We'll make mass arrests if you march:
police
Senior NSW police warned anti-war student protesters they were
prepared to make hundreds of arrests if today's planned Sydney march
turned ugly. more
We'll make mass arrests if you march: police
April 2 2003, 10:20 AM
Senior NSW police warned anti-war student protesters they were prepared
to make hundreds of arrests if today's planned Sydney march turned ugly.
Police Commissioner Ken Moroney told reporters that if necessary police
would make mass arrests at the demonstrations, which is going ahead
without police permission.
The warning came after the Books Not Bombs coalition behind last
Wednesday's violent Sydney protest said nothing would deter them from
defying police and marching the streets.
NSW police in turn have warned they will not allow the city to be
hijacked by an anarchic few intent on repeating last week's scenes of
violence in central Sydney.
While Mr Moroney issued the warning he also offered protesters a last
chance to come to the negotiating table.
"I extend an opportunity even at this eleventh hour to those who are
associated with the organisation of today's event.
"I will personally help facilitate a lawful assembly either in the
Domain or Hyde Park north subject to the concurrence of those (police)
who have the management of those locations.
"So there is still time for those people who want to exercise their
democratic right to voice an opinion but do it in a lawful means."
However Mr Moroney said large numbers of police would be on hand and
illegal behaviour would not be tolerated.
When asked if that meant protesters would be arrested as soon as they
started to march the streets Mr Moroney said: "That's an option.
"No authorisation has been given for any march today."
END
There has been one arrest already as I write this just after miday.
http://smh.com.au/articles/2003/04/02/1048962791962.html
Miday is the brother between uday and Quasay.
