By Gavin Mackintosh-

The annual “million mask march” held routinely on November 5 has always been aimed broadly against anti-capitalism and is pro-civil liberty.

Missiles and fireworks were thrown at police last year, during a terrible scene in which four officers and six police horses were injured. There were an estimated 15 arrests in the protest which were few, compared to the thousands of people in peaceful attendance.

Protesters have been gathering in cities around the world under the banner of the Million Mask March, promoted by the loosely organized internet activist group Anonymous but attracting a range of participants including supporters of anti-capitalist, anti-war and pro-Palestine movements.

What is the Million Mask March?

Promoted by Anonymous- an international group of hacking activists- the march is a protest against corruption in power. It coincides with Bonfire Night in the UK, which commemorates the date Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

More than 1,000 people are estimated to have taken part last year, and there were more than 50 arrests.

Metropolitan Police Commander BJ Harrington has warned of police awareness that some people only attend these protests in central London with “intent on criminality”.

Harrington told the eye of media.com : “Last year we saw participants causing criminal damage to public property, smashing the windows of businesses, attacking police officers, and also harassing and intimidating families as they visited theaters, dined out or shopped in the West End.

“This is completely unacceptable, and contrary to the peaceful protest expected by any measure. Those who chose to behave like this are not protesters, they are criminals, and they undermine the thousands of people who protest responsibly and safely in London every year, he said.

” We will be very alert for this weekend’s protest. My message is simple: if you want to protest peacefully, that is your right and we want to work with you.

“If you commit criminal acts – that is not peaceful protest – and you are liable to be arrested.”

 Up to 20,000 people have indicated their plans to attend the event on Facebook. Police have stipulated a 3 hour period between 6pm and 9 pm for the protests. The expectation that lots of protesters in Guy Fawkes Masks will descend on Central London today is worrying for many weekend shoppers Saturday, because of the possibility that the protests may turn into a violent evening.

The met has instructed that any static protest must only take place in Trafalgar Square, Richmond Terrace and Parliament Square and the Met warned anyone breaching the conditions could be arrested for public order offences. Protesters in Guy Fawkes  masks can be very intimidating, and the fact many shop in central London, make them a potential target by some of the protesters in Guy Fawkes masks.

Chief Superintendent Pippa Mills said: “We will always facilitate peaceful protest and have a strong history of doing so. However, we have strong reason to believe that peaceful protest is the last thing on the minds of many of the people who will come along this year”.

“Criminality at the event has increased year-on-year. Last year hundreds of Londoners on their way home from work, or out enjoying an evening in the capital, were harassed and intimidated by people causing them huge concern.

“We have such serious concerns about a repetition of such criminal behavior this year that we have made the decision to impose conditions under the Public Order Act on the event on Saturday 5 November,” Mills added.

The major majority of the million mask march protesters are with peaceful intent. Although you will always get a small number of people taking advantage of the peaceful masked protest to wreak havoc.