20 March 2003 anti-war protest

On 20 March 2003, the day after the invasion of Iraq had begun, thousands of protests and demonstrations were held around the world in opposition to it.

However in other cities, including Auburn, Indiana and St. Paul, Minnesota, people counter-demonstrated in support of the war.

[1] In San Francisco, well over 5,000 protesters, having planned weeks in advance to shut down the city on "Day X" as part of Direct Action to Stop the War, blockaded the Financial District resulting in 2,200 arrests.

[2] Other protesters, marching as a black bloc, attacked and looted several military recruitment centers.

Spokespeople told reporters that it was the protesters' way of saying that war in Iraq "made them sick."

Seven demonstrators were arrested after attempting to block about twenty federal employees and other visitors trying to enter the building.

[4] In Chicago, a massive gathering of some 10,000 people was held at the Federal Plaza, followed by a seemingly spontaneous march up Lake Shore Drive during rush hour.

[5] At some point, marchers at the front decided to jump the dividers and head over to Michigan Avenue (the touristy Magnificent Mile).

In Munich, students gathered in front of the university and then marched to the US consulate, where they demanded that the US flag be lowered in honor of the killed Iraqi civilians.

The Edinburgh demo saw 500 people at midday march to the foot of The Mound, the rally was addressed by MSPs Tommy Sheridan and Lloyd Quinan.