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Large-scale protests unlikely at G20 summit

By Fu Jing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-27 15:41

London -- A local risk analysis company forecasted that protest groups are planning a series of demonstrations in the days leading up to the G20 summit on April 2 and limited disruption of traffic and businesses is likely. 

A Metropolitan Police diving team carry out a security search of the Royal Victoria Dock in London, Thursday March 26, 2009, near the Excel Centre - the venue for next week's G20 economic summit. [Agencies]

However, protests are unlikely to be large-scale, except for a demonstration scheduled for Saturday, going from Temple Underground station on the Embankment to Hyde Park in London. 

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The results were provided by Exclusive Analysis, which produced a report on civil Unrest risks during the G20 summit in London with maps of planned and likely locations for marches. 

The risk-forecasting company told China Daily that the risk of small-scale vandalism around the G20 summit will be greatest in the City of London; locations of property damage will likely be influenced by policing decisions. 

 On April 1 and 2, it is likely that instances of small-scale violent protests involving hundreds rather than thousands of activists will occur. The risk of violent protests will probably be highest in the City of Londonon April 1 at noon and in the afternoon, and on April 2 outside the security perimeter of the Excel Center, Royal Victoria Dock. 

The analysts assess the risks to individuals to be minimal, contrary to media reports that City employees wearing suits and ties would be targeted on Saturday.