ANONYMOUS, the anarchic 'hacktivist' network are to target Glasgow for one of their 'Million Mask Marches', where anti-establishment protesters don Guy Fawkes disguises in selected cities around the world to demonstrate against austerity, corrupt politicians and surveillance.
The demonstration is being planned for November 5 from George Square to Glasgow Green. It is understood there has been no formal notification to Glasgow City Council yet, and the expectation is there will not be one.
Police Scotland has said that the public should be assured that they will be ready to deal with any 'unauthorised' protest even if the usual procession notifications are not provided.
The council normally requires a minimum of 28 days prior notice of a procession to allow time for any necessary discussions to take place.
Some 50 protesters were arrested at the Million Mask March in central London last November including two for assaulting police officers, after protesters threw missiles, set off fireworks and flares and threw paint over Government buildings.
The Metropolitan police said three officers were taken to hospital after being injured, while some protesters were treated for injuries and given first aid at the scene.
Later there was criticism of prosecutors when three suspected rioters who refused to reveal their identities in court had charges against them dropped.
Another March is being planned for 2016 in London, normally one of the largest.
Procession notifications in Glasgow need to contain organiser name and address details, something that is expected to be a stumbling block for a decentralised online community acting anonymously.
Another potential stumbling block would be a requirement for procession organisers planning a route through the city centre, to attend a meeting with council officers and the police to agree suitable arrangements.
City council officials say march organisers who file notifications should also give details of how many are expected, what the proposed route is and proposed stewarding, including the chief steward’s details.
A Glasgow City Council source said: "Legislation says you have to notify the local authority in the area you expect to hold the procession, if you don't then it's a matter for the police in the day."
The Million Mask March Glasgow is billed as a "chance to take a stand against those in power".
Circulars about the event say: "With the Million Mask March, you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard by the people, and the world! Join us on the 5th of November, on a march from George Square to Glasgow Green, as we unite with brothers and sisters all over the world, to remind those in power that these streets, are OUR STREETS!"
It goes on to say that the people "who try to take our civil and human rights away, by driving us to poverty and making us ‘less’ than they are. The ones who rule, with no idea of what it’s like to be a ‘common man’. Well we are not less! And we are more than common! We are Legion!
"Anonymous is the answer. We are the fight, fighting back at the oppressors. Anonymous is not about the mask. Anonymous is about the idea. The idea that people like us can unite as one, and fight against the tyranny and oppression of those who have enslaved us and our minds. Anonymous has no leaders and no one in charge."
A Police Scotland spokesman said officers will be ready for eventualities.
"Police have a responsibility to facilitate peaceful protest, and everyone has a right to express their views lawfully," said a police spokesman. "That said, there is a recognised notification process by which an organiser should make the local authority and police aware of their intention, enabling the safe management of the event and ensuring the safety of participants and the general public.
"Should any group choose to demonstrate without giving the authorities notice of their intention, the public can be assured that an appropriate and proportionate policing plan will be put in place to deal with the situation.
The Anonymous network has been linked with cyber-attacks against governments including the US and Israel, multi-national corporations such as PayPal and Visa, websites showing images of child sexual abuse, the Church of Scientology, the British National Party and defenders of media copyright, among others.
The movement is also closely identified with the Occupy protests, Wikileaks, and the Arab Spring.
The march, a protest against corruption in power, is organised to coincide with Bonfire Night in the UK, which commemorates the date Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
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