Supporters of the “hacktivist” movement Anonymous took to the streets Thursday to march in city’s around the world in the second annual Million Mask March.
The event coincides with Guy Fawkes Night, and many participants don Guy Fawkes masks, which became a symbol of civil disobedience after the 2006 film V for Vendetta.
The anti-capitalist movement Anonymous - formed to protest issues such as austerity, infringement of rights and mass surveillance - considers themselves the “most influential group” in the world. The group said the goal of the annual worldwide event is “to shed light on corrupt government in order to set people free from oppression.”
Police in London arrested at least 10 people who allegedly clashed with officers and the protesters were held on suspicion of assault.
British press reports cited one witness as saying she encountered “hundreds of masked people being very violent” in a scene that was “appalling to see.”
Police had obtained a Section 60AA order in advance of the event, which allows them to remove people’s masks if they suspect a crime is about to be committed. They also issued a series of guidelines telling activists it was illegal to use fireworks in crowded public spaces and tried to contact protest organizers, but “without success.”
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