Sandton roads to be closed for protest

2012-08-30 08:07

Tony Blair (File, AP)

Johannesburg - Roads in Sandton will be closed on Thursday from 13:00 until 17:00 for a protest around the Discovery Leadership Summit, Johannesburg metro police said.

Motorists were advised to avoid Alice lane and 5th street as it will be blocked off Thursday afternoon, spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.

"Protesters plan to gather at the Alice lane intersections at around 14:00," he said. Minnaar said there would be a heavy police presence.

On Monday, the Muslim political party Al Jama-ah said it would protest against former British prime minister Tony Blair outside the Sandton Convention Centre, where the conference is being held.

Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks said the demonstration would be held to support a warrant of arrest to charge Blair for crimes against humanity relating to the invasion of Iraq.

"It is hoped that one or more demonstrators will be able to make a citizen's arrest on the day and put Tony Blair in jail and extradite him to the Hague for trial," said Hendricks.

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- SAPA