abcde conference in Oslo
national |
miscellaneous |
news report 
Wednesday June 26, 2002 21:36
by Frederick Howard - IMC NORWAY
frederick at hybridmedia dot no
Web films, radio shows, texts and photos from the demonstrations and the Reclaim in Oslo june 24-26th.
Massive protests against the World Bank
Monday, June 24th: While researchers gathered at Holmenkollen Park Hotel for the first day of the World Banks ABCDE conference, protesters filled the streets opposing the Banks neoliberal policies. According to estimates based on Oslo2002 counts during the demonstration, 8800 participated. Oslo 2002s website now lists the number of protesters at 15.000, while the police estimates 10.000.
The demonstrations were a colourful fireworks of carnival, juggling, banners, balloons, slogans, dance and music - a powerfull manifestation of the diversity and creativity in the global alternative movement. Curious citizens watched the protests from the roadside, and many chose to join the protesters during the demo.
As the demonstration was about to start at 18:00. Jernebanetorget square was stuffed, and it took almost an hour to get the march moving. Several appeals were held, including by Audun Lysebakken (socialist left part) and Alejandro Bendana, former Nicaraguan UN ambassador and Jubilee south member. The demonstration moved from Jernbanetorget past the National Bank, the Oslo Bourse, and the dept. of foreign affairs before returning to Jernbanetorget by Karl Johan - Oslos parade street. Several more appeals were held afterwards - by the Argentinian labour union leader Jorge Smith, Attac-leader Vegard Hole, African Women's Policy Network leader Helen Wangusa and leader of the Centre Youth Anne Beathe Krisitansen.
A side note: The police were invisible during the entire (non-violent) demonstration, and the expectations of Ragnarok in central Oslo were shown to be entirely baseless.
Following the demo, a successfull reclaim the streets party was held at Vaterlandsparken.
Media:
Pictures: the demo:1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Reclaim the Streets: 1 | 2
Open forum | Kontraskjæret | More of Kontraskjæret | Pain on Kontraskjæret | Traffic towards the World Bank | Oslo2002 demonstration | Jernbanetorget (the railway station) | Under way | Tilslutningstoget | Preparations
IMCbra broadcasts radio early and late... Did you miss an earlier transmission ?
2002 a videonight: Sinnataggens Friends(4MB) | 23rd of june (6MB) | Concert (13MB) | Preparations (7MB) | PainSolutions (2MB) | Motfilm (14MB) | Demonstration! (18MB) | Reclaim the Streets? (4MB) | RtS: Dance (4MB) | SU fest (2MB)