Anti-Cheney protesters clash with police

AAP Thursday February 22, 06:47 PM

Protesters demonstrating against US Vice-President Dick Cheney's
Australian visit have clashed with police outside Sydney's Town Hall.

Mr Cheney is expected to arrive in Sydney late Thursday and will leave
on Sunday following talks with the federal government, the opposition,
and other engagements.

Police attempting to prevent the protesters from marching down George
Street scuffled with dozens of the demonstrators.

A wall of officers, including mounted police, were attempting to push
the crowd away from the roadway and into Town Hall Square.

Deputy Police Commissioner Terry Collins says the protesters do not have
permission to march through the city because of disruption to traffic.

But organisers, the Stop the War Coalition, told the crowd that adequate
notice had been given and it was up to those present to decide if they
wanted to march to the US Consulate near Martin Place.

"Police have attempted to drive the anti-war protest off the street,"
coalition spokeswoman Jean Parker told the crowd.

"We will not be silenced."

Activists are carrying placards with slogans including "Coalition of the
killing" and "Go home Cheney, take Howard hunting".

After several tense minutes, the situation calmed and a number of people
were detained after pushing through police ranks.

The majority of the protesters remained in the square, continuing their
vocal but peaceful protest.

They chanted "Free David Hicks" and "Troops out now" while mounted
police formed a second line of defence behind the officers flanking
George Street.

Two lanes of George Street were blocked to traffic by police and onlookers.