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Activist Dies at G20 Protest

Cops say protesters pelted them with missiles as they tried to help man

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2009 2:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – A demonstrator died after collapsing inside a police barricade at the G20 protests in London last night, the Guardian reports. Medics and cops were pelted with missiles as they tried to move and resuscitate the man, who was pronounced dead in a local hospital, said officials. The man had been among thousands of protesters corralled in the streets around the Bank of England. The cause of his death was not yet known.

Police arrested 63 people during the protests, which began peacefully but turned violent after demonstrators were trapped by an army of cops in the financial district and some attacked a Royal Bank of Scotland branch. Police say their aim was to facilitate peaceful demonstrations, although critics accused them of using heavy-handed tactics that inflamed the situation.  "We sat down, trying to have a peaceful protest, but they started whacking us," said one protester.

British police with dogs face protesters in central London's financial district during clashes late yesterday.
British police with dogs face protesters in central London's financial district during clashes late yesterday.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
A police officer is hit by a burning object thrown during demonstrations outside the Bank of England in London yesterday.
A police officer is hit by a burning object thrown during demonstrations outside the Bank of England in London yesterday.   (AP Photo/Carl Court/PA)
A protester in front of the Bank of England waves an anarchist flag during a rally in central London's financial district yesterday.
A protester in front of the Bank of England waves an anarchist flag during a rally in central London's financial district yesterday.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
British police in riot gear secure the area as protesters sit on the road during a rally in central London's financial district yesterday.
British police in riot gear secure the area as protesters sit on the road during a rally in central London's financial district yesterday.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Police push protesters back in central London's financial district yesterday ahead of the G20 summit.
Police push protesters back in central London's financial district yesterday ahead of the G20 summit.   (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)
Police pull back a G20 protester on a London street yesterday.
Police pull back a G20 protester on a London street yesterday.   (©Room 1834)
Police cordon off demonstrators outside the Bank of England in London yesterday.
Police cordon off demonstrators outside the Bank of England in London yesterday.   (©Room 1834)
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Violence flares at the G20 protests in London.   (CNN Video)

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I thought it was completely unnecessary. I was kept for two hours. Lines of police lined up with their batons and they were completely pumped up and looking to have a go.
- Jeannie Mackie, a barrister who attended the protests as an observer

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