Thousands of people are expected to take part in protests-known as the Million Mask March- around the world on Saturday, to demonstrate against neo-capitalism, official corruption, surveillance, erosion of civil liberties and other causes.
The march covers more than 400 cities across the globe. Protesters will wear Guy Fawkes mask in a nod to the famous member of the Gunpowder plot who made a failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords on November 5 1605.
The march was organised by the Anonymous, an anarchic hackers network linked with cyber-attacks against governments including US and Israel, terrorist groups like ISIS and Ku Klux Klan, multinational corporates like Paypal and Visa. The movement is also closely identified with Wikileaks, Arab Spring and Occupy protests.
In UK, the protest is expected to kickoff in Trafalgar square on Saturday between 6pm to 9pm.
The UK Anonymous website describes the march on Parliament as a “protest against austerity … the infringement of our rights … mass surveillance … war crimes … corrupt politicians.”
According to the Million Masks London, “the day is a single night of civil disobedience characterised by spontaneity and a lack of planning, making it almost impossible to predict or control. Anonymous is a collective online brain, shaped by the many thoughts and ideals of those who support it, and on the 5th of November that hive mentality will takes to the streets. No leaders, no orders, just free spirits shaping the night into one you will never forget. “
The idea of Million Mask March was known to be originated from the camp of ‘Occupy protest’, when Anonymous joined the fight offline against the corruption from bank elite. The march to the London Parliament, which was re-enactment of the famous scene from the movie V for Vendetta, was a huge success. It soon developed to Million Mask March and spread globally.
Meanwhile, Police have warned “masked criminals seeking to run amok” during the march that they will be arrested if the protests turn violent, reports Mirror.
Almost 20,000 people have said on Facebook that they will attend the Million Mask March London event.
