Face-off looms as NY protesters fear eviction

New York: Anti-Wall Street protesters have called a massive pre-dawn show of strength today to stop police evicting them from the Manhattan square, that is the cradle of their anti-corporate movement. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited the demonstrators in person on Wednesday evening to reassure them that they would be allowed back after a clean-up demanded by the square’s owners, but the protesters didn’t buy it. In a statement on their website, the Occupy Wall Street movement urged supporters to join them at 1530 IST today at Zuccotti Park for “non-violent eviction defence.” [caption id=“attachment_107566” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“About 600 people have been camping out in Zuccotti Park more or less permanently since the occupation was launched. PTI”]  [/caption] “Bloomberg says that the park will be open for public usage following the cleaning, but with a notable caveat that Occupy Wall Street participants must follow the rules. These rules include, ’no tarps or sleeping bags’ and ’no lying down,’” the statement said. Representatives of owners Brookfield Property descended on the square yesterday morning with police and dogs, handing out notices to remind protesters that camping and use of tents and other structures was forbidden. About 600 people have been camping out in Zuccotti Park more or less permanently since the occupation was launched on 17 September, becoming the epicentre of a movement that has spread to cities across America. The occupation has shown more and more signs of permanence: food stalls have sprung up, an infirmary, an information desk, a video room, even a library. Protesters have no toilet facilities of their own and depend on local restaurants including McDonalds. There have also been reports of locals complaining about demonstrators urinating and defecating in the streets. Brookfield says enough is enough and has set a deadline of 1630 IST today for the protesters to begin moving out and let the cleaning begin. “Conditions in the park have deteriorated, presenting health and cleanliness issues which must be addressed,” the owners said in a statement. The park “will be reopened to the public for lawful uses consistent with our regulations,” the statement said, fuelling protesters’ fears that something more sinister is afoot. “It’s horrible, they want to put and end to this experience. They want to kick us out,” said Seth Harper, a 21-year-old protester serving breakfast. AFP