1000s of UK anti-capitalist protesters demand ‘revolution’

Anti-establishment activists have taken to the streets of London in their thousands, chanting slogans against the country’s authorities.

Attending an annual demonstration held in remembrance of dissident Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the British parliament and suffered a gruesome execution in the 17th century, the participants joined the “Million Mask March” on Thursday, chanting, “One solution: revolution” and “Whose streets? Our streets.”

The protesters took on law enforcement agents outside Buckingham Palace and the office of British Prime Minister David Cameron, setting a police car ablaze and knocking some officers off their horses. Several of the demonstrators were injured in scuffles with the police.

“We tried for six years to get the press to take us seriously. It is only when we wore the masks that we started getting attention,” said one protester, referring to the white mask worn by many of the protesters, which is associated with the Anonymous hacktivist group.

“Anonymous stands for freedom. We all have the right to protest, we have the right to a free life. We have the right for the government being open with us and telling us what they’re doing. Everyone should be equal, they shouldn’t be higher. They shouldn’t be able to look down on us. They shouldn’t be allowed to treat us like criminals,” said another demonstrator.

The protest started out on Wednesday evening, when thousands began a march towards the White Hall, a street which is lined with key administrative buildings.

Protesters gather in major cities across the world on November 5 to mark the Guy Fawkes Day.

Hundreds of protesters also marched from the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., to the White House to mark the annual event.