Protesters threatened at U2's Glastonbury Gig
Sky News
June 25, 2011
Violent scenes broke out in the crowd at U2's long-awaited Glastonbury debut as a protest against the Irish band's tax status was foiled by security guards. As Bono and his bandmates took to the Pyramid Stage, activists from direct action group Art Uncut inflated a 20ft balloon emblazoned with the message "U Pay Your Tax 2". But as the campaigners tried to release it over the 50,000-strong crowd, a team of 10 security guards wrestled them to the ground before deflating the balloon and taking it away.
The intervention by security after U2's opening song Until The End Of The World sparked angry clashes with 30 or more protesters. Several demonstrators were pinned against a fence near the Pyramid Stage after attempting to hold on to the balloon. There were no arrests.
One of the campaign group members said: "That was totally over the top. He threatened to hit me." A handful of U2 fans looked on open-mouthed and booed as the security guards swooped. Earlier, members of campaign group Art Uncut said they planned to pull a visual stunt to tell singer Bono to "pay up". Fellow campaigner Charlie Dewar said: "U2's multi-million euro tax avoidance is depriving the Irish people at a time when they desperately need income. There is also hypocrisy here with Bono being so well known for his anti-poverty campaigning."
Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis told Sky News that while he encourages political activism at his festival, he believes the planned protest againt U2's tax status is unfair. Mr Eavis pointed out that the band are generous with their donations to charity. U2 have yet to respond to reports of the planned demo but they have apologised on their website for letting fans down last year when they pulled out of the festival because of Bono's back injury.
Protesters found in Wimbledon queue
Wimbledon officials have beefed up security after a little-known protest group tried to stage a demonstration within the ground.
24th June 2011
cambridge-news.co.uk
Democracy campaigners 15M London - which has a movement in Spain, where it originated - attempted to smuggle banners and tins of paint inside SW19, where it was feared they would target a high-profile match. The 14 protesters, all Spanish and wearing yellow T-shirts, sent the grounds into lockdown with a Metropolitan Police helicopter monitoring the massive queue. It was feared the group would target world number one Rafael Nadal who was playing on Court One.
Thousands of fans - who had already queued throughout the night in the hope of seeing some of the top stars play - were delayed as bosses closed the gates for an extra 45 minutes. Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, said it was not known if the 125th championships would be targeted again but security had been increased. He said: "We put a particular message out looking at strengthening the presence on the court. We have service stewards from the armed forces - we have 650 of them. They are hugely equipped to deal with the situation as well as the G4S security. For all we know, we have to be prepared for people coming back in on Monday."
A police spokesman said: "At approximately 10.30am today a number of people were stopped in the queue at the tennis for Wimbledon and items were also found near to this group, believed to be for use in a demonstration or publicity stunt. The police informed the All England Lawn Tennis Club which delayed the opening of the gates where additional searches took place. A number of individuals are not being allowed access to the tennis following the searches. No arrests were made."
15M London put a message on its website saying: "Important: don't go to Wimbledon - mission aborted." The activists describe themselves as "a movement of outraged citizens" fighting for people rather than economic powers.
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