In pictures

GSBot · May 1, 2010, 9:58pm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760859_009204683-1.jpgIn many countries, May Day - also known as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day - is traditionally a time of political demonstrations organised by trade unions, anarchists, and socialist groups.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760860_009205382-1.jpgThere were ugly scenes in Athens as protesters clashed with police during a rally called by trade unions and left-wing parties against the government’s austerity measures to tackle Greece’s enormous debt problem.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760861_009205262-1.jpgIn the Chinese territory of Macau, police used water cannons and pepper spray against protesters who tried to break away from the approved route.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760862_009205588-1.jpgIn Romania, thousands of left-wing protesters marched to the government headquarters in Bucharest demanding the resignation of the prime minister over the rise in unemployment and poverty.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760863_009204583-1.jpgAnger at rising unemployment and falling wages was also behind a mass rally in the Taiwanese capital.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760864_009205551-1.jpgIn Scotland, protesters marched through Edinburgh’s historic old town in an annual May Day rally over the war in Afghanistan and cuts to public services.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760865_009205358-1.jpgFar-left Ukrainian activists waved their fists and shouted anti-government slogans during a rally in Kiev.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47760000/jpg/_47760866_009205171-1.jpgMembers of a Russian anti-fascist movement, known as Antifa, carry their flags during a rally in Moscow.

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