Last year, a Swiss journalist covering a protest claimed that police beat and detained him for several hours. Woe betide any sightseer who gets mixed up in the wrong crowd. Apart from the obvious threat to physical security, there are dangers lurking in the huge media presence at the talks. Banks and multinational retailers have been singled out for their behaviour in emerging countries, as have companies and groups involved in research into genetically modified foods, such as Monsanto. It is, of course, very easy to denounce a company or organisation on the internet or by syndicated media reports carrying damning, untrue or exaggerated accusations.
Masked protesters are well aware that good pictures make front-page news.
Any company or organisation planning to send delegates to the talks should be prepared to safeguard their physical security due to the threat of violent attack. The first task is to assemble as much information as possible about the event. There must be a full appraisal of any risk or threat and every possible contingency should be covered. It is not usually necessary to stop a delegate attending but if there is a serious threat to their physical safety, a system of continuous assessment during the event will offer some support. Efficient communications and a well-rehearsed crisis plan are essential.