Thousands of flag-waving demonstrators took to the streets of Goteburg, Sweden yesterday to protest President Bush’swithdrawal from the Kyoto protocol on global warming, his plans to build a star wars weapons system, and the U.S.death penalty.

It was the largest protest Bush encountered yet on his European tour, but he saw little of it. The conference venuewas sealed off behind double rows of 6 ft high metal fences, police in full riot gear patrolled the streets andhelicopters flew overhead.

In the afternoon, riot police surrounded and blockaded a high school where hundreds of protesters were staying,keeping them from joining the protests outside for several hours. In the resulting clashes with police, more than200 people were arrested.

On the other side of the fence, President Bush sparred with European leaders over climate change, refusing to budgein his opposition to the Kyoto protocol on global warming.

Guest:

• Elin Sundburg, media spokesperson for Attac.

Related link:

• Attac