Protests Turn Violent at G-20 Summit in Toronto

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Jan 31, 2008
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Hundreds of demonstrators protesting the G-20 global economic summit in Toronto broke windows and set fire to some police cars during a noisy march near the site of the summit Saturday. At least 75 people are in custody and police say there will be more arrests.

A column of thick black smoke rose from the burning police cars in a chaotic scene that included throngs of police in riot gear and many protesters. Police say some were anarchists, wearing black clothing, including masks.

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says his officers were pelted with rocks and bottles, and used teargas to control one large crowd.

He says the violence may not be over.

"I do not believe the individuals bent on vandalism and violence in our city are finished with their intent," Blair said. "And so we will remain vigilant, and we will be on the street all night and all tomorrow in sufficient numbers to deal with these individuals."

Toronto Mayor David Miller says a few hundred people were responsible for the violence, out of thousands of marchers. He says people are welcome to express their views peacefully, but his city will not tolerate violence.

This is the most intense protest so far associated with the G-20 summit in Toronto, but there have been a series of sometimes colorful marches, over several days.

Marchers have been complaining about everything from pay for public employees to expensive housing to the excesses of capitalism.

Summit organizers have been so concerned about security that they have spent around $1 billion and brought in thousands of police from across Canada to strengthen the city and provincial police forces here.