The ESF, an anti-globalization gathering, is expected to attract 18,000 attendees for a series of meetings in Florence November 6-9. It will culminate in an anti-war rally and march on November 9 expected to attract 100,000 participants. The organizers have assured local authorities that their intention is to hold a peaceful meeting. Security will be tight in and around the city of Florence during that time period. But in the past, demonstrations have become violent. At last year's G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy, large numbers of protestors were arrested or injured, and one was killed.
The U.S. Consulate General in Florence, located at Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 38, can be contacted 24 hours a day at 055 239 8276 in connection with emergencies such as the arrest, serious injury, or death of a U.S. citizen.
Florence: the European Social Forum (ESF) from November 6-9, 2002
