In pictures: May Day protests

Security forces around the world have been bracing themselves for May Day demonstrations. Protests have already turned violent in Australia and Germany.

Supporters and opponents of extreme-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen have taken to the streets in Paris

 Click here for news story

Demonstrators in Sydney clashed with police over detention facilities for illegal immigrants

 Click here for news story

Leftist and anti-Nazi demonstrators scuffled with police in Berlin in the early hours of the morning

 Click here for news story

140,000 trade unionists gathered in Russia's Red Square, overshadowing a smaller communist gathering

In the Philippines, supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada marched in the capital Manila

 Click here for news story

Thousands took to the streets in Indonesia demanding better working conditions

More than a million gathered in Havana's Revolution Plaza to hear Cuban President Fidel Castro

 Click here for news story

Riot squads patrolled Malaysia's Petronas Twin Towers, as plantation workers marched for better pay

Peaceful May Day rallies have taken place in many other countries, including India and Bangladesh