Protestors boo inauguration

WASHINGTON, JAN. 20. Thousands of demonstrators booed the inauguration of the Presidency of Mr. George W. Bush today, holding signs such as ``hail to the thief'' to protest his swearing-in which took place amid the tightest security measures ever.

Columns of demonstrators, championing causes from abortion to electoral rights, stood on the route Mr. Bush took to the Capitol for his swearing-in and jeered as his presidential limousine went past, carrying him and the outgoing President, Mr. Bill Clinton.

In the biggest-ever security operation for an inauguration, police in riot gear and on horseback kept an eye on the protesters, joined by thousands of uniformed secret service agents in-charge of the security operation. Bottlenecks developed around the 10 security checkpoints set up by security forces to search anyone entering the parade route, which angered some impatient demonstrators. Police, some dressed in heavy riot gear, appealed to protesters to line up in an orderly fashion. ``We've conformed to every rule. We've gone to court. We have a permit. Let's take our right,'' said Mr. Brian Becker, co-director, International Action Center, which helped organise the protests.

- Reuters

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