WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM / WORLD SOCIAL FORUM Jan 27 2001


Despite a total ban on protests and a massive police mobilisation, thousands of protestors have succeeded in disrupting business as usual at the World Economic Forum in Davos. A demonstration took place in Davos itself, while key highways were blocked throughout Switzerland. A solidarity demo took place in Madrid, Spain.

Swiss authorities had done their 'best' to prevent any protest. The conference centre had been surrounded with barbed wire, and people were stopped on the streets and arrested almost arbitrarily. Many of those travelling to Davos were detained and turned back, amongst them Indymedia as well as mainstream media journalists. NGOs, such as Amnesty International, have protested against the massive repression.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, the World Social Forum was convening in Porto Alegre, Brazil. NGOs, social movements, unions, progressive scientists, and individuals representing social change organisations from all over the world were meeting in order to discuss and create viable, humane economic and social structures. Events included a 15,000 people strong demonstration in Porto Alegre and the occupation of the local Monsanto biotechnology farm.

[ IMC-Brasil | World Social Forum web site | IMC-Switzerland | Photo ]