Dozens of officers, activists wounded in G-20 protests
HAMBURG, Germany — Antiglobalization activists clashed violently with police across the German port city of Hamburg all day Friday, setting cars ablaze, throwing bottles and trying to enter the convention center where Group of 20 leaders tackled topics like international terrorism, climate change and trade issues.
Responding to a second day of protests, police ordered in more than 900 additional officers from across the country to get the clashes under control. At least 196 police officers were injured, dozens of activists had to be taken to the hospital and more than 70 protesters were detained.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the violent protests as “unacceptable.”
Thousands of officers in full riot gear patrolled as many as 30 different protest marches. Most of the demonstrations were peaceful and creative, but some rioters threw gasoline bombs, iron rods and cobble stones through the city.
As night fell, some lit fires.
Inside the summit, Merkel told leaders of the G-20 economic powers that they must be prepared to make compromises as she worked toward an outcome that everyone could accept.
That is a challenging task at a time when President Trump’s “America First” rhetoric and decision last month to withdraw from the Paris accord against climate change have caused widespread concern. The German leader said most summit participants backed the Paris accord.
She added that most participants called for “free but also fair trade” and underlined the significance of the World Trade Organization, though she didn’t specify which ones did not support the trade language.
The G-20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, France, Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United States and the European Union.