With the nation focused on the war in Iraq and the debate over immigration, the turnout of demonstrators for this weekend’s International Monetary Fund and World Bank meeting is expected to shrink, organizers say.
Protesters expect a few hundred demonstrators instead of the thousands that have shown at past spring IMF/World Bank conferences.
“There are definitely other draws of people’s attention,” said Hope Chu, of Fifty-Years is Enough. “But the issues are all connected.”
This weekend, instead of marching, organizers will target demonstrate at different spots around the city.
About 30 protesters showed up for a small performance and demonstration Friday outside the World Bank headquarters. Wearing white hazardous material suits and homemade badges that read “People’s Health Department,” protesters shouted, “IMF, World Bank: Health Hazards!”
Though no permits have been issued for marches or large demonstrations, the Metropolitan Police Department is preparing for disruptions. More officers will be on the street and the department will turn on the network of closed-circuit cameras around the city.
Police will close 18th, 19th and 20th streets between G Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW until Sunday night.
Trucks will not be allowed on Pennsylvania Avenue between 17th and 23rd streets, but the road will remain open to cars.
