Al-Jazeera is reporting that violence broken out in Rome as tens of thousands of protesters calling themselves "the indignant" marched in European cities to protest capitalism and austerity measures.
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As the "Occupy Wall Street" protests took place across the globe on Saturday, some protesters in Rome smashed shop windows, torched cars and attacked news crews.
Black smoke billowed into the air in downtown Rome as a small group of violent protesters broke away from the main demonstration. They smashed car windows, set vehicles on fire and assaulted two news crews. Others burned Italian and EU flags.
Witnesses said the violence was caused by several dozen hooded radicals known as "black blocs", who wear black clothing to hide their identities and have been involved in the organising process of protests since early in the movement …
Italian police said that at least four people had been injured in the clashes on Saturday, while the ANSA news agency reported that as many as 70 had been wounded, with three in serious condition …
The protests began in New York City and moved to Asia and Europe, linking up with anti-austerity demonstrations that have raged across the debt-ridden continent for months …
Dozens of cities across the world — from Tokyo to Alaska via London, Frankfurt and Washington — are holding demonstrations in a show of solidarity with the rallies that began last month in New York's financial district.
"On October 15, people from all over the world will take to the streets and squares … to initiate the global change we want," proclaimed the website United for #GlobalChange.
"We will peacefully demonstrate, talk and organize until we make it happen. It's time for us to unite; it's time for them to listen."
Given the precarious state of economies throughout Europe, citizens should make their voices heard. Too bad a faction of demonstrators has resorted to violence. Hopefully the conflagration does not become bigger than the issues they are trying to confront.
Read more at Al-Jazeera.
In other news: Reports: Rick Ross Stable After Seizure.
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