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G20 Protest Proves More Lark Than Bite

Some London violence, but festive, 'street party' atmosphere prevails

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Apr 1, 2009 3:51 PM CDT

(Newser) – Several broken windows aside, the G20 protests are shaping up to be more street party than angry mob, Time reports. Unlike traditional, oft-violent British protests, this one is intended to be “a peaceful and fun street party,” organizers say. Indeed, while some anarchists chucked beer cans at cops, many others waved at workers of the banks they were protesting.

Among the more serious signs of protest was an effigy of Royal Bank of Scotland's former boss. “Bankers should be hanging from lampposts,” one organizer said after shouting, “Can we overthrow the government?” The resounding answer came, “Yes we can!” Yet salsa music blared nearby, where a 19-year-old protesting climate change said he “didn’t want to cause much trouble.”

[Images (6)]

[Videos (1)]

A protester holds a placard depicting, Chinese President Hu Jintao, US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, during a rally. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Police officers push back protesters in central London's financial district ahead of the G20 summit. (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)

A police officer leads a detained protester to a police van in central London's financial district. (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)

A protester on his bicycle participates in a rally in central London's financial district. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

A climate protester places a flag atop a bus stop sign in London's financial district ahead of the G20 summit. (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)

Hooded protesters gather in central London's financial district. (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)

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Protesters dance during the G20 protest in London's financial district today. (archein)

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G20 Protest Proves More Lark Than Bite