France, June 14 -- The "No-G7" coalition of more than 60 associations, unions and left-wing groups aims to denounce "fascism and imperialism". The demonstration takes place the day before Group of Seven leaders start their three-day annual gathering.

Geneva -- about 40 kilometres southwest of the French spa town of Evian -- is on edge. The authorities there are anxious to avoid any repeat of the mayhem of 2003, when anti-G7 rioters caused millions of dollars worth of damage in the Swiss city.

The violence, looting and clashes live long in the memory and shops, supermarkets, theatres and university buildings, some of them far from the protest route, are taking no chances and have boarded up their facades. Anti-G7 protestors take part in ...