Protests as G20 finance ministers meet in Venice

Over 100 "We Are The Tide" protesters, a platform of activists formed by several groups opposed to the G-20, marched towards police roadblocks in Venice on Saturday to protest against the Finance and Economy Ministers' meeting being held nearby. After throwing rainbow-colored smoke bombs, protesters clashed with police as they were prevented from passing.

After several face-offs, the protesters retreated. Earlier in the day, about a thousand protesters gathered peacefully on the Zattere waterfront promenade, an area facing the Giudecca, which had received police approval for protests. Groups protesting included 'No Grandi Navi', opposed to cruise ships in Venice, and 'Extinction Rebellion,' known for taking what it calls "non-violent direct action," which has included protesters gluing themselves to buildings and mass occupation of roads, to draw attention to its causes.

Activists united under one umbrella to ask global leaders for more equality in the world. "The economic and financial choices the G-20 make have consequences on our lives, in many forms," explained activist Anna Clara Basilicò. "So today as a united group we are asking that all the wealth that is held by a very small part of the population be redistributed in a more fair and equal manner and that these inequalities that are present today be eliminated or lowered."

Earlier on Saturday, the group 'Animal Rebellion' also protested and staged a performance to raise awareness on the bad treatment of animals on the planet. The performance included actors pretending to be sea creatures and being captured by a fishing net.