Violence mars anti-war rally
2002-11-10 17:34
Brussels - A protest against war in Iraq turned violent on Sunday in Brussels when dozens of youths clashed with police and attacked American-owned businesses.
Up to 100 masked rioters, many of them of Arab origin, broke away from the main body of other antiwar protesters who were marching through the city centre.
The rioters hurled stones at businesses and police, who responded with baton charges. Photographers and TV camera operators were also targeted by the rioters.
Windows were broken at a McDonald's fast-food restaurant and at a Marriot hotel, as well as a local temporary employment agency.
Helicopters were monitoring the demonstration and water-cannon trucks were on standby as police tried to contain the violence.
Some demonstrators were detained, but no official figures were readily available.
About 2 000 protesters comprising pro-Palestinian and anticapitalist groups joined the demonstration led by a banner reading "Stop USA".
They chanted slogans against the policies of United States President George W Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. - Sapa-AP
- SAPA