From The Sunday Telegraph. April 29 2001
POLICE forces throughout the world are bracing themselves for May Day protests and riots. Big financial centres are on particular alert, while multinational companies such as McDonald's could face protests anywhere.

In Germany, police leave has been cancelled in several cities as the threat of violent clashes between anarchists and neo-Nazis intensifies. About 7,500 officers will be on the streets in Berlin. Hagen Saberschinsky, a senior police official, said: "The decision to allow the far Right to march will inevitably lead to violence."

In Australia, thousands of protesters are expected to try to shut down the stock exchanges in Melbourne and Sydney. They are said to be planning to use the rallies as a dress rehearsal for larger protests at October's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

In the United States, activists plan to make what organisers are calling "hits" on Nike, Disney and Gap stores in Chicago, and to target the New York offices of financial bodies. Other protests are being planned for Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Portland, Oregon, the state that has become known as an anarchist stronghold. Today, 1,000 anarchists are expected to rally in Washington against the spring meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

In Ireland, anarchists are planning to use May Day to launch a new anti-capitalist organisation, Globalise Resistance, with a demonstration outside the stock exchange in Dublin.

In China, computer hackers are reported to be planning a "May Day war" against websites in the US. The attacks are apparently in retaliation for attacks that American hackers have launched on Chinese sites since the US spy aircraft collision and stand-off on Hainan island.

Many of the anti-capitalism protests are being planned on the internet where hundreds of websites are dedicated to direct action. Guides such as "Activism 101" contain tips on disguises and legal advice. One site is dedicated to providing excuses for activists who need to "phone in sick" to work on Tuesday.