Thousands in anti-war protest

2004-10-17 17:32

London - Thousands of anti-war and anti-globalisation activists marched through central London on Sunday to protest the US-led coalition's presence in Iraq.

The march to Trafalgar Square marked the culmination of the third European Social Forum - three days of speeches, workshops and debates largely dominated by Iraq and the US presidential election.

London's Metropolitan Police estimated that around 15 000 to 20 000 marchers set off from Russell Square at around 12:00 (GMT). There were no reports of arrests or disruption.

The marchers followed a route which took them to the Thames River, across to the South Bank and then back onto the north side of the river with a final rally in Trafalgar Square from around 14:30 (GMT).

The protesters were peaceful and came from many countries across Europe. They carried banners and placards and chanted slogans denouncing the war in Iraq.

"Our main argument is that we want to end the occupation of Iraq and want the troops pulled out.

"We are making the situation worse and we are killing many, many Iraqis," said Lindsey German, a spokesperson for the Stop The War Coalition.

- AP