Kalistani Major History

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Police wipe out massive Democracy Protest in Port Swedes
17 fatalities, 146 injuries in most serious clash in recent Vrassan History
Port Swedes, Duchy of Vrassa
December 1, 5557


Police flank protestors in what protestors described as "police riot"

The pro-democracy protests scored their bloodiest chapter to date as a preliminary clash between armed protestors and Duchy Police in Port Swedes turned into a street battle that left 17 dead and 146 people seriously injured. More than 600 protestors marched in Port Swedes demanding an end to the Monarchy. Most of the protestors were armed with clubs, batons, shields and armor, and Police report that they were prepared for a fight. The group was initially met by a large group of counter protestors calling themselves the "Black Brigade", who are a broad coalition of anti-fascists in Kalistan. When the two factions met in the streets, a melee, started by Black Brigade members ensued.

Riot police were called to the scene by the police who were on site to try to keep the march peaceful, and when riot police showed up and tried to push in between the two groups, pro-democracy protestors began attacking the cops. It wasn't long before a shot was fired, at which point, the armed police fell back to a rally point and began firing tear gas into the crowd.

Initially both the Pro-Democracy protestors and the Black Brigade retreated from the gas cannisters, with the Black Brigade heading north toward the Port, while the Pro-Democracy groups moved south into the Downtown area. But the Democrats were soon joined by a larger contingent of individuals, who took control and began coordinating movement via radio among specific elements. "These seriously looked like militia tactics," said Captain Don Rogers, of the Port Swedes Police Force. "We had groups of between 10 and 12 individuals moving between buildings, and taking up positions on street corners. I ordered my men to evacuate the place we were at, because it looked like we were about to be in a war."

With the police abandoning their area, a newly reinforced Black Brigade returned from the port area and occupied Swede Park, which is usually a concert venue downtown. They also set up a security perimeter, and were sending small groups out to try to locate the Democratic Protestors. As soon as one group was found, a firefight ensued between the two armed groups. Police eventually returned with elements of the Militia who called on Democracy Protestors to stand down. There was a brief lull, in the fighting, and then the police began taking fire from the side.

Fearing being flanked, the Police and militia moved forward toward the Black Brigade, who turned out to be supporting the police by keeping up suppressing fire while the trapped security units made it out of their endangered position. Once police regrouped in Swede Park, they joined Black Brigade members, and began assaulting the Democracy Protestors. The fighting was so fierce that some protestors began referring to the amount of force used as "excessive" while some others called it a "police riot." The firefight and subsequent melee combat lasted for more than an hour and 45 minutes. Over all, 6 pro-Democracy protestors, 2 Black Brigade members, 4 Militia members, and 5 uniformed police officers were killed in the battle, while more than ₭6 million in damage was received to downtown businesses. At the end of the fight, what was left of the pro-democracy rear guard surrendered to the Police: most had fled the scene of the battle by that time. 52 were arrested and taken into custody and the wounded were taken to three local hospitals, were 16 remain in critical condition.

The Chancellor, Dame Lindsey Ontiveros-Maxwell, immediately called for a curfew in Vrassa, and has mobilized Army Group North to assist the police in preventing further disorder. While this is not technically permitted under law, it is also not forbidden, and Dame Ontiveros said the curfew and crack down on protest was temporary. "We have to root out these malcontents," said the Chancellor. "They must know that street battles with the cops and the Anarchists are not acceptable in this Nation. This Government will take all necessary steps to ensure that this sort of street fighting vigilantism doesn't happen again. And we are going to press and press and press until we get every last one of these murderous thugs." There has been unofficial reports of more planned violence in the coming year, but the government has not confirmed that. "If there are plans we will be ready for them" said Dame Ontiveros. She also said they are looking into the activities of several civil society groups who may be instigating this violence. "It is nothing less than an attempt to destroy this Empire," said the Chancellor, though many are starting to wonder if her constant statements are hyperbole bordering on paranoia.

And yet, if you talk to protestors, they seem to support the Chancellor's characterization. "At some point, the Government is going to have to listen to us," said one Pro-Democracy Protestor, who was arrested and is speaking on condition of anonymity so as to not prejudice any future court proceedings against them. "We the people have the power, and what's more, we know how to use it. Mark my words, there are way more of us than you know, and we're in your homes, your schools, your government buildings. We're legion, and We won't stop until either we die or we get rid of the snakes in Kaliburg."

Another protestor, who did not take part in the violence, was more measured. "We just want to talk to the Emperor. To tell him what we are upset about. He is so far removed from us. Why not come hear us out in January, at Democracy Forum in Neveras City? Neveras is safe--its on his side like Suldanor. It's not Eshar or Gendaris. It's not like this... The last one in Sulari was peaceful. The Forum is a place where we can go and speak where we know they will listen to us. Let him come there and hear us, for once. Let him hear the voice of the people, ring out loud and clear. I think if he just hears what we are saying, he has to listen. He seems like a pretty nice guy. I think we can reason with him."

It is highly unlikely that the Emperor will actually attend the Fourth Democracy Forum in Neveras in January. Both monarchs have been strongly advised against attending. But if there is a chance that an appearance by the Emperor would defuse some of the tension in the Empire, he might be tempted to attend. "Yeah, let him have all his security there," said the democracy protestor. "We just want an audience with the man. He's not a god... He's not better than you or me. Let him come talk to us. And see if we can't come to something..."

Port Swedes was quiet overnight, and the curfew is expected to last more than 2 weeks to quell anymore violence. At that time, the rainy season will be upon Vrassa, and protests will likely not flare up again for the season.