[Onthebarricades] On the Barricades - UK, Oceania, Canada, Israel
Andy Robinson
ldxar1 at tesco.net
Mon Apr 4 04:25:48 PDT 2005
BRITISH-OCCUPIED IRELAND
Protests against water fees
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=610328
Sinn Fein supporters block roads in protest against monitoring commission
http://212.2.162.45/news/story.asp?j=109543440&p=yx9544xzx&n=109544049
Sinn Fein stage protest stunt to protest against security forces' collusion with Unionist terror gangs
http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=57546&pt=n
Payback for pigs as youths rise up over drinking den crackdown
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=137436314&p=y37437xzx
SCOTLAND: Protesters target army office
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=174272005
Anti-Trident blockade at Scottish parliament
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5036487.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306445.html
Idiot MSPs stir up furore over harmless graffiti - call it "violent"
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=270842005
Protesters padlock banner to Scott monument, protesting arms trade with China
http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=9242&article=Scott+Monument+Targeted+in+Arms+Trade+Protest
UK/EUSKAL HERRIA: Hunger strike and protests in
solidarity with Basque activists
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307083.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307430.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306509.html
UK:
Anti-Olympics protest by river users in London
Protesters say the Olympics bid will steal common land, trash flood defences and wildlife havens and destroy recreational boating activities
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4253837.stm
http://www.gamesbids.com/cgi-bin/news/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1108236073
Nottingham posters subvertised
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305629.html
Coca-Cola depot blockaded
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306233.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306141.html
UK PROTESTERS SHUT DOWN COCA-COLA'S REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION DEPOT: LORRIES BLOCKADED
A coalition of anti-capitalist activists and human rights campaigners
has blockaded Coca-Cola's distribution centre and full service vending
depot in Longwell Green, Bristol, preventing up to30 lorries from
entering or leaving the site for five hours.
The depot, in Aldermoor Way, supplies Wales and the West Country, and
it is believed retailers throughout the region experienced shortages
today.
The protesters said they were taking direct action to highlight
Coca-Cola's abuses of human rights, the environment and labour rights,
especially in South America and India.
The non-violent blockade, which took place on Friday, March 4, was
part of an international Coca-Cola boycott which was called in July
2003 by the Colombian Food and Beverage Workers Union, Sinaltrainal.
The union has seen eight of its workers assassinated in Colombia since
1989 and many others kidnapped, attacked, and threatened.
Protesters arrived at the distribution centre at 4.30 am and eight
people formed a circle on the ground with their arms joined inside
thick metal pipes known as "arm-locks". Each of the eight was wearing
a large label which named one of the eight trade unionists who have
been assassinated for resisting the casualisation of their workforce
and for campaigning for decent working conditions. A protest
organiser, who asked not to be named, explained that the activists
wanted to physically confront Coca-Cola with eight bodies lying on the
ground, to represent the eight murders the company has been implicated
in. He said there is compelling evidence that paramilitary violence
against workers was done with the knowledge, and likely under the
direction, of Colombian Coca-Cola managers.
The protesters were supported by about a dozen other activists who
held banners and placards, handed out leaflets to Coca-Cola workers
and passers-by explaining the reasons for their action, directed
traffic and kept the arm-lock protesters safe, warm, covered in
blankets and supplied with hot drinks.
Protest supporter Dave Williams, 29, of Hanham said: "I came down
tonight to support this because the UK is one of the biggest consumers
of Coca-Cola in the world, and it's a company with a lot of blood on
its hands."
Workers at the plant, including a union official, were supportive of
the protest. They told protesters they are suffering from the same
pressures as Coke workers in Colombia. They said they are pressured to
give up union membership, to work on casual contracts, and to work
more hours for less pay. Protesters said this is exactly the type of
thing the eight assassinated Colombian trade union workers were
resisting; and that their resistance cost them their lives.
A protest organiser said: "Some of the murdered unionists were also
active in a very strong grassroots movement in Colombia for food
sovereignty. This means they want Colombians to consume products made
in Colombia, so that the profit does not go to multinational
corporations. This is an anti-imperialist position which goes against
everything Coke stands for: their entire business plan is built around
economic imperialism. This is why their repression of
anti-imperialists, like the trade unionists, has been so vicious."
He added: "Coca-Cola International undoubtedly knows about all this
and is very happy to accept the profits the violence generates, but
they officially say it is a matter for their Colombian subsidiary, and
not their problem. Well, a group of ordinary people were prepared to
lie on the road in the sleet in Bristol, England yesterday to say:
'Actually, this IS your problem, and it's not going away!'"
SINALTRAINAL leader Carlos JulÌa said in Bogot· on December 5, 2002:
"When you drink Coca-Cola remember that you are contributing to a
process which sows unemployment, hunger and pain. The young, happy
image projected by Coca-Cola masks the suffering and the return of
profits from Colombia to the U.S. We ask Coca-cola to stop killing and
you to stop drinking Coke."
The boycott has been endorsed by many trade unions and numerous social
organisations around the world, including by the World Social Forum,
the CUT and the CGTD (principle trade union federations in Colombia).
In the UK, it has been supported by UNISON, the public sector union,
and many other groups.
The protesters also drew attention to what they said were Coca-Cola's
crimes in other parts of the world, particularly in India, where the
company stands accused of causing severe water shortages in
communities across the country, polluting groundwater and soil around
its bottling facilities, distributing its toxic waste as "fertilizer"
to farmers, and selling drinks with levels of pesticides, including
DDT, up to 30 times higher than EU standards.
For more information, interviews, pictures or video, please call Lara
on 079 7749 5247 or Geoff on 078 1403 3981.
or see the report on Indymedia
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306141.html
For further information see:
www.killercoke.org
www.sinaltrainal.org
www.cokewatch.org
www.indiaresource.org
www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk
Protesters disrupt oil trading on day Kyoto comes into force
Floor trading was delayed due to the protest on the floor
Oil traders attack protesting eco-warriors
http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=5332
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=aOE2qJ0ugD9A&refer=uk
GM protest - Sainsbury's blockaded in Merseyside and Bristol
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306097.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306131.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306098.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305962.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305975.html
Mass lobby of parliament vs GMOs
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/306021.html
Greenwash Guerrillas attacked at "ethical corporation" conference
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/306000.html
McLibel picket in Nottingham
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305441.html
Linslade tree-camp evictors show up... but protesters
are already gone
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305287.html
Critical Mass in Nottingham
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305420.html
And in London
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305948.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305939.html
Oxford animal rights protests continue
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/01/29/uanimal.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/01/29/ixportaltop.html
Covance animal abusers protested
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307258.html
Hunt cunt whips protester
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306512.html
Hunt cunts injure journalist after attacking sabs
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305545.html
GMB union hold protests over suspension of airline worker for wearing hair gel
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0600uk/tm_objectid=15182087&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=hair-raising-protest-over-gel-suspension-name_page.html
Miners protest at Northumberland pit slated for closure
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4070671
Swindon workers stage protests over sick leave
http://www.itnews.it/risorse/EuroNews,Zj0xMTcwMzk1
Sainsbury's workers plan strike over crackdown freakery
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/tm_objectid=15160680&method=full&siteid=50143&headline=sainsbury-s--pound-1m-a-day-strike-over-stolen-gum-name_page.html
Nationwide rallies over pension cuts
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2005/02/19/cnpens19.xml&menuId=242&sSheet=/money/2005/02/19/ixcity.html
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=189932005
Strike shuts down science museum
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4268237.stm
House of Commons cleaners stage pay protest
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4104942
FE lecturers stage one-day strike
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/4293247.stm
Pensions march in Cambridge
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305567.html
Peace protesters stage die-in outside parliament
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4136757
Birmingham army recruiting office occupied
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=15195651&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=protesters-occupy-army-centre-in-anti-war-demo-name_page.html
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/mail/tm_objectid=15196001&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=anti-war-storm-at-army-centre-name_page.html
Peace protesters occupy Lockheed Martin
http://www.motherearth.org/news/news.php
Day of Action Against the Arms Trade - in London, 6 companies get pixied
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307409.html
EDO get visit from 'weapons inspectors'
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307433.html
Demo against arms dealers Raytheon in Reading - but no-one shows up
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306922.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307241.html
Tuesday 15 March 2005
The regular weekly CAAB demonstration happened as usual at NSA
Menwith Hill tonight. There were 4 protestors initially and later
three others came. Anni Rainbow was unable to come.
Within 15 minutes of the demonstration starting, Lindis Percy was
arrested by Russell Howarth (PC - Ministry of Defence Police Agency -
MDPA) for allegedly 'obstructing the highway'. This was somewhat
surprising as his colleague Danny Mitchell (PC - MDPA) clearly did
not have any concerns, as Lindis stood briefly, quietly and safely in
front of cars coming out of the base. She held a upside down US flag
with the words 'STOP STAR WARS' written on it. The officer dutifully
enabled protest to happen (as defined in the case of Hirst and Agu v
Chief Constable West Yorkshire - 1986).
Lindis was taken to Harrogate Police Station and detained by Simon
Smith - Custody Sergeant. She was later charged with
allegedly 'obstructing the highway'.
There will be a Pre-trial review on 23 March 2005 at 10.am at
Harrogate Magistrates' Court when District Judge Anderson will decide
how to manage 29 cases that are now in the court (Anni has two -
Lindis now has 27). A week has tentively been set aside for as many
as possible of these cases to be heard - starting on 7 April 2005.
Anni Rainbow and Lindis Percy
Joint Co-ordinators
CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB)
8 Park Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1HQ, England, U.K.
Tel/fax no: +44 (0)1943 466405 0R +44 (0)1482 702033
email: anniandlindis at caab.org.uk or caab at btclick.com
Website: http://www.caab.org.uk
Protest over death of woman prisoner
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=55&ArticleID=943508
Protesters oppose ban on protests outside parliament
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/hamhigh/news/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Newshamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshamhigh&itemid=WeED10%20Feb%202005%2015%3A08%3A34%3A210
Protest at prison by relatives of abused inmate
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/4339471.stm
Protesters occupy Irish Embassy in protest over trials of Shannon activists; 5 arrested
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4198592
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306119.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306067.html
Trafalgar Square peace camp to protest war and repression
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306893.html
Socialist women demonstrate outside prison
Approximately 200 members of the Scottish Socialist Party's Socialist
Women's Network today took part in a demonstration outside
Corntonvale Women's prison in Stirling as part of events around
International Women's day.
Attending the demonstration was Carolyn Leckie MSP who was imprisoned
in Corntonvale at the end of January for her part in anti nuclear
direct action at Faslane nuclear submarine base.
Carolyn came out of Corntonvale with prisoners accounts of strip
searching, prison clothes that didn't fit and communal showers and
toilets with half doors you could see over and male prison staff in
attendance.
The demonstrators outside Corntonvale today demanded more appropriate
programmes and facilities in communities throughout Scotland, with
equal access to help and support for women.
Many of the women in Cornton Vale women's prison should not be there.
The Chief Inspector of Prisons reports that;
"90 per cent of admissions have addiction problems, 80 per cent have
a history of mental illness and over 60 per cent have a history of
being abused. The question has to be asked: what will the prison do
for them?"
Speaking after the demonstration Carolyn said;
"Today was a fantastic event, organised by the SSP's Socialist
Women's Network.
"I know that women inside the prison will have been heartened by the
event and we could see them standing at the windows waving.
"International Women's Day celebrates the gains made by women but
also causes us to recognise just how much we still have to fight for.
"Today we were calling for a change to the prison system, to demand
equality for women across the world and for socialist change to a
system that produces poverty, inequality and injustice."
Vicious police attack on Reading crowd leads to pitched battles with pigs
http://icberkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0300reading/tm_objectid=15124341&method=full&siteid=50102&headline=-police-made-things-worse--says-riot-eye-witness-name_page.html
Hundreds march against US refusal to sign Kyoto Protocol
http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=2937902
Protest at Nepalese Embassy against coup
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00337.htm
Rachel Corrie memorial protest at Caterpillar HQ
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306802.html
Colombian VP's visit to Bristol protested
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306761.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306854.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306739.html
Iranian refugees march against war with Iran
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306490.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306700.html
Israeli Ambassador's speech at SOAS disrupted
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305757.html
Marks & Spencer pickets continue
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305535.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305967.html
Palestine student campaigners persecuted by union bureaucrats - one is accused of causing a disruption, by being punched!
http://www.revolutionarycommunistgroup.com/frfi/183/183_fru.html
Balochistan protest
The World Sindhi Congress and the Sindhi Baloch Forum organized a
demonstration protesting the atrocities committed by the Pakistan army
in front of 10 Downing Street in London this saturday. Although it was a
small demonstration (around 30 people), there were participants from all
across the UK, and even from some other South Asian countries. The
demonstrators held up placards and chanted slogans demanding an end to
the oppression against Sindhi and Balochi people. There was also a
session of speeches, which included speakers from the World Sindhi
Congress and the Sindhi Baloch Forum, the Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party
Pakistan, Communist Party of Bangladesh, the PPP, and many other Sindhi
and Balochi nationalist groups. At the end of the demo, leaders of the
two organizing groups handed in a petition addressed to the prime
minister at 10 Downing Street.
The demonstration lasted for about 4 hours and despite the cold (it was
below freezing!), the atmosphere was one of optimism. Many of the
speakers protested against the continuous oppression against the
national minorities in Pakistan, and demanded that Balochi and Sindhi
people be given their national rights. They protested against the
economic and social domination of Punjabis in Pakistan, and demanded a
fair share of benefits and rights for their provinces. They warned of
strong retaliation if the army took action in Balochistan, and affirmed
that the Sindhi people would stand shoulder to shoulder with their
Balochi brothers and sisters if such a situation materialised. A comrade
from the Communist party of Bangladesh reminded the audience of the
events of 1971, and warned that if the pakistani army continued its
agressive and unjust stance, the country would once again be at a risk
of breaking up into pieces. The comrade from the CMKP (being the only
person residing in Punjab at the demo!) stated that the biggest enemies
of the baloch and sindhi people were the army of pakistan and the ruling
classes of the country. She stated that the working poor of the Punjab
were sympathetic to the other nations residing in pakistan, and opposed
to the oppression being carried out by the ruling elite in the other
provinces of pakistan.
Overall, the demonstration provided an opportunity for various left and
nationalist groups from Pakistan to meet. The presence of comrades from
the Communist Party of Nepal and CP of Bangladesh added to the fervour
of the gathering. Many members of the groups present were already
familiar with the CMKP, either through the political struggles of the
party, through comrades in Balochistan, or because of the cmkp study
circle on the internet. In fact, some of the people at the gathering
were contributors to the list. Many people congratulated the party on
having such an informative forum, and praised the 'liberal and
progressive role of the CMKP in arguing for the right of self
determination for all nations' and for the party's stance on the
Kalabagh dam. A large number of people inquired after a certain cde
Hassan Nasir, saying that they greatly appreciated his contributions to
the cmkp list and other pakistani forums on the internet.
All in all it was a successful and enthusiatic effort by the members of
the World Sindhi Congress and the Sindhi Baloch Forum. It highlighted
the solidarity between the sindhi and balochi people, and demonstrated
the anger and haterd that people from pakistan feel against their army.
(Also sending pictures..)
In solidarity
Inqalabi
SIKH FEDERATION (UK)
PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY 24 MARCH 2005 (23.45GMT)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VICTORY FOR ANTI-GENOCIDE PROTESTERS IN THE UK
MODI TOO FRIGHTENED TO VISIT THE UK
The Sikh Federation (UK) has greeted the decision by Narendra Modi not to visit the UK as a victory for anti-genocide protestors.
Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said:
"Sikhs had been in close contact with the South Asia Solidarity Group who were co-ordinating the protest. We had plans for many Sikh protesters to be outside Gate 9 of the Albert Hall on Saturday to show him that ordinary people in the UK were not prepared to let the likes of Modi visit without highlighting his involvement in genocide. The Indian Government has quoted "security concerns" as the reason for him staying away from the UK, but we know it was the negative publicity and embarrasment that the Indian Government feared. We are also aware of the role certain prominent members of the UK Government have played in the last 48-hours in encouraging the protest - this will cause the Indian Goverment most concern."
A Federation spokesman said:
"The events of the past 10 days have been a total disaster for the image of the Indian Government abroad. First came the acquittal of two Sikhs in Canada, that has again raised questions about the involvement of Indian intelligence in killing 329 innocent people on Air India Flight 182, to try and discredit the Sikh independence movement so soon after 1984. In the UK this was followed by calls, by an influential group of Parliamentarians, for £300m development aid to India to be stoppped due to unnecessary interference by the central Government of India. Within 24 hours Modi was denied a visa to enter the US, which the US State Department has upheld despite a violent and predictable response on the streets of India. Now the anti-genocide protesters in the UK have frightened Modi to stay away."
The Federation spokesman said: "It is no coincidence that these setbacks for India have come in the US, UK and Canada - the three countries with the largest number of Sikhs in the West. India will need to get used to such setbacks as Sikhs are quickly developing strong alliances with human rights groups, politicians and pressure groups across the globe."
For further information about this press release please contact Jagtar Singh on 07919 166163.
For further information about the Sikh Federation (UK) visit: www.sikhfederation.com
Fathers 4 Justice activist scales Tyne Bridge before Labour conference
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4118071
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/articles/PA_NEWPOLICEFathersfri01fathers?source=&ct=5
Fathers for Justice target Foreign Office
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7045623/
Basque protesters scale Buckingham Palace
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4343771.stm
http://www.channel3000.com/news/4279489/detail.html
Father's rights protesters scale St Paul's Cathedral
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=47002
Racist Tory billboards subvertised
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307185.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306691.html
Home demo targets bailiffs over ethnic cleansing
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306354.html
Protest at Harmondsworth and Colnbrook detention camps
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305667.html
Demonstrations call for release of UK-resident Libyan from Gitmo
http://www.cageprisoners.com/articles.php?aid=5800
Protests over Babar Ahmed stitch-up trial
http://www.cageprisoners.com/articles.php?aid=5688
Nearly 1000 protest to oppose deportation
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4266410
Elderly travellers protest against TVs on trains
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1476078,00.html
Manchester United fans protest Glazer takeover
Sit-down staged; boy arrested for self-defence against cop violence
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/sport/story.asp?j=133166426&p=y33y67y3z&t=soccer
http://www.turkishweekly.net/news.php?id=4305
Council tax nonpayment protests continue
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/localgovernment/story/0,9061,1435612,00.html
Protest over post office closure in Halesowen
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/4342259.stm
Rural protest against unwanted development
http://icberkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0300reading/tm_objectid=15279067&method=full&siteid=50102&headline=-overwhelming--protest-but-plans-likely-to-be-passed-name_page.html
Crowded train sparks near-revolt and fights
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/152/152331_commuters_riot_fear.html
Prisoner legs it
http://news.scotsman.com/glasgow.cfm?id=309262005
School students in angry walk-out
Around 200 school students staged a walk-out at George Stephenson school, Killingworth, near Newcastle, on Thursday of last week.
The students walked out at dinner time after the headteacher sent out a letter banning younger students from going outside school for their lunch. They made placards and marched out, to be confronted by mounted police.
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php4?article_id=6150
Plans are afoot (ahem) to give Sky TV the boot because of the way its capitalist monopoly on football coverage is shafting smaller clubs in the lower divisions. Wrexham AFC - currently in adminstration - is certainly feeling the pinch as more and more TV money has gone to the fat cat Premiership clubs, who have raised the drawbridge on the smaller clubs. Now fans are fighting back with an ingenious plan to cancel subscriptions en masse on April 1st to register their protest. They hope to get 1000 subscribers from every club in the lower divisions - 72 in all - to cancel. This would be a massive dent in Sky's subscriptions, which are largely dependent on its monopoly coverage of most major
sports. It's been described by its anonymous organiser as a "strike against Sky" and points to a potentially valuable weapon for workers faced with a new kind of enemy. The rallying cry is persuasive: "It's time for the average fan to strike back and take the game back from the financiers and brokers. Let's call it 'give sky the boot', and start a major campaign to hit them where it hurts. Wrexham fan Lee Williams said: "This is potentially massive. Capitalists understand only one tongue - MONEY. You can bet your life action would be taken if something like this showed any signs of getting off the ground. Imagine the look on the faces of the fatcats." The campaign is being coordinated through the Fans United network, which is backing a major day of unity at Wrexham's home game against Doncaster on Saturday, January 29.
Lewis Jones
www.seren.blogspirit.com
BELATED ANTIFA REPORTS FROM CLASS WAR
Thursday 23rd September - Basildon
At the recent Laindon ward council election in Basildon David King, a former BNP treasurer was standing for a seat. Unite Against Fascism held a meeting a week prior to the election, with fifty people present, but no picket of the election count was organised. On the night it was announced that King had come third, and the 20 BNP members and supporters left the town hall defeated, but unopposed. Two minutes down the road, were seven anti-fascists who just happened to be drinking in town. When the two groups met (despite being outnumbered three to one), a 'full and frank discussion' with King and other members ended with them on the floor, and later receiving treatment from an ambulance crew. One of the BNP 'security' entourage panicked and managed to spray two anti-fascists with mace, as well as half his mates. No arrests were made.
Thursday 8th October - Dagenham
WOT NO FASCISTS?
The call out was made and we headed to Dagenham, the cockney overspill in where there has been a lot of activity by the BNP. After Daniel Kelly stood in Barking another BNP candidate, Lawrence Rustem was standing for the town hall. I guess it was time to show the BNP that we are here to stop there cocky behaviour. On arrival we found a Wetherspoons, meeting up with everyone else and getting organised, people turned up from Sussex, Kent, many London boroughs, even Barking. There was a good crowd of us, strength in numbers, a guy said to me "fuck me is there a rave on?", "nah we are
here to fight the BNP" was my reply. Leaving the pub In dribs and drabs we headed towards the town hall where we found you guessed it another pub, no sign of the BNP
at all, a few meat wagons passing, strange stares, all was normal, a BNP spotter was seen, he had MADE IN ENGLAND tattooed on he's forehead, a give away sign I suppose!
We lingered waiting, word went around that the BNP were leaving, we all legged it to the Town Hall as we arrived so did the dog handlers, someone had a go at four Tory boys, confrontation with the police truncheons raised, three arrests. We headed back towards the tube, me and two other comrades was walking along when a car pulled up, four men started mumbling something, I clocked a pin badge with the pound sign, I spat at them, they produced a cam recorder, one tried getting out more like pretended, they sped off. I legged it back on the last tube, looking back on it know there was a good turn out of anti fascists, everyone was up for a ruck and ready to kick some nazi arse, didn't really see the point in lingering fighting the old bill, I was there to show solidarity and to fight fascists. great to hear the BNP candidate lost the vote anyway.
AUSTRALIA: Ice koalas and kangaroos melt in Kyoto protest
http://www.manoramaonline.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=manorama/MmArticle/CommonFullStory&c=MmArticle&cid=1108463644651&channel=News&p=1002194839100&count=7
Greenpeace lay banner across dam in protest at Aussie non-ratification
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12254190-26618,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12254190-26618,00.html
Eco-warriors blockade wood mill for nine hours
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=38185
Old-growth logging protested
http://www.melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2005/03/88538.php
Protester dares tunnel to defy bush-choppers
http://perth.indymedia.org/?action=newswire&parentview=9536
Critical Mass protests journalists' interference which
leads to transfer of sympathetic cop
http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2005/02/88332.php
Perth Social Forum is a big success
http://perth.indymedia.org/?action=newswire&parentview=9498
Rural protesters target ministers
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200502/s1301455.htm
Invasion Day march highlights deaths in custody
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/613/613p2.htm
Newcastle activists mobilise against fascist menace
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/613/613p11.htm
Workers win in rota dispute with Esso
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/614/614p5.htm
Reclaim the Streets in Sydney
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/614/614p4d.htm
Violent police attack peace protest at bank
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/615/615p2c.htm
Tasmanian protesters successfully oppose town square protest ban
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12373966%5E3462,00.html
Protest against visit of Israeli PM
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1314271.htm
ABM Plastics firm picketed
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/620/620p4e.htm
Protests against logging in Victoria: anti-logging protesters blockade government office
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12353287-29281,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12353287-29281,00.html
Peace protest in Perth is victory for free speech
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/616/616p5.htm
Brisbane peace march marred by arrests
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/619/619p11b.htm
Protest opposes bay dredging
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/617/617p2.htm
Green rally defies moneygrabbing protest rules
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/617/617p5c.htm
Peace protest opposes Aussie troop increase in Iraq
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/617/617p4d.htm
Protests target war profiteers
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/617/617p11b.htm
Israeli president's visit protested
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/618/618p2.htm
And Indonesia's president's visit also
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Breaking-News/Yudhoyono-arrives-in-Australia/2005/04/03/1112489345589.html
1000 march for women's rights in Sydney
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/619/619p2.htm
Palm Island people boycott visit by Queensland politician
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/616/616p3c.htm
Protest supports Palm Island community
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/618/618p6d.htm
Freedom Ride confronts racism
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/616/616p3.htm
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/617/617p6c.htm
TJ Hickey death commemorated in Redfern and Walgett
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/619/619p2b.htm
Youths resist police violence - bottles thrown
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3222786a11,00.html
Oinkers bricked at party
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1317945.htm
Tertiary lecturers continue work bans in pursuit of contract settlement
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/615/615p5c.htm
Workers strike over bullying supervisor
http://www.lhmu.org.au/lhmu/news/1108682554_11577.html
Disability workers stage rolling protests over workload crisis
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12509324%255E3462,00.html
http://ta.harrisgroup.com.au/news.cgi?type=1&id=171691
Refinery workers strike
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/feb2005/wkrs-f26.shtml
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/mar2005/wkrs-m05.shtml
Health workers strike over unsanitary conditions
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/mar2005/wkrs-m05.shtml
Heroic miners defy return-to-work order
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/mar2005/wkrs-m19.shtml
Aluminium workers defy fine threats to win strike
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/618/618p3b.htm
Victoria Uni lecturers strike
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2005/619/619p5b.htm
KFC HEADS EMBARRASSED BY SAUCY STUNT
Animal Liberation Victoria Splashes Tomato Sauce on KFC CEO
Gold Coast, Queensland - Animal activists gate crashed the
plenary session of KFC's (Australia) National Conference at the
Royal Pines Golf Resort today and threw fake blood (tomato
sauce) over several KFC chefs, including Roger Eaton (Yum!
Restaurants International, Senior Vice President and Managing
Director - South Pacific).
The two activists emerged from the crowd at the posh Gold
Coast resort as all the KFC restaurant general managers were
leaving and shaking the hands of the KFC Officials. One activist
splashed the sauce over several KFC executives while the other
took photographs, both chanting "KFC tortures baby birds, KFC
Cruelty"
Animal Liberation Victoria Vice President, Noah Hannibal (who
threw the tomato sauce) said today:
"KFC is behind enormous cruelty and suffering here in Australia.
Our rescue teams have inspected, on numerous occasions, the
sheds where KFC birds are 'grown' prior to their brutal slaughter.
We consistently find sick, crippled, injured and weak birds dying
from lack of care.
The sheds are littered with rotting bodies, some very swollen
and filled with pus. These corpses are being pecked and eaten
by other birds in the shed, the air is foul and the litter is soaked
and packed with the droppings of 40,000 birds. We've protested
every week at the Melbourne City KFC for two years and are today
determined to take our message to the top.
KFC (YUM! Restaurants International) has sales in excess of $1
billion dollars in Australia. The mega international corporation is
raking in the money while the birds are suffering and the public's
health is being put at risk."
The two activists were immediately tackled by KFC staff, after the
officials splashed with sauce yelled, "Don't wait for security, get
them out of here now!" KFC lawyers were present and the pair
also had their camera confiscated and the flash card was
removed. However, the activists had already changed the card
and saved the photos they took of the incident. The two activists
continued giving their strong message to the crowd as they were
held in headlocks and carried out of the building.
(from Liberate!)
NEW ZEALAND/AOTEAROA: Naked cyclists give "21-bum salute" to motorists
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10010968
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3186518a11,00.html
Bare-breasted protesters greet Prince Charles - with writing on one protester's chest reading "get your colonial shame off my breasts"
Protesters are critical of Charles for being offended by Aboriginal topless dancers
Some are calling for the abolition of the monarchy
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10114339
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1045486.cms
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12486409%5E663,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4328129.stm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-03-07-newzealand-prince_x.htm
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1672921,00.html
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/08/content_2667179.htm
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20050307-1918-newzealand-princecharles.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3210865a10,00.html
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7833036
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/tm_objectid=15271043&method=full&siteid=50143&headline=bare-breast-protest-on-charles-visit-name_page.html
Protest against free trade with China
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0503/S00058.htm
Environmental protesters target dioxin
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/news_health_story_skin/477798%3fformat=html
Save Happy Valley protesters chain themselves to Solid
Energy building
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3210732a10,00.html
Electronic sit-in against power company
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/307272.html
Protest against DOW poisoning
http://indymedia.org.nz/feature/display/29896/index.php
Protest at power plant
http://indymedia.org.nz/feature/display/29696/index.php
Protest as Indonesian ambassador speaks, by Aceh
solidarity activists
http://indymedia.org.nz/feature/display/29708/index.php
Anti-bigot rally - protesters slow march and disrupt
rally
http://indymedia.org.nz/feature/display/29827/index.php
Lock-on targets Solid Energy
http://indymedia.org.nz/feature/display/29878/index.php
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10114023
Power, public sector and council workers strike over pay
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/mar2005/wkrs-m12.shtml
International Women's Day march
http://www.labournet.net/world/0503/newz1.html
Solidarity protests as peace activist goes on trial
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10116568
ISRAEL: Discount Bank dispute ends
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/534789.html
One-hour solidarity strike to support hospital pensioners
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108437731191
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/539786.html
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=76643
Students protest against cuts
Histadrut stage 1-hr solidarity strike against HE cuts
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=895918&fid=942
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=554433&contrassID=1&subContrassID=7&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y
https://israel.indymedia.org/newswire/display/2741/index.php
Mizrahi dispute continues - bosses send home workers
who protested
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/553135.html
Workers' protest disrupts Ben-Gurion flights
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/549108.html
Dockers win extensive deal
http://www.itfglobal.org/news-online/index.cfm/newsdetail/323
Students end protest after promise of funds
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/557957.html
Students protest outside Knesset
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1111461689215
Repression launched against protesting students
http://www.israelnn.com/news.php3?id=79014
CANADA: Protest against trapping laws in Nova Scotia
"If you own land in Nova Scotia, you could have animal traps on your property and not even know it."
http://www.canada.com/maritimes/news/story.html?id=2e4ee3f5-284e-4fb1-9bf9-d9e474d00bef
Protests begin against seal clubbing
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=14&art_id=vn20050331064554794C941539
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/11260527.htm
Protest over renewed license of private zoo accused of neglect
http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/politics/news/shownews.jsp?content=n033177A
Seal hunt protest - Sea Shepherd activists beaten and arrested
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2005/2005-04-01-inswat.asp
Street hockey game held in East Vancouver to protest road expansion
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2005/02/14/930510-sun.html
http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_street-hockey20050214
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1108343605263_13/?hub=Canada
http://www.beerleaguehockey.com/content/view/265/2/
Protests at Liberal Party forum over missile
defence and other issues
http://maritimes.buffaloimc.org:8080/news/2005/01/9687.php
Mishkeegogamang indigenous people protest logging
http://thunderbay.indymedia.org/news/2005/03/18874.php
International Day Against Police Brutality marked
http://bc.indymedia.org/feature/display/83/index.php
Picket in solidarity with Filipino indigenous peoples
http://qc.indymedia.org/news/2005/03/2869.php
Man torches van in fishing rights protest
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=CAN%20Van%20Fire%20Protest
Farmers protest at legislature
One man torches himself during (though not necessarily as part of) the protest
http://www.themilitant.com/2005/6909/690910.html
http://www.themilitant.com/2005/6913/691310.html
http://www.metronews.ca/reuters_national.asp?id=60749
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/03/09/farmer-fire-050309.html
http://www.reuters.ca/locales/c_newsArticle.jsp;:422f774f:7b1ea796cc318c1e?type=topNews&localeKey=en_CA&storyID=7857008
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050309.wimmolate0309/BNStory/National/
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1110376907107_3/?hub=TopStories
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=a2732b72-6c06-47b0-acec-b0c90d4eb2bc
Anaesthetists stage walkout over shortages
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050211/TORBRIEF11-1/TPHealth/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050211.wontdoct0211/BNStory/National/
Teachers, loggers strike
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/mar2005/wkrs-m08.shtml
Phone workers, teachers take action
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/mar2005/wkrs-m29.shtml
Lesbians hold kiss-in to protest attacks
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1107048133039_7/?hub=TopStories
Palestinian refugees can stay, after protests
http://www.cjad.com/content/cp_article.asp?id=/global_feeds/CanadianPress/NationalNews/n022702A.htm
Residents protest ferry cuts
http://novascotia.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=20050308FerryCut
Protests against internment in Canada
http://www.cageprisoners.com/articles.php?aid=5843
Colombia activists take on Coke, Dow and the Royal Bank of Canada
http://resist.ca/story/2005/2/26/25023/0759
Haida indigenous protesters blockade and protest in and around Queen Charlotte City to protect old-growth forests
http://resist.ca/story/2005/3/24/1041/42966
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/590655/
http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/politics/news/shownews.jsp?content=n032315A
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/news/story.html?id=60f5c86d-ad5e-4350-9b80-4a9614e84696
http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bc_logging-haida20050323
Another indigenous camp targets a resort development
http://resist.ca/story/2005/2/27/0346/03492
Elders stage month-long sit-in for meeting with chief
http://resist.ca/story/2005/3/6/7340/57483
Protesters support activist threatened with deportation
http://resist.ca/story/2005/3/11/43650/0639
Blockade remains in place in Kashechewan
By Teviah Moro
Local News - Wednesday, January 26, 2005 @ 07:00
Demanding an apology from the OPP, members of the Kashechewan First Nation continued to blockade a winter road passing through their community Tuesday, throwing a wrench in the plans for De Beers' diamond-mine operations. Members of the Cree First Nation set up the blockade on the winter road used by De Beers Canada to access a future diamond site 90 km west of Attawapiskat when patrolling OPP officers began informing local users of the the road about Highway Traffic Act regulations. "Our rights as native people have been violated," said Deputy Chief Rebecca Friday. "We demand an apology from the OPP." Protesters are denying access to OPP officers and De Beers Canada employees but are allowing all other motorists to drive through the blockade, now
entering its second week. In a news release, Kashechewan community leaders and Stan Louttit, Grand Chief of the Mushkegowuk Council, said members of the First Nation using the road to reach trap lines and wood were told by OPP they could no longer use the winter road. Though no one has been charged, some people using the road were stopped by officers and told to use another route, the news release says. The Highway Traffic Act says motorists must have driver's licences, automobile insurance and registration. As many as 80 per cent of the people living in Kashechewan, located 180 kilometres north of Moosonee, don't have driver's licences. Sgt. Mario Royer of the OPP's Moosonee detachment said he doesn't know when the blockade will end but that officers are respecting the wishes of the First Nation. "We're not attending the roadblock location. We turn around prior to the blockade." Royer said officers continue to patrol the road to maintain public safety. The long stretches of lonely highway can be dangerous for motorists with temperatures dipping down below -40 C, he said. The OPP came across motorists in a broken down vehicle during one patrol, Royer said. "They were many miles away from the nearest community." Louttit said resolve on the winter-road issue in Kashechewan is strong.
Thunder Bay Comes Out
On Friday, January 28th, Thunder Bay finally held a
march in support of gay rights.
The Indymedia Centre was packed and citizens filled
the hallways making signs and passing out stickers.
The march strolled down the middle of Red River Rd. to
a town hall meeting to demand democratic
accountability in accord with the Charter of Rights
and equality for all. Organizers estimate that 120-150
people came out to protest Joe Comuzzi's stance
against equal rights for gays and lesbians. Comuzzi's
town hall meeting was filled to capacity with strong
views and passionate speeches on both sides but it was
clear that the gay community and their allies were
well represented. Prime Minister Paul Martin is
expected to launch a bill on Tuesday granting
homosexuals equal rights under the Charter and both of
Thunder Bay MPs have been expected to vote against it.
Comuzzi could potentially lose his cabinet post over
voting against the proposed legislation. This would
eliminate the only Northern Ontario minister and
impact the availability of FedNor grants to hold up
many of the services in our region. The point of
Thunder Bay's current development landslide and the
jeopardization of our voice "in the tent" was raised
serveral times by constituents.
http://thunderbay.indymedia.org/
Vancouver police brutality protest
http://resist.ca/story/2005/3/20/211117/152
Vancouver: international day against police brutality marked
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2005/03/313916.shtml
March 15th, 2005, was the ninth annual International Day Against Police Brutality (IDAPB). This day of action began in 1997, as an initiative of the Black Flag collective in Switzerland, with the help of the Montreal Collective Opposed to Police Brutality. The date was chosen because on March 15th, two children, aged 11 and 12, were beaten by Swiss police. In Vancouver, this year's IDAPB started off with a hot food serving at the former Woodwards squat (a large department building in Canada's poorest neighbourhood, occupied in 2002 and evicted by riot police). Along with the food, leaflets and newsletters were also distributed, containing information on the IDAPB march scheduled for that night and profiles of Vancouver Police in-custody deaths and RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) involvement in the military occupations of Haiti, Iraq, and indigenous nations in Canada. At 7:00 pm, about 100 people gathered in Victory Square. Some flew black flags and wore masks to avoid police identification
(including video surveillance and plain clothes officers). After a few short speeches, the crowd began to march down Hastings Street, led by a banner with the words: "Resist Police Control - Fight For Freedom". Another banner read: "Stolen Lives", listing some of the people who have been killed by Vancouver cops in the past few years (Gerald Chenery, Robert Bagnell, Roman Andreichikov, Christopher Ecklund, Benny Matson, Jeff Berg, and Frank Paul). A stereo pumped out anti-cop hip hop, heavy metal, and punk songs. Police kept their distance from the crowd throughout the march. As soon as the crowd arrived at the Main and Hastings police station, eggs, paint, and fireworks were tossed at police vehicles and the station itself. Police cars were hit with the wooden poles with black flags attached. The march then continued up Hastings and more fireworks were thrown around. A private security car, unmarked police vehicle, and corporate TV news van were egged. After the march dispersed, at least two people were arrested. Another four or five people were seen being handcuffed, but it was not clear whether they were released or taken to jail. Only one person used the lawyer's phone number distributed at the beginning of the march. The night's events were a distinct break from the everyday routine of submission to police control and murder. IDAPB marches also took place in Calgary, Montreal, and Phoenix (Arizona). The Montreal Gazette (corporate press) reported five arrests at the Montreal event after a scuffle with
riot police.
- Excerpt from the Vancouver callout by the Independent IDAPB Organizing Group:
"We are not calling for a protest or a demonstration. Our purpose is not to whine to the media about how awful the police are. Instead, we want to open up space for people that are directly affected by police brutality to express their anger and take action. We are not a charity, religious, or legal group trying to save the poor. We are individuals who do not want to live under the clubs and watchful eyes of the cops, and we want to fight alongside those who feel the same way. We choose to organize independently from all political activist groups and parties, and encourage others to form affinity groups and initiate actions against police control.
In every society the police are the frontline soldiers and occupying army in service of the rich. Vancouver itself is the product of the violent displacements, imprisonment and forced religious indoctrination of the indigenous peoples of the Sto:lo, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The Vancouver police murder of Frank Paul (a Mi'kmaq man) in 1998, the non-investigation of the missing women cases, and the escalated police occupation of the Downtown Eastside since April 2003 are only the most recent examples of this ongoing legacy of colonialism. The police brutality and killing that make the headlines are only the tip of the iceberg. The root of the problem is the parasitic economic system that the cops are paid to defend. The Vancouver Police Department is fighting a war for control of the city. With the Safe Streets Act and the ongoing yuppification of Vancouver neighbourhoods, this war can only escalate. IDAPB is a step towards building effective resistance to the police at a practical level. With respect to the memory of Vancouver residents killed by the police (Gerald Chenery, Robert Bagnell, Roman Andreichikov, Christopher Ecklund, Benny Matson, Jeff Berg, Frank Paul, and others), let's take the streets on March 15th."
Adil Charkaoui joins Montreal protest against security certificates
Sat Mar 26
EILIS QUINN
MONTREAL (CP) - Suspected Moroccan terrorist Adil Charkaoui joined several dozen people [actually between 300 to 400 at peak] Saturday to protest national security certificates used to detain alleged terrorists without trial or charges.
"I had a normal life like everybody and then one day, (the Canadian Security Intelligence Service) decided I was a threat to national security," said Charkaoui, 31, who was detained under a certificate for almost two years before being released under stringent bail conditions in February.
"They arrested me, they didn't show any proof and they told me I was very dangerous," he said, pulling up his pantleg to show the electronic ankle bracelet he must wear.
"I am just asking for justice ... I want the government to give me a fair trial to clear my name and show I'm not a terrorist."
Charkaoui, who is fighting the security certificate, is among five men who have been detained under the certificates since 2000.
The small crowd walked along downtown Ste-Catherine Street carrying signs and banners, calling for the end of "racist scapegoating."
"Free the five," the crowd chanted. "Lock up Cotler.
Lock up McLellan," they yelled referring to Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan.
Sophie Harkat, whose husband Mohammed Harkat has been detained under a certificate since December 2002, travelled from Ottawa for the protest.
Her husband has been accused of being sleeper agent for al-Qaida.
Last Tuesday, a Federal Court judge upheld a security certificate issued against Harkat, setting the stage for his deportation to his native Algeria.
"I have enormous rage against the Canadian government," Harkat's wife said Saturday.
"I'm a Canadian citizen and I don't have the right to know how my husband came to be detained for 27 months without knowing the charges or the evidence... It's unacceptable."
Ahmed Jaballah's Egyptian father, Mahmoud Jaballah, 41, is fighting both deportation and his third national security certificate in Toronto after the first two certificates were thrown out.
"We are out to put an end to the injustice is this country," the 18-year-old said, adding that the certificates are racist and discriminatory.
"When we came to this country, we thought this was a country of freedom, liberty and democracy,"Jaballah, the eldest of six children, said. "I've failed to see that."
Mary Foster, a member of the group Coalition for Justice for Adil Charkaoui, said the certificates unfairly target immigrants and must be quashed.
"What's happened is an attack to the fundamental liberties in Canada," Foster said. "(The certificates) are discriminatory and used as a tool primarily against Muslims and Africans [misquote!]."
Protester Christine Lavoie, 58, said she wanted to march against the certificates because they target Muslims the same way Quebecers were under the War Measures Act, invoked during the October Crisis of 1970.
"My husband and his friends were imprisoned for over 30 days for doing absolutely nothing," Lavoie said.
"That's why I'm against all this. It's these five men today but tomorrow it could be anyone."
CANADA:
(from Globe and Mail)
Innu close school in protest over education
Saturday, February 26, 2005, Page A7
Sheshatshiu, Nfld. -- Innu parents padlocked the doors of the school in this Labrador community yesterday, saying the provincial education system is failing their children.
The parents say they won't take the locks off until the province promises to improve the dismal educational record of Labrador Innu. Sheshatshiu is one of two Innu communities in Labrador. Very few Innu have graduated from high school and the dropout rate remains extremely high.
US AND CANADA: Haiti solidarity marches on anniversary of coup
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0228-08.htm
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