UK/US/Vatican City: “Million Mask March” to take place in major cities November 5

Event

The online activist group Anonymous has called for three large-scale demonstrations to commemorate the "Million Mask March" in London, Washington, DC, and Vatican City, with associated demonstrations scheduled worldwide, beginning on Monday, November 5. Participants in London will reportedly gather at Harrods department store and the Palace of Westminster on November 5-7 beginning at 09:00 (local time). Unlike previous years, Anonymous has indicated it will not host a demonstration at Trafalgar Square, although related groups may gather at the site.

In Washington, DC, Anonymous has asked people to gather at the US Capitol Building on November 5 from 09:00 (local time), while related groups have also indicated they will demonstrate at the Washington Monument, the White House and the Headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Anonymous has also called on supporters to "Occupy the Vatican" on November 5 in Vatican City. The demonstration will reportedly begin at 15:00 (local time) at St. Peter's Square.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near the protest sites.

Context

Anonymous is an online anti-establishment activist group known for its cyber-attacks against government agencies, corporations, and religious organizations. The group hosts annual demonstrations on November 5 to commemorate the Gunpower Plot, an anti-government plot planned by Guy Fawkes to blow-up the House of Lords in 1605. Anonymous claims that the demonstrations will occur in "1000 cities worldwide" in 2018.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.