Protests at NATO summit in Chicago

Protesters gather for largest NATO rally

PROTESTERS gathering in Chicago for the NATO summit are gearing up for their largest demonstration, with thousands are expected to march from a downtown park to the lakeside convention centre where world leaders including Prime Minister 

News.com.au

21 May, 2012

Hours before the main demonstration is set to start, protesters - including peace activists, war veterans and those more focused on the economy - have begun arriving at Grant Park, holding signs denouncing NATO, including ones that read: "War=Debt" and "NATO, Go Home".

Security has been tight throughout the city, as the heads of state from about 60 countries began arriving to discuss the war in Afghanistan, European missile defence and other issues.

Today's protest followed several, smaller demonstrations the previous two days including one peaceful march to the home of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama's former chief of staff, yesterday.

But a march later that evening involving hundreds of demonstrators stretched for hours as protesters zigzagged back and forth through town, some decrying terrorism-related charges levelled against three young men earlier in the day.

Increasingly tense clashes last night tested police who used bicycles to barricade off streets and horseback officers to coax them in different directions. Eighteen people were arrested, Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said.

McCarthy said police would be ready with quick but targeted arrests of any demonstrators who turn violent on Sunday.