Hundreds of protesters took to the streets this past weekend during the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meetings that took place just steps from campus.
Mayhem overtook the streets of Georgetown on Friday night as upwards of 400 demonstrators, clad in black clothing and handkerchiefs chanted against the globalization policies of the organizations which the protesters believe harm poor countries, but benefit wealthy ones. Despite torrential rains, the march began at Washington Circle at 9pm and continued through the streets of Georgetown. The route was chosen because according to organizers, they see Georgetown as a symbol of excessive wealth. Dozens of law enforcement officers on motor scooters, bikes and even horses followed the protest anticipating vandalism because it has been an issue in past protests. Two were arrested for the alleged assaulting of a police office and one bystander was struck in the forehead with a brick, intended to shatter the glass of the Abercrombie & Fitch storefront. Two other storefronts were vandalized before law enforcement dispersed the crowd.
Saturday's protest took on a calmer town as demonstrators gathered near Murrow Park across the street from the IMF. The march became confrontational when protesters showed at the delegates upon their arrival. Police, clad in riot gear, forcefully dispersed the protesters who by then had began shouting at police and shaking the barricades.
- Jesse Regis
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