Thousands protest over US president’s executive order
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FROM London and Paris to New York and Washington, thousands of people took to the streets to protest US President Donald Trump’s travel ban amid a fierce legal battle over the order.
The biggest demonstration by far on Saturday took place in the British capital, where an estimated 10,000 people turned out, chanting “Theresa May: Shame on You” to denounce the British prime minister’s support for the America’s new leader.
Brandishing placards declaring “No to scapegoating Muslims” and “Socialism not Trumpism,” the protesters marched from the United States Embassy toward May’s Downing Street office.
In an executive order issued on January 27, Trump slapped a blanket ban on nationals of seven mainly Muslim countries — Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — barring their entry to the US for 90 days. Refugees were also barred from entry for 120 days, except those from Syria, who were blocked indefinitely.
About 3,000 people demonstrated in Trump’s hometown of New York where protests against the property magnate-turned-world leader take place almost daily.
In Washington DC, hundreds marched from the White House to Capitol Hill. “Donald, Donald can’t you see, we don’t want you in DC,” chanted the demonstrators in the largely Democratic-leaning US capital.
“I was born and raised here and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel safe,” said Abu Bakkar, 26, whose parents are originally from Pakistan.
A Department of Defense consultant said the new president “has revealed hate that’s been underground for so long. He has divided one of the greatest countries in the world.”
At least 2,000 people marched near Trump’s Florida golf club as the president and First Lady Melania Trump attended a Red Cross gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
“You know, my father fought World War II,” protester Rob Resaid said. “For years and years, so many people fought for freedom in this country and now it’s being taken away. We have to stand now before all of our rights are taken away, before we become the pariah of the world.”
In Britain, more than 1.8 million people have signed a petition saying Trump should not be afforded a formal state visit because it would embarrass Queen Elizabeth II.
“We’re going to bring this capital to a halt on the day he comes over. We are going to make it impossible for him to have a state visit,” said Chris Nineham, vice-chairman of the Stop the War Coalition.
Elsewhere in Europe, about 1,000 people turned out in both Paris and Berlin, while smaller gatherings of several hundred people took place in provincial British cities including Manchester and Birmingham.
“We are here to say we don’t accept hate,” said 20-year-old American Michael Jacobs, co-organizer of the Paris rally, surrounded by signs saying “Refugees are welcome!”
In Berlin, protesters rallied in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
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