A group of Occupy Democracy activists staged an occupation of Parliament Square in London for the third time calling for “genuine democracy free from corporate influence.”
The activists planned a 24-hour-long demonstration that is to last until Sunday morning. They are calling on the government to do more to bring an end to escalating homelessness and poverty in the UK.
Escalating homelessness & poverty a symptom of our broken democracy. #occupydemocracy for Real Democracy Now! #olsxpic.twitter.com/TjlAHCOzst
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) December 19, 2014
Police have encircled some of the peaceful protesters as they hold a discussion, and Twitter users have reported protester arrests.
Officers claim that protesters broke a cable tie and behaved aggressively.
LIVE #occupydemocracy#olsxhttp://t.co/tD0BWGs8yg@DonnachadhMc Arrested whilst talking about #democracy
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) December 20, 2014
Police closing in around us during peaceful discussion on the creation of money #occupydemocracypic.twitter.com/mv74Q3E2UT
— Lana Jackson (@LanaJackson) December 20, 2014
In October, police arrested some 40 people in the course of weeklong Occupy Democracy protests outside the Parliament.
READ MORE: #OccupyDemocracy: Protesters hold Parliament Square despite arrests
Holding a talk in the square on Democratising Money , surrounded by police #occupydemocracy#olsxpic.twitter.com/h9tVpYVYgE
— DemocracyCafe (@DemocracyCafe) December 20, 2014
Reports surfaced the press was temporarily not allowed into the protest area.
Looks like press now allowed onto Parliament Sq. #occupydemocracypic.twitter.com/EvCAk8zLzj
— Quaristice (@Quaristice) December 20, 2014
Earlier, protesters gathered for a variety of broad causes.
Some performed a “Fossil Free” nativity play at the square, condemning the use of fossil fuels.
.@divestlondon performing Fossil Free nativity play now at parliament sq. #occupydemocracy#olsxpic.twitter.com/I4jDBsaJt7
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) December 20, 2014
While others discussed the need to protect social housing and stood up against austerity measures.
Talk now from tenants parts of Our West Hendon campaign. Protect social housing! #occupydemocracy#olsxpic.twitter.com/2jY3NtPt0c
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) December 20, 2014
In November, the largest student protest in London in years turned violent as police and protesters clashed. Students were demonstrating against steep tuition hikes.
READ MORE: London student protests turn violent, arrests made (PHOTOS, VIDEO)