late into Saturday night. Some were throwing objects at the 2012 Olympic countdown clock.
Others defaced statues with spray paint. Police were attacked with objects including paint containers and light bulbs filled with ammonia. More than 80 people were injured during the riots, including about 31 police officers.
Other significant targets of the anarchists were the Ritz Carlton Hotel, which was attacked with paint and smoke bombs, and a Porsche showroom, according to several media reports.
The Trade Union Congress condemned the violence and said it hoped it did not detract from the legitimate protests of the day.
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