Thousands resist the global elite at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

Political and economical heavyweights came together behind closed doors in the Davos, Switzerland from 26-30th of January for the World Economic Forum (WEF), to give a "social label" to the capitalist globalization. Leading up to and throughout the WEF meetings, actions, demonstrations, and counter forums were held against the summit by a coalition of groups from France, Germany and Switzerland. These came under heavy state repression, and police violence. 250 activists were forbidden to enter the country and the army had 6500 soldiers on standby.

The first big demonstration against took place in Winterthur, Switzerland, with about 400 people taking part. Meanwhile, another 400 people voiced their resistance in Chur and Adelsberg. In Heiden, an attack against the UBS, a giant bank consortium, occurred, while in Zurich, an anti-repression group burnt down a training camp for
anti-terrorist units in protest against the WEF security preparations. In Bern, the education collective "Tour de Lorraine", educated with films, theatre and gigs throughout the week. Various protests happened during the week in Berna,
Davos, Lugano and Basilea.

On Saturday 22 January a day of Decentralised Creative Actions was called, because the huge mass demonstration which had been planned against social cuts, salary dumping, privatisation, institutional racism and war, was prohibited by a court decision. This repression and the ensuing police violence triggered protest in the Swiss parliament. Around 1.500 people took part in a series of civil disobedience actions. Neo-nazi's tried to descend the demonstration in Winterthur into violence, yet it
remained peaceful. At the same time, there was a solidarity action in Oxford.

More info on Indymedia: http://www.indymedia.org/or/2005/01/112839.shtml