[mobglob-discuss] ARRESTED: 4 VANCOUVER STUDENT WHO LOCK-DOWN AT THE U.S. CONSULATE IN OPPOSITION TO THE WAR ON IRAQ

[steven kammerer]

ARRESTED: 4 VANCOUVER STUDENT WHO LOCK-DOWN AT THE
U.S. CONSULATE IN OPPOSITION TO THE WAR ON IRAQ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2003

Vancouver, B.C. ~ Four students opposed to the
U.S.-lead war on Iraq chained themselves to the doors
of the U.S. consulate at 7:45am this morning. The goal
of the lock-down was to encourage creative action in
the promotion of peace.

At 8:45 the students, Heather Jones, Macdonald
Stainsby, Elise Thornburn and Chris Jacob, were taken
into custody by the Vancouver Police Department with
the charges of mischief.  Police were forced to remove
the consulate door handles in order to move the
students.

The action was carried out in response to the Bush
administrationís choice to disregard international
law. The students believe that this war is indicative
of a U.S. effort to re-colonize the entire Middle
East.

ìThis peaceful action arises out of a sense urgency
and fear in response to a racist war based on economic
interests that does not represent the well-being of
citizens anywhere in the world" stated Heather Jones,
an SFU student. She went on to state that "the action
also stems out of our determination to expose the
impacts of the war upon immigrants within North
America and the people of Palestine within the
Occupied Territories."

Chris Jacob, a Douglas College student, expressed that
the group ìhopes this action will initiate a change in
the way anti-war movement enacts in creative direct
action.î  Elise Thornburn (Langara Student) added ìwe
decided to do this action because we felt the need to
participate in more than peace marches to communicate
our opposition to the war and our commitment to a just
peace.î   ìWe hope that more people will now feel
empowered to take part in civil disobedience to
increase pressure on the U.S. and all members of the
ëCoalition of the Willingí to stop this warî.
(Macdonald Stainsby)

Other members, not arrested extend an invitation to
all to take action now.

If the students are not released from custody by 4pm
April 1st 2003 there will be a jail solidarity rally
at Main St. police station starting at 5:00pm. Please
check your email inboxes at 4:00pm for a confirmation
that the students have not been released before you
make your way down to the rally.

-30-

For more information or to arrange an interview
contact:

Cell April 1st : 604.506.5830

mia amir
604.433.4489

or Carlos Garcia
604.268.6564


email - moabcoalition at ziplip.com