[Onthebarricades] Pro-democracy, human and civil rights protests, Europe - Canada - Australia, Apr-Aug 2008

[Andy]

ON THE BARRICADES:  Global Resistance Roundup, April-August 2008
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/onthebarricades
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/globalresistance/

AUSTRALIA
*  Law against "annoying" cause protest
[note: the rules were later struck down in court]
*  Park protest ban sparks rally
*  Protest secures exceptions to alcohol lockout
*  Protest at Launceston Parliament
*  Attacks on artist protested

NEW ZEALAND:
*  Deaths of motorcyclists due to steel wiring cause protests
*  Nude calendar protest over petty-minded conviction

UK
*  Park party planned to protest attack on street drinking, civil liberties
*  Peaceful anti-ID protest suppressed
*  Ban on Bush visit demo leads to protests, clashes
*  Man cuts up car in clamping protest
*  ASBO resister wages long struggle against police state
*  Rowdy Tube protest over drinking ban
*  Protest over emo "suicide" label

SWEDEN
*  Huge protests, privacy exposure over wiretap law

EUROPE/GLOBAL
*  Amnesty protests torture

IRELAND
*  Anti-European protester eggs Sarkozy

BASQUE COUNTRY
*  Thousands march for self-determination

ITALY
*  Protesters demand media reform
*  Protest against Berlusconi in Rome
*  Protest leads to removal of funfair "electric chair"
*  Bird feed ban sparks protests, call for compensation

VATICAN
*  Nuns chain selves to lamp post over expulsion

CANADA:
*  Thousands march for marijuana legalisation
*  Copyright protesters target minister's "Pancake dinner"

GREECE
*  Journalists protest axing of investigative news show, allege censorship
*  Protest in Britain over possible extradition to Greece

http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=59465

Special WYD rules spark protests
Sydney, Jul. 3, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Public officials in New South Wales, 
Australia, have heard a chorus of criticism about regulations that could 
impose heavy fines on anyone who "causes annoyance or inconvenience" during 
World Youth Day (WYD) celebrations in Sydney.
Civil-libertarians joined with representatives of sex-abuse victims to 
protest the special regulations, saying that they would curtail their 
freedom of speech. The rules will make it difficult to mount any form of 
protest during the WYD celebration, they said.
Father Frank Brennan, an influential Jesuit, decried the regulations as 
"dreadful interference" with the rights of protestors. The liberal priest, 
who is also a lawyer, remarked: "The rights of free speech and assembly 
should not be curtailed only because visiting pilgrims might be annoyed or 
inconvenienced in public places."
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that thousands of people had participated 
in online surveys about the regulations, with public opinion running heavily 
against the restrictions. More than 90% of respondents objected to the 
rules, the Herald said.
Organizers of World Youth Day have said that they do not wish to stifle 
protest or curb freedom of expression, but wish only to ensure that the 
festivities can proceed without interruption. State officials and Sydney 
police have said that they will not curtail respectful public protests. The 
special regulations, they explain, will give police discretionary power to 
intervene if confrontations arise.
Australian groups protesting the papal visit to Sydney have threatened to 
mobilize thousands of people to challenge the special restrictions, lining 
the route of the papal motorcade with people wearing T-shirts with 
"annoying" slogans.

http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/752/38893

Gold Coast protest over rally bans

Jim McIlroy
24 May 2008

A rally against a ban by the Gold Coast City Council on demonstrations in 
the city's parks is being held on May 26 outside the Gold Coast council 
chambers in Surfers Paradise.
Demonstrations will only be allowed at Evandale or Nerang Council chambers, 
and will require permission from the council's CEO.

Groups including the Socialist Alliance and Amnesty International will 
protest the ban.

The normally conservative Gold Coast Bulletin published an editorial in its 
May 20 edition headlined "Democracy is choking on humbug": "Our Gold Coast 
City Council is taking a dangerous step in trying to contain what it 
considers unseemly protest. Indeed, it is doing the very opposite of what a 
city in a democracy ought to do . The council is demonstrating the sort of 
thinking that is threatening freedom of speech in this country and 
strangling the life out of our nation's democracy like some anaconda of 
totalitarianism."

An accompanying article noted: "The move is reminiscent of the 1980s when 
former Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen banned street marches."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/30/2260977.htm

50 venues exempt from Vic lockout after protest
Posted Fri May 30, 2008 7:49pm AEST
Several thousand people have protested outside the Victorian Parliament over 
the lockout at late night venues in Victoria, with 50 venues winning an 
exemption from the lockout.
The protesters took to the steps of State Parliament to call on the Brumby 
Government to abandon the plan, which will affect the cities of Melbourne, 
Stonnington, Port Phillip and Yarra.
They cheered when told by Brian Frewin from the Association of Liquor 
Licensees of Melbourne that a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 
(VCAT ) decision means 50 venues are exempt from the ban and 100 could be by 
Monday.
The protest attracted about 5,000 people who have vowed to keep up their 
fight against the ban until the Government backs down.
Premier John Brumby has defended the lockout law.
He says late-night violence in the city must be addressed.
"We need to push ahead with this, I know not everyone agrees with it but 
I've just got to repeat, if you look at the statistics on this, it's not a 
situation which a responsible government could allow to continue," he said.

http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/politics/protests-at-launceston-sitting-of-tasmanian-parliament/1248302.aspx

Protests at Launceston sitting of Tasmanian Parliament
19/08/2008 1:02:00 PM
A SMALL group of protesters greeted Members of Tasmania's House of Assembly 
today as they arrived at Launceston's Albert Hall for the second ever 
sitting of the Tasmanian Parliament outside Hobart.
A 'protest tent' has been set up on the lawns outsde the Albert Hall and the 
small group of protesters are promising a bigger showing soon.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michael Polley, is urging Northern 
Tasmanians to take the opportunity to see Parliament in action with the 
Launceston House of Assembly sittings this week.
Mr Polley said the historic Launceston sitting of Parliament in 2006 proved 
extremely popular, and he was confident many people would again visit 
Parliament at the Albert Hall during the next two weeks.
"Thousands of people, who otherwise may not have had such an opportunity, 
came to see their elected representatives debating issues and legislation.
"It was particularly popular with school groups, and I look forward to many 
more students broadening their knowledge by seeing Parliament first hand," 
Mr Polley said.
Mr Polley said both weeks of the Launceston sitting would also feature the 
return of an evening Question Time session between 5 and 6 pm each 
Wednesday.
"There is little doubt that the robust debate generated during Question Time 
is a particularly popular time to witness the parliamentary process, and 
providing an evening session instead of the usual morning session gives even 
more people the chance to see Question Time up close."
Mr Polley said the two week sitting would also provide a boost to the 
Launceston economy.
"A significant number of parliamentary, government and opposition staff will 
be in Launceston for the duration of the sittings, and this will inject 
money into local businesses."
Parliament will sit from Tuesday to Thursday during the next two weeks, and 
entry to the sittings is free.
Entry to the Albert Hall will be through the main doors on Cimitiere St, and 
a security check will apply.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23800626-5001021,00.html?from=public_rss

Naked child protest for Henson
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June 03, 2008 12:00am
AN artist will tonight exhibit a series of nude photographs of 11-year-old 
children to protest against the recent censorship of photographer Bill 
Henson's work.
Thirty to 40 images of two boys, now aged 17, will be projected on to a 
screen during the exhibition in Melbourne's centre, provocatively titled: "I 
am not a photographer nor a paedophile but an artist".
Gallery: Bill Henson's controversial photos
Artist Victoria Larielle, aged "20-something", said she took the photos in 
2001 but only decided last Monday to exhibit the images publicly.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10519078&ref=rss

Rider dies while mates protest against barriers
5:00AM Monday June 30, 2008
By Mathew Dearnaley

Scott McIsaac, pictured with wife Carissa, died on the way to hospital. 
Photo / Hawkes Bay Today
Motorcyclists campaigning against "cheesecutter" road barriers at the 
weekend were left in mourning after a crash claimed the life of one of their 
own.
Scott Allan McIsaac, 36, of Taradale, near Napier, crashed near the top of 
Coromandel Peninsula and died from his injuries while the Westpac rescue 
helicopter was flying him to hospital.
In a cruel irony, the helicopter was one of the beneficiaries of six 
fundraising protest rides nationwide by motorcyclists campaigning against 
the wire barriers.
Waikato police said Mr McIsaac lost control of his BMW in heavy rain and 
cross-winds on a wooden bridge on the difficult Port Jackson road on Friday.
Although he had planned his peninsular tour for some weeks - which meant 
having to be absent from the mass "cheesecutter" awareness ride in Hawkes 
Bay on Saturday - organiser John Baine said he had given it strong support 
by gathering a car boot full of spot prizes from corporate donors for the 
event.
"It's gut-wrenching for any of us to lose a mate like this, but this was 
particularly hard."
About 120 Hawkes Bay motorcyclists pressed on with the event, adding black 
armbands in Mr McIsaac's honour to red ones highlighting the dangers they 
believe Transit NZ's wire barriers pose to their lives and limbs.
Mr Baine said the motorcyclists made a detour past Mr McIsaac's home, where 
his widow greeted them in tears and watched as some left their black bands 
tied to the family's mailbox.
They raised about $2000 for Hawkes Bay's Lowe Walker rescue helicopter, at 
stops between Napier and Waipukurau.
A smaller band of Auckland motorcyclists also wore black armbands for Mr 
McIsaac as they rode an eight-hour circuit through Tauranga, Rotorua and 
Hamilton in what co-organiser Anne James said was "appalling" weather, 
including hail and thunder.

http://blogs.nzherald.co.nz/blog/your-views/2007/10/22/should-cheese-cutter-barriers-be-banned/?c_id=1501154

Should 'cheese-cutter' barriers be banned?
9:15AM Monday October 22, 2007
Updated: 1:15PM Wednesday July 23, 2008
Your Views
Send us Your Views
View related story
Motorcyclists vow to be out in force throughout New Zealand on Saturday to 
raise money for rescue helicopter trusts and to demand a halt to the 
construction of more wire "cheese-cutter" barriers.
Mass rides have been planned in Auckland and four other regions by 
organisers of a petition signed by at least 7000 people, calling for Transit 
NZ to stop erecting the barriers pending a review of their safety for all 
road users, but particularly motorcyclists.
That follows the death on Auckland's Southern Motorway in October of 
21-year-old Daniel Evans, whose body was said by a witness to have been 
severed when he slid into a wire barrier.

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=86966&fm=newsmain,nup

Bikers hold cheese-cutter protest
Protests against wire rope used as median dividers being held by 
motorcyclists in Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton, Auck today
28 June 2008
Motorcyclists are gearing up for a protest ride against the use of wire rope 
barriers on the roads.

The barriers, nicknamed 'cheese-cutters' because of the injuries they cause 
to motorcyclists involved in crashes, are used as median dividers to 
separate opposing lanes of traffic.

Rides have been organised today in Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland. 
Bikers are urging people to sign a petition calling for a moratorium on the 
installation of the barriers until there has been a review of their 
effectiveness and safety. They feel cost considerations have won out over 
safety as the main reason rope barriers are becoming more common.

Today's rides are also being teamed up with efforts to raise money for 
rescue helicopter services.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10508251&ref=rss

West Coast calendar girls pose nude in protest
11:38AM Tuesday May 06, 2008

Morgan David Saxton. Photo / Simon Baker
A group of Haast women have braved the cold and thrown off their clothes in 
a nude calendar shoot to raise funds for two men convicted of stealing 
greenstone from the West Coast.
The 12 women were raising money for David and Morgan Saxton who were jailed 
for more than two years in February after being found guilty of stealing 
Ngai Tahu greenstone (pounamu) from South Westland's Cascade Plateau.
They were also required to pay the South Island's largest iwi $300,000 in 
compensation .
David Saxton, 62, was jailed for two years nine months and Morgan Saxton, 
30, for two years six months.
Both helicopter pilots - credited with many rescue missions in South 
Westland, Fiordland and Central Otago - have lodged appeals against their 
convictions and sentences in the Court of Appeal.
One of the calendar girls Tasha Jones - Miss September - told NZPA the 
photos were "tastefully discreet" .
"All the scenes are a reflection of their life in Haast, things that have 
been in their everyday work environment as well as the countryside."
The women, aged between 20 and 56, and of "all shapes", were protesting 
against the length of the sentence the men received.
"They've given us the shirts off their backs for many years and it is now 
time for us to give them ours."
The photos were all taken within a week about two weeks ago - right when the 
weather was starting to turn wintery.
"It was a bit chilly. I was having to get mine done at 7.30am and it was a 
howling easterly coming down the valley," Ms Jones said.
The calendar is to be released on Saturday at the Hard Antler Bar and Cafe 
in Haast.
Proceeds of the sale would be going to the Saxton Appeal Trust, Ms Jones 
said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/21/drinksparty.facebook?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

Park party plan to protest over booze bans
Samira Shackle
Society Guardian,
Thursday August 21 2008
Article history

Organisers of the so-called provocation picnic say the event will be a 
peaceful protest against 'infantilising' drinking bans. Photograph: Corbis
Revellers are set to hold a party in London's Hyde Park next week in protest 
at the rising number of bans on drinking in public places.
Organised by civil liberties campaign group the Manifesto Club, the mass 
bank holiday picnic is being promoted on the internet and a number of social 
networking sites, including Facebook.
The club claims that local authority-imposed drinking bans are infantilising 
and go beyond their legal remit.
But Home Office statistics show that nearly half of all violent crime is 
linked to alcohol. Drinking in public is now restricted in 613 places in 
England and Wales.
James Panton, a Manifesto Club founder, said: "The picnic is an attempt to 
reclaim public space. Alcohol bans are the result of a top-down, 
bureaucratic definition of public space, and an over-the-top response to 
perceived antisocial behaviour and social breakdown.
"The longer these bans are imposed, the more each of us refuse to take 
responsibility for public space, and stop resolving our own issues, leading 
to a more antisocial society. This is not a campaign for drunkenness, it's 
for the public right to engage in our own space."
He added: "The police should be concerned with people breaking the law, not 
with these so-called preventative measures. Cultural issues are not solved 
with blanket bans, but by political and social engagement for which we need 
a vibrant public sphere."
The event, dubbed a provocation picnic, follows a drinks party held on the 
Circle line in May to mark the last night of legal drinking on the tube, 
which was also publicised via a viral campaign. The night ended with 17 
arrests and assaults on seven London Underground staff.
And last month a waterfight in Hyde Park, promoted on Facebook, also 
descended into violence when a woman was punched to the floor and nine 
people arrested, including four for alleged assaults on police.
But Panton insisted the picnic would be peaceful.
"We want to raise awareness, and are expecting to attract people who are 
annoyed at this fundamental civil liberties issue," he said. "We'll see what 
happens, but it's a bank holiday - all over London people will be getting 
drunk. Most will not be causing any trouble."
The head of the charity Alcohol Concern defended councils' use of drinking 
bans.
Don Shenkey, the charity's chief executive, said they were an important tool 
in the fight against antisocial and destructive behaviour linked to alcohol.
He added: "Residents in communities around the country rate this is as one 
of the issues they'd most like to see dealt with. By prohibiting drinking in 
public spaces local authorities are able send a strong signal to the 
minority of irresponsible adults and teenagers who take things too far and 
reclaim public spaces for the enjoyment of the entire community.
"The aim of these powers is not to criminalise drinkers or drink itself, but 
rather to give police added enforcement powers to seize alcohol from those 
posing a nuisance to those around you. They are only a potential option and 
in most cases tend to employed in a limited targeted manner after it has 
been established that a specific area poses particular problems for the 
community."

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/07/402542.html

Nine NO2ID campaigners arrested at peaceful protest
Moon23 | 03.07.2008 22:06 | Repression | Social Struggles
On Monday (30th June) nine NO2ID campaigners were arrested after they
staged a peaceful protest at an invitation only Home Office so-called
"public consultation"

On Monday (30th June) nine NO2ID campaigners were arrested after they
staged a peaceful protest at an invitation only Home Office so-called
"public consultation". NO2ID's protest was an entirely peaceful and
lawful attempt to publicise the Home Office's shifty semi-secret
proceedings that had been pre-arranged with STV news. There was no
intention to frighten or inconvenience any member of the public. The
nine were charged with breach of the peace and bound over for 30 days.
One of those arrested had a 4 year old child with her. Another of those
arrested was a 68 year old retired academic. It took nine hours for the
last of the protesters to be released from police custody. John Welford,
NO2ID Edinburgh co-ordinator and one of the nine arrested, in a letter
to The Scotsman said: "What is it about the current Labour Government
that it is unable to tolerate any criticism of its policies and actions?
And why is it frightened to engage openly and honestly in proper debate
with the citizens of this country, especially about an issue as
controversial as compulsory identity cards and the setting up of a vast,
intrusive database state? ...the government prefers to organise its own
heavily controlled focus group meetings and private consultations away
in the shadows."
Moon23
e-mail: moon_watcher_2007 at hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.no2id.net
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Additions
Link to video of protest
04.07.2008 09:32
 http://www.stv.tv/news/ID_card_protesters_say_Home_Office_is_s_080630143822101Moon23e-mail: moon_watcher_2007 at hotmail.comComment from activist04.07.2008 09:36"Nine of us have been charged for breach of the peace. Eight for causing"alarm and distress" for walking into the hotel wearing white suits andmasks (despite two of them actually wearing unmasked East German borderguard uniforms), and me for "alarm and disturbance" for infiltrating themeeting, putting my hand up to speak, taking the microphone when offered,speaking, and refusing to leave immediately while speaking after theminister requested that I do so.Of the eight, one is a young lady who walked in after everyone else with ayoung child. The idea that she might have alarmed anyone is ridiculous.Another of the protesters was 17, on his first protest, doing only what Ihad told him - I'm very annoyed that he has been charged and had to spend aday in the cells at St Leonards.There was a bit of heavy handed policing (they were responding to a 999 calland didn't know what they were facing) but it calmed down instantly themoment one of them realised they were being filmed by professionals andwarned his colleagues. All protesters were entirely peaceful at all times.I must emphasise that once the police realised that there actually wasn'tany danger, they were all entirely courteous and professional throughout forthe rest of the day. We still have to decide whether to file a complaintagainst the officer who ripped a mask of the face of a protester. He seemeda decent and friendly chap when I spoke to him later.The police have told us that after speaking to groups of people inside, noone has any complaints about our conduct inside, there is no suggestion thatwe were anything other than peaceful. It is the "alarm" that has led to thecharges "masked people in today's climate ...". Given that we had negotiatedwith the hotel manager to film an interview with STV inside (possibly afterthe 999 call had been made - that is still to be established), and were onour way out when the police arrived, I am surprised at the charges.However, STV caught almost everything (except my contribution to theconsultation) on camera. They followed the costumed protesters in, filmedthem trying to negotiate entry, caught me being thrown out, an interviewwith me, our attempted departure, followed by the arrival of the police.Apparently we have made the main news programme, but couldn't see itourselves.We have all been bailed to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff's court on 24July. I fully intend to use the occasion to highlight again how the HomeOffice are refusing to engage in debate with the public.For clarification, I was not trying to engage in constructive debate insidethe consultation. It would have taken hours to counter the nonsense that MegHillier was speaking and would have served little purpose. Instead, Iconcentrated on the fact that we and the general public had been excludedfrom the process.There were a couple of amusing aspects. When I approached the registrationdesk just after the event started, I was able to see all the remainingbadges and list of names - it was easy to select one. I entered the IDconsultation with a newly-acquired false identity.On entering the room, in which a video was playing, I slowly walked aroundto find the assigned seat for that person. Officials to whom I had beenspeaking outside appeared not to recognise me. No one challenged my entry asI took a seat. Meanwhile, officials who tackled the costumed protesters thattried to follow five minutes later asked the group if Dr Bevan was amongthem. So, they were looking out for me, but couldn't even spot me walking inlate after I had been talking to them earlier. And these people think theyare capable of controlling people's identities. Astonishing."PS Most NO2IDers are aware of other civil liberties abuses such as thoseshown towards other activists. Solidarity is the keymoon23e-mail: moon_watcher_2007 at hotmail.comhttp://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=United+Kingdom+%26+Europe&month=June2008&file=World_News2008061152741.xmlAnti-war group to protest ban on Bush demoWeb posted at: 6/11/2008 5:27:41Source ::: AFPLONDON . Anti-war demonstrators complained yesterday that police had banneda central London march to coincide with the visit of US President George WBush-but vowed to press ahead with their protest.The Stop the War Coalition umbrella group of anti-war, left-wing and Muslimgroups said they had wanted to walk the short distance from ParliamentSquare to the British prime minister's official Downing Street residence onSunday."It seems that when George W Bush visits this country traditional rights ofassembly and movement are removed from the people," the group added."This would be unacceptable for the visit of any foreign leader, but forthis one- a war criminal- it is doubly unacceptable and we will defy theban."A spokeswoman for London's Metropolitan Police said that roads aroundDowning Street would be closed from 3:00 pm (1400 GMT) on Sunday untilMonday. The same area would be closed on Sunday morning for separateceremonial events.Demonstrations are only allowed within a one-kilometre radius fromParliament Square subject to police permission after a written applicationseven days in advance.Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged to look again at the legislationgoverning such protests, amid concern from lawmakers and civil libertiesgroups about the legislation's impact on freedoms of speech and assembly.The police spokeswoman did not say whether the Stop the War Coalition hadapplied for written permission. But she added: "We have had a number ofmeetings with the Stop the War Coalition. We have made it clear that we wantto facilitate their lawful protest."This included alternative routes between the times of the road closures, sheadded.The Stop the War Coalition quoted human rights campaigner Bianca Jagger assaying that a high security "green zone" like that in Baghdad was beingerected in London to protect Bush from criticism over the war in Iraq.The police spokeswoman said the US security services had not made any"special requests" for Bush. The plans had been shared with them and thelevel of security reflected "the nature of the visit and the person".http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7395452.stmMonday, 12 May 2008 08:34 UKMan cuts up car in clamp protestMr Taylor said he took the drastic action to make a pointA man has sawn his car in half with an angle-grinder in protest at it beingclamped outside his home.Ian Taylor, from Tredworth, Glos, said the untaxed Ford Fiesta was parked onhis drive with only part of a rear wheel poking out on to the pavement.The 40-year-old builder said the vehicle was going to be scrapped anyway,but he wanted to make a point.A spokesman for NCP Services said half of the car was parked on the road andshould therefore have been taxed.'Jobsworths'Mr Taylor bought the Fiesta for his stepson with the intention of restoringit, but it was beyond economical repair."I told [my stepson] not to bother, so we parked it up, we were going to getrid of it. I came home from work the other day and it'd been clamped," hesaid.Mr Taylor said he made several efforts to explain that the car had a SORN(Statutory Off Road Notification) certificate verifying it had not beendriven on the road and that it had been parked on his drive."We tried to talk to [NCP]. I said, 'you're not taking it'. I got my cutterand cut it in half," he said."[I'm] happy I got one over on them. They're jobsworths, for the sake of aninch and a half on the path."James Pritchard, communications manager for NCP Services, said clampingstaff had photographs to prove that half the car was on the public pavement."We were astonished at the reaction this gentleman had to the fact we put aclamp on his car.Fortunately, the only damage was done to his car and as far as our peopleare concerned we stand by what they didJames Pritchard, NCP Services"It was a remarkable incident which highlighted some of the problems mycolleagues face while they're doing what is a very important job in ensuringthat motorists tax their vehicle," he said."And in cutting his car in two, he managed to put both himself at risk andalso a number of bystanders - along with ourselves, the police had to becalled and the fire brigade, as he set fire to the car while cutting it intwo."Fortunately, the only damage was done to his car and as far as our peopleare concerned we stand by what they did."http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Asbo-man-threatened-to-kill.4290969.jpAsbo man threatened to kill five policemenPublished Date: 16 July 2008By Joe RobinsonA MAN said he was going to kill five police officers in retribution for hisfive years in prison.Simon Frodsham, known as the £1m Asbo man for his estimated prosecution andprison costs, made the threat after he was arrested.Frodsham, 38, of no fixed address, today admitted damaging a sign at Lythampolice station.He was ordered to remain in the court precincts until 3pm as his punishmentby Blackpool magistrates.Presiding magistrate Ian Paterson told Frodsham: "You are just becoming apublic nuisance and you are costing the community money all the time."Frodsham replied: "If I get my way it will be costing the taxpayers a lotmore when I am compensated for what happened when I was put on the Asbo."I spent almost five years of my life, the equivalent of a nine-year prisonsentence, just for walking down the wrong street or knocking at a vicar'sdoor asking for a cup of tea."Sharon Child, prosecuting, told magistrates that on July 13 Frodsham wasseen pulling the opening times sign off the front of Lytham police station.Mrs Child said: "He said he was going to kill five police officers inretribution for the five years he spent in custody."Steven Townley, defending, said: "My client is exploring taking civil actionagainst the police for what he feels was the unwarranted and unlawfulimposition of the Asbo."http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/4649547.stmMonday, 4 July, 2005, 15:00 GMT 16:00 UKMan breaches Asbo for 17th timeA 35-year-old man from Lancashire has admitted breaching an Anti-socialBehaviour Order for the 17th time.Simon Frodsham, formerly of Horsebridge Road, Blackpool and now of no fixedaddress, appeared before Blackpool magistrates on Monday.Prosecutor Sharon Child said a police officer saw Frodsham on a Lythamstreet from which he is banned.The five-year order also banned him from more than 100 churches. The casewas sent to crown court.Frodsham was given the order on 24 January last year after being branded apublic nuisance in Lytham.The defendant told the officer he was well aware he had breached a conditionof the orderProsecutor Sharon ChildThe 35-year-old had a history of petty theft, damage, drunkenness andobstruction before being placed on the order which banned him from more than100 churches in the borough of Fylde and from Lytham and Ansdell towncentres.He had abused parish priests and congregations, stolen change fromcollections, slept in churches and even defaced a Roman Catholic priest'spicture - depicting him as the devil by drawing horns and a goatee beard onthe picture while Mass was being celebrated.Ms Child said: "The defendant told the officer he was well aware he hadbreached a condition of the order.'Looked after'"He said he had gone into Lytham with the purpose of breaching the order andbeing arrested, as he wished to return to prison."She said Frodsham had 16 previous convictions for breaching his Asbo.Frodsham told magistrates: "I believe the only thing this order has achievedis to institutionalise me."It has got to the stage where I can no longer function in the community andhave to be looked after by prison staff."At no point was I abusive, threatening or violent. At no point did I stealanything. At this stage in my life I don't want to commit any offences."Frodsham said he did not want bail and was remanded in custody to besentenced by a judge at a later date.http://www.ivorytowerz.com/2008/06/tube-protest-last-round-on-underground.html?widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=toggle&dir=close&toggle=YEARLY-1199167200000&toggleopen=MONTHLY-12148884000006.08.2008Tube Protest: Last Round on the Undergroundby Molly KenneyJust last weekend, London culture changed forever, and in classic Britishstyle, drunken riots marked the occasion. Thanks to London's new Tory mayor,Boris Johnson, alcohol consumption on the city's metro system, buses, trams,and Docklands Light Railway became illegal on June 1. Londoners wereunhappy - and drunk.While such public drinking seems ludicrous to residents of U.S. cities,drinking alcohol of all types in public is ubiquitous in London. The onlyperson I've ever known to get stopped with alcohol was my friend Doug, whowas drinking Stella Artois while on his way to meet me. A foot-patrol copgrabbed Doug by the arm and forbade him to drink Stella in public if hewanted to call himself a man.A few weeks ago, Mayor Boris announced his plan to curtail Londoners'previously unalienable right to get hammered on public transportation, andLondoners got angry. Using Facebook and various social networking sites,"Last Round on the Underground" was planned to mark the final night, May31st, before the new law took effect. Organizers called Londoners to jointhem on the Tube's Circle Line, which loops around downtown London andWestminster for a drunken ride until midnight, the BBC reported.As an incredible testimony to the power of online networking and Londoners'love of booze and riots, the Circle Line was inundated with drunkentravelers. Thousands of people filled underground stations throughout thecity, and six stations, including my own Liverpool Street Station, wereeventually closed for crowd control. The BBC News reported assaults on Tubestaff and police and 17 arrests, as well as Tube cars full of drunkenBritons chanting "Boris is a wanker."During all this, my friends and I naively thought we would stroll down toLiverpool Street Station for a quick hop on and off the Circle Line. So withmy bottle of wine and the boys with their large pack of beer, we headed forthe station. However, the station had already been closed. When we arrived acrowd of about 2000 people were drunkenly climbing signs, singing incoherentsongs, and waving clothes they'd removed from themselves or friends. Linesof British police stood watching them and looking mildly concerned (afternine months, I get the impression that British police do little else).Investment bankers' expensive champagne and vodka mixed with the cheap beerand cider of East End residents and students, and everyone slipped andsloshed about with enthusiasm for the celebration and bitterness at the endof an era. The whole scene was a messy, ridiculous, alcoholic disaster, likeany other night in London but with more people, more anger, and fewer Tubesrunning.Unfortunately, I did not bring a camera to capture the "Last Round on theUnderground" or the drunken riot as it spilled out into the streets.(Others, however, captured some of the pandemonium on video for YouTube.) Ido, however, have plenty of glass still stuck in my shoes from walkingthrough the fray of flying bottles. A week after the new law took effect,Liverpool Street Station is almost clean. But the anger and drunkenness ofLondoners, reminded every afternoon and evening that they cannot drink onpublic transport, remains.(The photo of revelers/protestors at the Baker Street Station on the LondonUnderground is by Annie Mole of London via Flickr, using a Creative CommonsLicense. You can see more coverage of the aftermath of the protest on herwebsite, Going Underground, a renowned blog about London's Tube. To seesatirical coverage of the Tube protest from The Daily Show, please checkbelow.)http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10513862&ref=rssTeens protest suicide label5:00AM Monday June 02, 2008My Chemical RomanceAbout 100 teenagers have marched on the offices of British newspaper theDaily Mail to protest at its suggestion that their favourite emo band, MyChemical Romance, encouraged suicide.They objected to the Daily Mail's description of the US group as a "suicidecult band" after a 13-year-old south London student hanged herself two weeksafter she started listening to their music.http://www.hackinthebox.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=27146Private details of Swedish intelligence staff exposed online in protest ofnew eavesdropping lawPosted by l33tdawg on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 02:25 AM (Reads: 687)Source: IHTThe chief of Sweden's defense intelligence agency said Thursday that about20 of its staff members have had personal information about themselvesposted on the Internet.In an interview on Sweden's TV4 Thursday, Ingvar Akesson, head the NationalDefence Radio Establishment, said he believes the "mud-throwing" campaignwas conducted by people protesting a new law that allows his agency tosecretly eavesdrop on e-mail and telephone traffic crossing the country'sborders.Akesson didn't say what information was posted about the civil agency'semployees, or whether any of them conceal their identities because of thenature of their work. But Swedish blog Politikerbloggen said the informationincludes the victims' addresses, telephone and credit card numbers.Parliament on Wednesday narrowly passed a bill allowing Akesson's agency toscan international phone calls, e-mails and faxes for sensitive keywordswithout obtaining a court order.http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/spotlight-on-torture-20080626Spotlight on tortureTorture is never justified.26 June 2008On 26 June, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, AmnestyInternational members and supporters are taking action around the world.They are calling on governments to reaffirm their commitment to theconsensus affirmed after the Second World War - that torture and otherill-treatment are absolutely prohibited.Click on the pictures to the right to watch a slideshow with images of theday.Recently, there has been a new and acute threat to the internationalprohibition of torture and other ill-treatment in the context of governmentresponses to the threat of terrorism. It is the validity of the absoluteprohibition itself that has been challenged by the actions of governmentsaround the world.What this means in reality is that individuals are subjected to horrificpractices. In the context of government counter-terrorism strategies,Amnesty International has documented practices such as:beatings, electric shocks, simulated drowning, prolonged isolation and otherphysical abuse;the return of individuals to countries where they are at risk of torture,sometimes on the basis of flimsy "diplomatic assurances";secret detention.Amnesty International is calling on all governments to: condemn all forms oftorture and other ill-treatment; prevent torture, including through endingsecret and incommunicado detention; and hold to account those responsiblefor authorising, facilitating, or inflicting torture or other ill-treatment.Today is not a day of passive remembrance but one for action: governmentsand citizens across the world should act to reverse the trend of recentyears and eradicate these cruel and inhuman practices.http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080724/od_afp/euirelandfrancesarkozyoffbeat_080724160403;_ylt=Ap0F.ZXrAPoT04evys8bTH6gOrgFUn oeuf is not enough, says Sarkozy protest manThu Jul 24, 12:04 PM ETDUBLIN (AFP) - A French waiter who threw an egg at the car carryingPresident Nicholas Sarkozy during his visit to Dublin this week is ready todo the same again, he told Irish media Thursday.Michael Audron, 35, was charged Monday with "threatening, insulting andabusive behaviour," but a judge in Dublin district court threw out theindictment after he agreed to pay 150 euros (240 dollars) to charity.The unrepentant protestor, who was among 1,800 demonstrators who took to thestreets during the visit over Ireland's rejection of a new EU treaty, hasacknowledged he has more eggs on standby for any return visit by Sarkozy."I have absolutely no regrets and, if he is coming back again, I will bethere with more than a dozen eggs," he told the Irish Times.He is using eggs to pay his fine by making crepes every night this week at astreet festival in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, in the northwest of Irelandwhere he has lived for several years.The egg-throwing was the only public order incident during a visit bySarkozy who had talks with the Irish government about the country's shock 53percent rejection of the European Union's key Lisbon Treaty last month.France currently holds the rotating EU presidency.http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080809/wl_afp/spainbasquespoliticsprotestThousands march in Spain's Basque region for independenceSat Aug 9, 4:24 PM ETMADRID (AFP) - Thousands of people marched through the streets of theseaside city of San Sebastian in Spain's northeastern Basque Country onSaturday to demand self-determination for the wealthy region."Stop the state of emergency. Self-determination for Euskal Herria," read abanner carried by participants at the head of the peaceful march, using theBasque language name for the Basque Country.Dozens of people waved the red, white and green Basque flag while otherschanted slogans in favour of independence for the region as a policehelicopter flew overhead, Spanish media reported.Police offered no estimate for the number of participants but the Basquenewspaper Gara said in its online edition that some 5,000 people had takenpart in the demonstration which was organised by left-wing Basquenationalists.The Basque Country already enjoys considerable autonomy and polls show mostBasques do not want to secede from Spain.But a vocal minority is pushing for an independent Basque homeland.The armed Basque separatist group ETA is blamed for the deaths of over 820people in bombings and shootings in its 40-year campaign for an independentBasque state in northern Spain and southwestern France.http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUKL2525611320080425Italy's "V-Day" protest targets news mediaFri Apr 25, 2008 7:49pm BSTBy Phil StewartROME (Reuters) - Thousands of Italians rallied to demand reform of thecountry's news media on Friday, taking aim at prime minister-elect SilvioBerlusconi and the power he and vested interests wield over the country's TVand media networks.Anti-politics comic Beppe Grillo led the colourful "V-day" protest, where heurged followers to tell Italy's political class -- and the media outlets heaccused of taking orders from them -- to "Vaffanculo" ("F... off").Grillo, a mop-haired, pot-bellied blogger, has ridden a wave ofdisillusionment to become Italy's most popular political critic. In a rantthat lambasted politicians of all leanings, he said Berlusconi's dominanceof the media would be unthinkable in other countries."Imagine if (Barack) Obama as president was also the owner of Fox, of ABCand other TV networks," Grillo said in the northern city of Turin,addressing a crowd that organisers estimated at least 45,000.Critics say Berlusconi as prime minister -- through his family-controlledMediaset empire and through state television RAI -- will at least indirectlycontrol nearly 90 percent of Italy's television audience.Berlusconi denies a conflict of interest and frequently describes himself asthe victim of attacks by Italy's news outlets, which he says mostlylean-left.Grillo collected signatures for a referendum to abolish public financing forthe news media, to eliminate the Italy's Order of Journalists and to strikethe controversial "Gasparri law" governing Italy's media.The Gasparri media deregulation was among the most contentious of thosepassed during Berlusconi's last term as prime minister. Critics said itfavoured the media tycoon's business empire by removing competition limitsand allowing Mediaset to expand rapidly into digital terrestrial TV.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/08/europe/EU-Italy-Protest.phpItaly's opposition groups stage protest in Rome against Berlusconi'spoliciesThe Associated PressPublished: July 8, 2008ROME: Thousands of protesters gathered Tuesday in a historic Rome square todenounce the policies of Premier Silvio Berlusconi in the first majoropposition demonstration since the conservative leader won April elections.The protest in downtown Piazza Navona was called amid accusations by thecenter-left opposition that Berlusconi is using public office to passmeasures that would help him in his judicial battles. Police estimated thecrowd at around 10,000 people.The government is pushing through legislation that would grant immunity fromprosecution to the country's top four officials, including Berlusconi, whois a defendant at a corruption trial in Milan. The premier has alwaysmaintained his innocence and depicted himself as the victim of left-leaningmagistrates.On Tuesday, center-left supporters filled the baroque square waving partyflags and cheering speeches by opposition leaders including Antonio DiPietro, a former anti-corruption prosecutor who turned to politics."How can it be that we have to deal with (Berlusconi's) problems instead ofthe country's problems?" Di Pietro said from a stage.The proposed law would grant immunity from prosecution to the president, thepremier and the speakers of both parliamentary houses during their mandates.The government insists it is needed to allow the top officials to carry outtheir jobs without worries. Italy's parliament, which is controlled byBerlusconi's forces, is expected to pass the measure.Separately, parliament is examining another proposed bill, dubbed by criticsthe "premier-saving measure," which would suspend certain trials for a year,including Berlusconi's.The opposition, further enraged by the proposal, says it is aimed atprotecting the premier from the embarrassment of a possible conviction asthe Milan trial draws to a close. Proponents say it would relieve courtsfrom a backlog of cases and allow them to focus on violent offenses.http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080724/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_italy_electricchairFunfair's electric chair closed after protestsThu Jul 24, 2:52 PM ETROME (Reuters) - An Italian funfair closed an attraction where a life-sizeddummy was "executed" in an electric chair on Thursday following protests byopponents of capital punishment.The macabre exhibit at the Luna Park in northern Milan allowed visitors toinsert coins and watch the dummy strapped to an electric chair go throughhis death throes -- convulsing, smoking, and slumping from the simulatedcharge.Milan's mayor, church organisations and "Hands Off Cain," a group working toabolish the death penalty worldwide, had all protested against it.Hands Off Cain called it "a demented and culturally devastating attraction,which undoes years of work on the part of those struggling against the deathpenalty".It was a way of profiting from the "base and bestial aspects of oursociety," it said.The park owners said they had shut down the attraction and on Thursday itwas covered with canvas.Capital punishment is banned in Italy.http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/general/water_cooler_moments/protest+over+bird+feeding+ban/2113762?intcmp=rss_news_perspectives_water_cooler_momentsProtest over bird feeding banPrint this pageLast Modified: 01 May 2008Source: PA NewsPigeon food sellers in Venice's St Mark's Square are seeking compensationafter the mayor banned bird feeding in the area.Mayor Massimo Cacciari introduced the ban in an effort to control thegrowing number of pigeon droppings spoiling the city's facades andmonuments.Sellers, who have been given licences to operate in the square for over acentury, want £75 for each day out of work.http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/9/worldupdates/2008-06-09T133338Z_01_NOOTR_RTRMDNC_0_-339655-2&sec=WorldupdatesMonday June 9, 2008Elderly nuns chain themselves at Vatican protestVATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Two elderly Italian nuns chained themselves to alamp post outside the Vatican on Sunday claiming they had been wronglyexpelled from their cloistered convent and wanted Pope Benedict to help themreturn.The two women, Sister Albina Locantore, 73 and Teresa Izzi, 79, remained inlocks and chains on the edge of St Peter's Square for several hours,including the some 20 minutes while the pope delivered his weekly messageand blessing.The two women told reporters they had left their convent of Carmelite nunsin central Italy for several months for health reasons but when theyreturned the mother superior refused to let them back in the cloisteredconvent.The mother superior accused them of disobedience and banished them, the nunssaid.One of the nuns held up a placard reading: "Your Holiness, we are neitherprostitutes, nor violent, nor thieves, nor mentally infirm".Another placard appealed to the pope to investigate their case."After 50 and 60 years of service to the Church they treat us like sacks ofgarbage, all because we supposedly did not obey our religious superior,"Sister Albina said.The Vatican was trying to arrange a meeting between the nuns and an officialof the Vatican department that oversees convents.http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/global-marijuana-march-hits-toronto-20000-light-up/1131Global Marijuana March Hits Toronto: 20,000 Light up.Sun, May 4, 2008"We're letting them smoke if they want to smoke," one policeman said with achuckle and a shrug. "The city gave them a permit."Yes, yesterday marked the Toronto celebrations of the 10th Global MarijuanaMarch; an annual rally, campaigning for the decriminalization and acelebration of cannabis. The march takes place in over two hundred citiesaround the world. However, the biggest and best part is in Toronto, wherelenient cannabis laws married with political pressure from liberals hasmushroomed the size of the event.Literally thousands of potheads of all ages took to the streets. The protestwas noisy: people shouted slogans such as "free the weed," motorists honkedtheir horns in approval and huge wafts of Marijuana smoke perfumed the air.Police presence was barely evident - there were only a few officerssurrounding the park and controlling the flow of people.It's not really surprising that this was the case. Everyone seems to bepretty confused on the whole issue. In Canada. marijuana is not only usedfor medical purposes, but the liberal government tried to decriminalize itin 2006. Unfortunately the conservatives stepped in (as usual) and quashedthe bill.One can only hope that once the smoke settles, a definitive stance isreached either way because it isn't healthy to leave issues hanging in theair.http://www.nowpublic.com/world/protest-educates-attendees-ministers-pancake-breakfast-4Protest educates attendees at Minister's Pancake Breakfastby Joanna Farley | July 7, 2008 at 01:07 am |In the words of a Conservative association volunteer: "Where else doprotesters get fed by what they're protesting?"Several hundred Calgarians attended yesterdays' annual Minister's PancakeBreakfast, hosted by MP Jim Prentice of the Calgary North Centre riding.While the usual entertainment was on hand - stampede princesses, live music,and plenty of pancakes fresh off the grill, the attendees also had a chanceto learn more about a controversial Bill that Prentice recently introducedin Parliament.Approximately two dozen members of the Facebook group Fair Copyright forCanada - Calgary Chapter were on hand this morning with placards, t-shirtsand home-made CDs, ready to protest and instruct attendees on the possiblenegative effects of Bill C-61, which amends Canada's Copyright Act toinclude Digital Law and "update the rights and protections of copyrightowners to better address the Internet, in line with internationalstandards". The Bill has received criticism from a diverse section of theCanadian population, which sees it as attempt to restrict freedom of use andextend control over access to information."We're concerned about what the amendments will mean for the CanadianPublic" said one protester. "This is going to affect students, teachers,artists. Digital Law is obscure, and if it's made illegal to break, thenanyone could be considered guilty, there's a problem of no consumer rights"."The ramifications involve severe restrictions on software, video, even onTV viewing rights" agreed Brendan Gill . "Even the artists this is supposedto protect are concerned - members of Wide Mouth Mason, The BarenakedLadies, feel this restricts their ability to get the music to fans, [that]it controls their output, and gives the record companies more power"."The Bill is unenforceable, and technicians and artists have aresponsibility to let people know this, to let them know Bill C-61 doesn'taddress the issues of piracy, copyright infringement. Jim Prentice needs totalk with the technicians, the artists, not just the DCMA lobbyists withtheir own agendas."While the protesters had to stand in line to get into the event, theyquickly managed to achieve several good conversations with attendees, eventvolunteers, and members of Prentice's team, including his Chief of Staff,who encouraged the protesters to be involved, and to take their "legitimateconcerns" to the committees debating the Bill."There are about 20 sides, so there will be much studying, debating. We'reasking that [protesters] recognize it's not just back and forth between twogroups, there is more to it - and we want to make sure [Bill C-61] won'tlead to unintended circumstances" Prentice's CofS said."This isn't just about industry, but also the [Canadian] government workingwith other governments. Yes, we know there are concerns about consultation,privacy, that Canadians take invasion of their privacy very, very seriously,but there has to be a way to figure out and stop those who are commerciallyprofiting from copyright infringement", agreed Dave Higgingbossom, Presidentof the Calgary Centre North Conservative Electoral District Association.By the end of the breakfast, event organizers were pleased by how everythingwent. "We knew [about the protest]ahead of time, and met in advance, andthey've been very respectful" said Higingbossom. "We knew it would be fine,and there has been absolutely no problems. This is what democracy is about -the right to espouse on what you believe in. We [political groups] want tohear, it's why we exist. If C-61 is controversial, that's good to know".The protesters were generally, if a little less, pleased with the results. "It was good, but we're not happy with Prentice - there was a lack ofdiscussion [with him]. Obviously, he's very busy, but he had plenty of timefor photographs with babies, and none for concerns." said Jason Burnner."We need public consultation, but raising awareness was our goal, so we madeour point successfully. We were here to protest, but [also ensure] everyonehad a good time" added Brunner and group organizer Kempton Lam. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSL1687748520080516Greek journalists protest axing of state TV showFri May 16, 2008 8:39am EDTBy Dina KyriakidouATHENS, May 16 (Reuters) - Greece's biggest journalists' union has called onthe conservative government to overturn a decision by state broadcaster ERTto scrap a well-regarded TV news show, a move that has sparked accusationsof censorship.State-run ERT said this week it was axing the "Reportage Without Frontiers"show, prompting opposition questions in parliament and criticism from theAthens Journalists Union (ESIEA)."The press minister and ERT's management must answer to the Greek people fortheir unacceptable behaviour," ESIEA said in a statement late on Thursday."The union's board demands that our colleagues' shows continue to bebroadcast without any cuts."The weekly show's host, Stelios Kouloglou, said his ERT contract had notbeen renewed after he refused to make changes to some reports, including oneon the politically sensitive issue of young, educated Greeks unable to earnmore than 700 euros a month."I was told that if I did this programme, there would be a problem renewingmy contract next year," Kouloglou told Reuters. "After almost 13 years withERT, it's the first time I was asked not to show something.""Finally, I was told my show is being cancelled next year because 'theydidn't like it'," Kouloglou added, referring to ERT.The broadcaster said it would air the show on the under-employment of youngGreeks with good education and skills, and denied political reasons laybehind the cancellation of a show that has won awards at home and abroad."The show had come full circle, it was getting old and was bringing nothingnew," ERT President Christos Panagopoulos told Reuters."There is no censorship and if Mr. Kouloglou continues to claim this, hewill have to prove it in court."Opposition parties backed Kouloglou and raised the matter in parliament."Such actions make Greek television poorer," said Left Coalition deputyFotis Kouvelis. "Successful shows are not cut ... public TV was annoyed bysome of his stories."Press Minister and government spokesman Theodore Roussopoulos defended thebroadcaster, telling parliament: "All shows come full circle and at somepoint finish.""All journalists know their freedom of expression has been respected morethan ever before in the past four years." (Additional reporting by ReneeMaltezou, editing by Jon Boyle)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7493434.stmPage last updated at 17:09 GMT, Monday, 7 July 2008 18:09 UKGreek death extradition protestDemonstrators have protested outside a court hearing to oppose the possibleextradition of a British student to Greece over manslaughter allegations.Andrew Symeou, 19, of Enfield, north London, appeared at City of Westminstermagistrates' court.It follows the death on 22 July last year of Jonathon Hiles, 18, of Cardiff,after he suffered head injuries in a club on the Greek island of Zakynthos.The hearing was adjourned to 12 August, and Mr Symeou was given bail.Mr Hiles, who represented the Great Britain roller hockey team at variousage groups and also played ice hockey for Cardiff Devils' junior team, waswith friends in the club on 20 July when he was injured in an incident.It is alleged that Mr Hiles was pushed from a podium on the island, which isalso known as Zante.Mr Symeou, a student at Bournemouth University, was arrested on June 26 athis home, after a European arrest warrant was issued by Greek authorities.His passport was also seized by police.Jon Hiles was on the island of Zakynthos, also known as ZanteDuring the short hearing John Jones, for Mr Symeou, said Greek police hadobtained witness statements using force and he believed Symeou could notexpect fair treatment if he was extradited.Mr Symeou's solicitor, John Tipple, said after the hearing: "For justice tobe done it needs to be done here."Outside court, Mr Symeou hugged family and friends who had attended tosupport him.Around 30 people carried banners opposing extradition which they held upoutside the court.Mr Symeou was remanded on bail on condition he resides at the family home.His mother pledged surety of £20,000.One step at timeOutside court, Mr Symeou's father Frank said he was pleased with theadjournment."It's one step at a time. It gives us enough time to try to put a casetogether."No evidence of the alleged offence has been presented to a British court."The accuser does not have to demonstrate that there is a proper case toanswer provided that the European warrant has been correctly completed."The accused person can be sent to a foreign country without a British courtbeing satisfied that justice is being done."Frank Symeou said prima facie evidence should be required before extraditioncould be granted and said the family wanted "a hearing held in England, inEnglish not Greek, where we trust the system and we trust the police."Denzil Hiles, Jonathon's father, was also at the hearing and afterwards hesaid he was surprised and disappointed the extradition had not gone ahead.Mr Hiles said he could see no good reason for the five week adjournment.He believed there was enough evidence against Mr Symeou for him to standtrial in Greece."I don't know if Andrew killed my son," said Mr Hiles."I expected to hate him, but all I saw was a frightened boy."He said he had expressed his sympathy to Mr Symeou's family, and they hadexpressed their's for his son's death.