World Bank/IMF protests may disrupt traffic

WASHINGTON - Protesters and meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund could disrupt your normal routine.

The group, Global Justice Action, has secured permits for rallies and plans to block hotels where the meeting delegates are staying.

The group's web site says, "These are our choke points. If we can prevent the delegates from leaving the hotels, we will prevent the meetings from happening."

At 11:30 a.m. Friday the group will hold a "5k Run on the Banks." Runners are meeting at Meridian Hill Park in Northwest. They'll make their way through downtown and end their run at Edward R. Murrow Park across from the World Bank and 18th and H Streets, NW. A rally follows the run.

The IMF/World Bank meetings will mean parking restrictions and road closures starting Friday afternoon. Click here for a list of the restrictions.

As it protests the financial bailout, Global Justice Action also plans some marches Saturday starting at 8 a.m., as well as what they're billing as an "economic summit" at noon at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church at 16th and New Streets, NW. The group's calendar of events also lists that they'll be playing baseball and soccer in the street near Washington Circle Saturday night.

On Sunday, a rally is set for 1 p.m. in Dupont Circle. The accompanying march will end in front of the World Bank.

Previous rallies opposing the IMF disrupted traffic and drew hundreds of arrests in the city.

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