Million Mask March London 2016: Activists set to descend on the capital for bonfire night protest

Stand-off: police try to block masked demonstrators in 2015
AP
Hatty Collier2 November 2016

Masked protesters are set to descend on central London in their thousands for an annual bonfire night protest organised by activist group Anonymous.

Swathes of activists are expected to flood Trafalgar Square and Westminster on Saturday night for the so-called Million Mask March.

Police today urged organisers to work with them to ensure a safe and peaceful protest after demonstrations in previous years were marred by trouble.

Last year, three police officers were injured, including one who was thrown from a horse, and 50 people were arrested after an initially peaceful protest erupted into violence.

Scores of protesters are expected to don V for Vendetta masks associated with the Anonymous internet activist group, which organises the demonstration each year as part of a global movement.

Tensions: Police and protesters at the Million Mask March in 2015
Yui Mok/PA Wire

Demonstrators will gather in Trafalgar Square at 6pm before the march begins around an hour later.

In a statement on Facebook, the march’s organisers said: “This November 5, the Anonymous UK collective will again descend on central London.

“We have seen the abuses and malpractice of this government, and governments before it, we have seen the encroaching destruction of many civil liberties we hold dear, we have seen the pushes to make the internet yet another part of the surveillance state, we have seen the government's disregard for migrants, for the poor, the elderly and the Disabled, we have seen the capital, profit and greed of the few put before the well-being of the many and we say enough is enough.

“We invite all the activists, the workers, the students, all doctors, nurses and all those that want to see a positive change in the world, to join us, in Trafalgar Square from 6pm, November 5.

“The government and the 1 per cent have played their hand, now it is time to play ours.”

The Met Police events account wrote on Twitter: “Ahead of #millionmaskmarch #5thNov in London we want to work with organisers for a safe and peaceful night. Email PLTGatewayteam@met.police.uk.”

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