Davos, Switzerland: From igloos to topless protesters, the World Economic Forum this year had its fair share of innovative protests and campaigns reflecting people's growing frustration with the present economic system and rising inequalities. While the igloo camp set up by the occupy protesters made the groups presence felt, another campaign sent across its message with a simple prop- a dog leash.
As part of the Corporations on the Leash campaign, the protesters walked around with dog leashes, calling on the executives of top multinationals from around the world to be more responsible in dealing with human rights and environment issues.
"It is like an invisible dog , its representing the companies that we are holding under leash that they are not going abroad and doing things that are not respecting human rights and ecological standards," one protester told NDTV.
Another protester thinks the Davos conference held in Switzerland is a perfect platform for protesters like themselves as the people the message is directed towards are all present here. "We hope in a couple of years not only the dogs will be on the short leash but also the big corporations," the protester added.
The Davos conference is witnessing protests in varied forms. The Swiss police have detained three topless Ukrainian protesters who were trying to break into an invitation-only gathering of international CEOs and political leaders to call attention to the needs of the world's poor.
The Occupy movement campaign also found its way to Davos where a small group of protesters are camped in igloos to call for more help for the needy.
About 40 Occupy protesters gathered in front of the town hall. Some held placards with slogans such as "If voting would change anything, it would be illegal" and "Don't let them decide for you, Occupy WEF."
