from Ottawa Sun, by Paul Chiasson
November 18, 2001
Demonstrators keep their cool
By CHRISTA MOONEY -- Ottawa Sun
Anti-globalization protesters opposed to violent action
said they were surprised by the show of force by police at a peaceful rally
yesterday. After leaving a rally on the front lawn of the Supreme Court,about
2,500 protesters made their way east on Wellington St. toward the G-20meeting
at the Conference Centre. Fearing things could get out of hand, organizers
presented protesters with two options at the corner of Wellington St. and
Elgin St. They could either proceed straight ahead to the designated "red
zone" where there was potential for violent confrontation with riot police
at the barricades, or they could turn south onto Elgin St. and continue a
non-violent march toward the safe "green zone" near the Byward Market.
MARCH TO RIDEAU ST.
Chanting anti-globalization slogans and beating makeshift drums, about 200 non-violent demonstrators made their way across the Laurier St. bridge, turned north onto Nicholas St. and then onto Rideau St. Protesters ended their march at the barricade on the corner of Rideau St. and Sussex Dr. At theRideau St. fence, protesters were met by an equal number of police officersin full riot gear beating their shields in unison with their batons.
An elderly woman, outraged by the show of force, wondered aloud: "Is this Canada? Are they trying to scare us?"
Participants made brief speeches denouncing the IMF and World Bank structural adjustment policies and the "secrecy" of the G-20 meeting. Afterward, ina show of defiance, organizer James Pratt and three others jumped the double-layered grey metal fences and were immediately arrested.
Organizer Vicky Smallman said she was pleased with the day's turnout.
"It's a testament to everyone's commitment to non-violence that they remained calm during some very intimidating moments," she said.
MARCH TO RIDEAU ST.
Chanting anti-globalization slogans and beating makeshift drums, about 200 non-violent demonstrators made their way across the Laurier St. bridge, turned north onto Nicholas St. and then onto Rideau St. Protesters ended their march at the barricade on the corner of Rideau St. and Sussex Dr. At theRideau St. fence, protesters were met by an equal number of police officersin full riot gear beating their shields in unison with their batons.
An elderly woman, outraged by the show of force, wondered aloud: "Is this Canada? Are they trying to scare us?"
Participants made brief speeches denouncing the IMF and World Bank structural adjustment policies and the "secrecy" of the G-20 meeting. Afterward, ina show of defiance, organizer James Pratt and three others jumped the double-layered grey metal fences and were immediately arrested.
Organizer Vicky Smallman said she was pleased with the day's turnout.
"It's a testament to everyone's commitment to non-violence that they remained calm during some very intimidating moments," she said.