PAD Rally Photos: Some Clashes with Riot Police, but Mostly a Performance

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20-06-2008, 05:32 PM
chitown

PAD Rally Photos: Some Clashes with Riot Police, but Mostly a Performance

I left early this morning with camera in hand to get a first hand look at the protest that was schedule to take place at the government house. Upon arrival at approximately 10am , I saw a minimal crowd of PAD protesters and a large force of riot police equipped with shields, helmets and batons.

There was plenty of yelling and screaming and loud speakers, but for the most part seemed peaceful. I spoke with some police officers who told me to be careful as the situation was volatile and could turn violent. They told me that the protesters were not going to be allowed past the police barricades and this is why things might turn ugly.

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20-06-2008, 05:57 PM
chitown

The police had set up several lines of defense and these photos were taken at the first one. I was told by protesters and by police that they were going to remain peaceful. However, the police said that they were not going to allow the protestors to cross their lines.

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20-06-2008, 06:02 PM
chitown

Everything was peaceful and then almost as if it was scheduled, a group of protesters moved to one corner of the police line and the police opened the barricade a little bit.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/472.jpg
20-06-2008, 06:03 PM
chitown

At that point people started going through and th crowd surged knocking down some barriers.

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20-06-2008, 06:15 PM
chitown

He was telling the crowd that the police were their friends and to remain calm.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/478.jpg
20-06-2008, 07:02 PM
chitown

Again, at the next police line, everything was peaceful. People were chanting and the loud speaker was blaring calling for calm.

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20-06-2008, 07:06 PM
dirtydog

Police shootings, tanks and stuff, anything exciting like that then :)
20-06-2008, 07:08 PM
hillbilly

Excellent photos!
20-06-2008, 07:09 PM
chitown

I was close to the police line and suddenly things kicked off again and the crowd surged forward and clashed with the police.

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20-06-2008, 07:14 PM
chitown

At this point things got pretty intense and I tried to move through the crowd to get out of the way........a mistake, as I was swept away with the protest towards the police line. :)

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No zoom needed, I am right in thick of it at this point.

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20-06-2008, 07:18 PM
chitown

There were a few injuries. At one point, I thought I might get trampled because I had stopped and braced my feet because I did not want to get closer to the riot police. The crowd behind was not wanting me to stop their progress and they pressed on.

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20-06-2008, 07:21 PM
dirtydog

I think you may have been a little too close at that time, I assume you haven't worked out how to use your zoom lense on your new camera :)
20-06-2008, 07:23 PM
chitown

The clash continued.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/506.jpg

And a man that I believe to be a PAD leader came forward and got the crowd to stand down.

He then spoke with police and they exchanged many words and many wais.

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20-06-2008, 07:26 PM
chitown

After some discussion, the police allowed the protesters to move past the riot line.

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Here you see the protesters being allowed to move through.

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20-06-2008, 07:40 PM
Panda

Thanks for the photos.
Its just push and shove posturing at the moment. A strategic game between PAD and the government playing off their pawns on either side.

Each side waiting and hoping for the other side to start the trouble that would lead to some pretty nasty stuff. Pretty much of an anti climax as it stands at the moment really. But has the potential to go off once the fuse is lit.
20-06-2008, 07:45 PM
jandajoy

Terrific photos. Well done. Be carefull out there.
20-06-2008, 07:46 PM
kingwilly

wow - you really did get into teh thick of the action there mate. awesome pics, thanks for sharing.
20-06-2008, 08:00 PM
chitown

I just wonder why the police would stop the protesters and then back down. I have pics of the final line and there is more of the same. Letting 50 or 60 protesters walk through the line and then form a barricade again.

Anyone have any ideas?

Under manned?

Paid off?

They really do not support the current government?

They know the outcome and figure why take a chance on getting inured?
20-06-2008, 08:06 PM
Panda

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/503.jpg

No blood yet,
but this guy clearly has a wound on his hand.

Probably inflicted while helping Police to remove the barricades.
20-06-2008, 08:11 PM
chitown

Here is a pic for November Rain........ :)

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/515.jpg
20-06-2008, 08:14 PM
chitown

So at barricade number two, the police briefly clash with protesters. After putting on a show, they let them through and then take a break.

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20-06-2008, 08:16 PM
chitown

Not sure if this is a SWAT vehicle or a noodle cart :p

But the police keep going in an out of the thing.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/523.jpg
20-06-2008, 08:19 PM
chitown

I then proceeded to the third line of defense that the police had set up and due to this sign, I am thinking that they might be changing the laws on condo ownership!!! :p

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/525.jpg
20-06-2008, 08:20 PM
Panda

Quote:

Originally Posted by chitown

I just wonder why the police would stop the protesters and then back down. I have pics of the final line and there is more of the same. Letting 50 or 60 protesters walk through the line and then form a barricade again.

Anyone have any ideas?

Under manned?

Paid off?

They really do not support the current government?

They know the outcome and figure why take a chance on getting inured?

You probably dont go along with my line of thought on this subject. But since you asked for it I will give it to you again.

Th cops have been ordered NOT to instigate or carry out any violence against the protesters. Just as the PAD protesters have been drilled NOT to instigate or carry out any violence against the cops. Both sides are carrying video cameras and are waiting to capture the other inflicting violence in order to claim the high moral ground on this issue. Both sides are looking for critical public support on this conflict and how it appears in the media could make or break the government.

Its a battle of who can be the nicest. :)
20-06-2008, 08:22 PM
chitown

There was another clash with the police at line three and I was determined to stay out of the thick of things, however it did not happen.

I figure if this man in the wheelchair could make it, then so could I.

He was right on the front lines.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2008/06/527.jpg

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