Pikachu protesters demand coal power ends as COP26 protests continue

It comes after several demos took place in Glasgow on Wednesday, including an Extinction Rebellion march through the city.

Pikachu protesters demand coal power ends as COP26 protests continue PA Media

Protesters dressed as Pikachu have gathered opposite the COP26 conference as climate protests continue in Glasgow.

The giant Pokemon were demanding an end to Japan’s support for coal power.

It comes after several demonstrations took place in Glasgow on Wednesday, including an Extinction Rebellion march through the city attended by hundreds.

Another Extinction Rebellion protest is expected outside the Home Office building in Cessnock on Thursday, while there will be other large marches through the city on Friday and Saturday.

On Wednesday evening, Police Scotland said five arrests had been made at the demonstration, including two after officers were sprayed with paint.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “We will provide a proportionate policing response to any protest and it is therefore extremely disappointing that officers were assaulted by having paint sprayed in their faces.

“These officers were simply doing their job and trying to protect people and keep them safe.”

Mr Ritchie said a group of protesters were “contained” around St Vincent Street in order to protect public safety, before being allowed to move towards the COP26 site within a police cordon.

Extinction Rebellion’s protest on Wednesday was against “greenwashing” and included demonstrations outside the SSE and JP Morgan offices.

The group said police action raised “serious questions about civil liberties, right to protest, and human dignity”.

On Thursday morning, a group called No Coal Japan held up a banner saying “Japan, time to end coal” on the opposite bank of the Clyde.

They say Japan is continuing to finance coal plants in Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Extinction Rebellion is due to hold a “march for peace” starting in Cessnock at midday on Thursday.

On Friday, thousands are expected to march through Glasgow with the Fridays for Future movement founded by Greta Thunberg.

Saturday will see another large march from the COP26 Coalition, with organisers saying tens of thousands are expected.

Another march was taking place in the city with protesters looking to “raise alarm” over BAE Systems weapon sales.

March for Peace: Extinction Rebellion in Cessnock. STV News

The March for Peace by Extinction Rebellion gathered at the home office buildings in Cessnock at 12pm.

Protesters gave speeches and banged drums before setting off down towards Govan Road.

They then blocked the road by sitting down and not allowing oncoming traffic to pass.

The March for Peace on Thursday.STV News

Meanwhile another group of activists took to Pacific Quay, just across the Clyde from where the COP26 conference is being held, for the ‘No Fish in the Sea’ protest.

Three Ocean Rebellion performers with bleeding fishhead masks and pinstripe suits said they were making “a last minute plea before COP Ocean day by highlighting the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) continued support of corrupt and destructive industrial fishing”.

No More Fish in the Sea: Protest at Pacific Quay on Thursday.

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