Globalisation protesters riot in Rome*

David Smith
Sunday June 10, 2007
The Observer

Riot police used tear gas last night against demonstrators who donned
face masks and threw bottles, smoke bombs and other objects after
President George Bush's first meeting with the Pope in Rome.

More than an hour into the clashes, police charged at the demonstrators,
pursuing them down alleyways to break up the crowd as helicopters
circled overhead. Six people were reportedly taken into custody by
plain-clothes police. Several officers were injured.

The violence broke out as an anti-globalisation protest march reached
its destination at Piazza Navona, famed for its Bernini fountain and a
favourite tourist gathering spot. Thousands of police had been deployed
around the Colosseum and other venues in case of violence, and
demonstrators had been warned not to cover their faces, carry sticks or
other weapons.

The demonstrators threw objects and smoke bombs and ran wild in the
historic area, kicking in the window of a bank, breaking flowerpots and
using the pieces as projectiles, knocking rubbish bins over and spraying
graffiti on a nearby McDonald's restaurant.

Earlier, Bush had his first audience with Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope
raised his concerns about the plight of Christians in Iraq, and
expressed hopes of a 'regional and negotiated solution to the conflicts
that afflict' the Middle East. Bush admitted he felt 'awe' in the
presence of the Pope and said his visit to the Vatican had been a moving
experience.