London anti-capitalism protest continues
Sun Oct 23, 2011 1:7AM
Nargess Moballeghi, Press TV, London
London is trying to emulate the protests seen in Madrid, New York and beyond. Last week they gathered in their thousands but couldn't occupy the London Stock Exchange - police and barricades still surround the financial heart of the city.
But a week on they have well and truly set up camp. Hundreds of tents now surround the area. Capitalism is Crisis the banner at the front of the movement. They say they are the London representatives of the global 99-percent.
This poster that reads Tahrir Square, city of London, a nod to the influence of the Middle East uprisings on these movements.
To mark the one week anniversary, renowned Egyptian activist Nawal el-Saadawi visited the camp. It was her 80-th birthday. She said she had waited decades to see change in Egypt, and she was so proud to see Tahrir Square in London.
Those camping out seem to be more diverse than last week as well. It is not just young students and the unemployed. Greg Wilkinson is 74 and has been camping out since Wednesday. He has volunteered to be a camp spokesperson.
Greg says he will stay out as long as it takes. But staying here might not be his choice.
At first St Pauls Cathedral supported protestors and told police to leave. One week on it has had to close its doors quoting health and safety reasons. Every day St Pauls' doors are shut will be a loss of revenue for one of London's top tourist attractions. They won't want to lose money for long.
The Cathedral's Dean, the Right Reverend Graeme Knowles said he made the decision with a very heavy heart
I'm asking the protestors to recognise the huge issues facing us at this time and asking them to leave the vicinity of the building so that the Cathedral can re-open as soon as possible, he said in a statement.
Protestors have voted to stay at the camp. They may not last another week if the Cathedral doesn't reopen its doors.
