[Onthebarricades] Pro-democracy and civil/human rights protests, Africa-Americas-Middle East-Europe/North, November 2008

[global resistance roundup]

AFRICA
* SUDAN: Journalists arrested after protest against censorship
* ZAMBIA: Unrest after election, opposition alleges fraud
* DR CONGO/UK and CANADA: Protest against Congo killings, UK deportations
* NIGERIA: Women protest naked over Ekiti poll
* NIGERIA: Protests for, against "corrupt" Parliament leaders
* ZIMBABWE: Protests for democratisation process
* ZIMBABWE: Protesters target forum
* CAMEROON: Opposition protest at president celebration
* RWANDA: Arrest of minister in Europe sparks massive protests
* Protests also reach America, Sweden and other European countries
* SOUTH AFRICA: Labour protests over Western Sahara status
* NAMIBIA: Municipal workers protest leader's suspension
* NIGERIA/UK: Students remember Ken Saro-Wiwa

AMERICAS
* ST LUCIA: Opposition protest
* BRAZIL: Flash mob protest over cyber-repression
* NICARAGUA: Supporters, opponents rally over disputed election

MIDDLE EAST
* SAUDI ARABIA: Campaign launched over detentions
* SAUDI ARABIA: Women re-unite to remember driving protest
* EGYPT/SAUDI ARABIA: Protest over whipping of doctor
* EGYPT: Protest against political imprisonment
* LEBANON: Hundreds protest attack on journalist
* YEMEN: Clashes at opposition protest
* UAE/UK: Protest against dictatorship

EUROPE
* UK: Two arrested as SOCPA protests continue
* UK: ID cards protest in Stockport, Solihull, Brighton, Wales, Leeds
* UK: Brixton protest over Ricky Bishop killing
* CANADA/MEXICO: Protest over Canadian jailed in Mexico
* CANADA: Ontario - Teens protest driving ban
* SPAIN: Basque protest
* QUEBEC - CANADA: Protests on election day
* AUSTRIA: Protest at performance cancellation after death threats
* CANADA: Pot activists protest cafe raid





http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_2427791,00.html

70 journos held after protest
17/11/2008 14:10 - (SA)

Khartoum - Sudanese police detained about 70 journalists, herding them 
into a truck after they protested against draconian censorship outside 
parliament on Monday, witnesses and reporters said.
Scores of journalists rallied outside parliament condemning the 
censorship which flouts the freedom of expression supposed to be 
enshrined in the country's interim constitution following the end of a 
north-south civil war.
A member of parliament came to talk to the reporters. After he went back 
into the building, police came and ordered all the remaining journalists 
into at least one waiting truck, said journalists.
They were driven to a police station in Omdurman, the twin city of 
Khartoum just across the Nile river, shortly after midday (09:00 GMT).
"We are about 70 journalists now in custody in Omdurman police station, 
near the passport department," said Murtada el-Ghali, the editor in 
chief of the daily newspaper Ajras Al-Hurriya.
"We are in one room. We are sitting on the floor. They took our names. I 
am the only editor in chief, but there are editing managers, 
high-ranking journalists, and 27 girls among us," he added.
"We were treated in a very harsh way. They made us sit on the seats in 
the lorry. We were more than 70, there was not enough room and they were 
hitting the outside of the lorry with sticks," he added before the phone 
went dead.
Two witnesses put the number of arrested journalists at 60 to 65. 
Another two reporters said initially that 100 had been driven away.
Police were not immediately reachable for comment.
Sudanese journalists this month stepped up protests against government 
censorship and the arrests of colleagues, staging a hunger strike on 
November 4 in a demonstration spearheaded by staff at the Ajras 
Al-Hurriya newspaper.
Sudan's interim constitution, which is supposed to guide the country 
through a six-year phased implementation of a 2005 Comprehensive Peace 
Agreement that ended two decades of civil war, upholds freedom of the 
press and expression.
But laws guaranteeing press freedom have not been passed and security 
officials inspect the editions of every newspaper nightly.
Editors who resist censorship risk their publications being banned 
outright or confiscated from distribution offices.
- AFP






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811190071.html

International Federation of Journalists (Brussels)
Sudan: Seventy Journalists Arrested At Demonstration Against Government 
Censorship
18 November 2008
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the 
arrest and detention of about 70 journalists on Monday, as they were 
demonstrating against the censorship practice and tactics employed by 
the Sudanese government.
"We consider the arrest of the journalists on Monday by the Sudanese 
authorities as an act of intimidation aimed at preventing the media from 
reporting the truth in Sudan," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ 
Africa office. "The Sudanese government must respect the rights of 
journalists and their independence. Censorship is not acceptable in 
modern journalism and the media in Sudan must be allowed to exercise its 
duties without any form of interference."
According to a statement issued by the Eastern Africa Journalists 
Association, the journalists were arrested together with politicians and 
other members of civil society who had joined in the demonstration at 
the Parliament to register the journalists' discontent because of the 
government's censorship. "The Sudanese government has posted officials 
to newspaper houses that vet the content of all these papers and 
determine what should be published," said EAJA.
The IFJ urges the Sudanese Government to respect the right to press 
freedom and freedom of expression, and to create an environment which 
enables journalists to operate according to internationally recognized 
standards of journalism.
MORE INFORMATION:
For further information about ongoing censorship in Sudan, see: 
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/98208







http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article29295

Sudanese police arrest 70 journalists over protest for press freedom
Monday 17 November 2008 12:30. Printer-Friendly version Comments...

November 17, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese authorities arrested over 70 
journalists who demonstrated outside the national parliament to protest 
against press censorship, this morning.

A Sudanese journalist protests against censorship in Khartoum November 
4, 2008. (Reuters)
The Sudanese police arrested on Monday morning 70 journalists that 
gathered to present a memorandum to the lawmakers asking them to revise 
Press and Media Law and to make it conform to the interim constitution.
Two of the arrested journalists told Sudan Tribune that Yasir Arman the 
head of the SPLM caucus addressed the gathering before their detention 
and pledged to raise the issue inside the parliament.
Over 150 Sudanese journalists launched on Tuesday on 4 November b a 
24-hour hunger strike and the Ajras Al-Hurriya, Al-Maidan and Rayal 
Al-Shab newspapers halted production for three days, saying they could 
no longer accept government restrictions over editorial content.
Sudanese Journalists are subjected on daily basis to increased 
harassment, arrest, detention and interrogation; and their printed 
newspapers are confiscated, say rights activists in a letter submitted 
to Submitted to the 44th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on 
Human and Peoples Rights Abuja, Nigeria 14 November 2008.
Since the indictment of the Sudanese president by the prosecutor of 
International Criminal Court (ICC); the security service imposed a 
pre-censorship process which involves the appointment of a security 
officer attached to each newspaper who every evening reviews the text of 
the edition and decides which articles are to be cut or re-written, 
columns excised or whole pages and sections removed.
The current escalation in repressive measures against the independent 
media began in February 2008, immediately after the attempted coup in 
Chad in which the government of Chad alleged the government of Sudan was 
complicit.
(ST)






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811070643.html

Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (Cairo)
Sudan: Hunger Strike Held to Protest Proof Censorship
5 November 2008

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) said in a 
statement on 5 November 2008 that journalists in Sudan have organized a 
sit-in and went on a hunger strike from the morning of 4 November until 
ten o'clock (local time) on 5 November in protest against the censorship 
of press proofs imposed by intelligence officers in charge of checking 
newspapers and excluding topics banned by the government.
"Ajras Al Hurriya" newspaper has been off the presses since 1 November 
and announced the hunger strike and a sit-in at its premises. A number 
of Sudanese newspapers, including "Ra'y Alshaab" newspaper have also 
announced their suspension for three days as of 8 November in solidarity 
with "Ajras Al Hurriya"'s protest against proof censorship carried out 
by intelligence forces. Columnists have also decided to withdraw their 
columns in protest against the repressive mechanisms imposed on the 
press by the intelligence forces.
In the same context, ANHRI condemns the arbitrary arrest of journalist 
Salah Bab Allah of the Khartoum-based "Al Entibaha" newspaper. Bab Allah 
has been in custody since his arrest at the newspaper's premises by 
security and intelligence forces on 1 November. Security officials have 
not allowed his wife to visit him. The basis for the arrest was his 
publication of news about an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever in the El 
Fula area in Kordofan region, western Sudan. Proof censorship had 
previously concealed this news which was on the third page, but the 
journalist published it on the front page. Security forces refused to 
disclose his whereabouts or say what charges have been brought against 
him. Instead, they claimed that the arrest is for "inquiring about 
news." Accordingly, ANHRI demands the immediate release of the detained 
journalist and the cessation of arrests of journalists because of their 
profession.
Gamal Eid, executive director of ANHRI, said: "We add our voice to the 
voices of the Sudanese journalists in their collective protest against 
proof censorship, and we demand the Sudanese Journalists Union take up 
its role in defense of freedom of the press and the protection of 
journalists. At the same time we urge the Sudanese government to respect 
press freedoms and end the arbitrary arrests of journalists in 
deliberate violation of international covenants and conventions that 
provide for these freedoms."





http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/17/africa/AF-Sudan-Journalists.php

Dozens of protesting journalists arrested in Sudan

The Associated Press
Published: November 17, 2008

KHARTOUM, Sudan: Sudanese authorities arrested dozens of journalists 
Monday who gathered in front of the parliament building to protest state 
censorship, said eyewitnesses and those who were detained.
Press freedom is supposed to be guaranteed under Sudan's constitution. 
But journalists have said they have experienced a mounting crackdown on 
freedom of expression ahead of elections expected next year.
Murtadha al-Ghali, the editor-in-chief of the independent Ajras 
al-Hurria newspaper, said he was arrested Monday along with 77 other 
male and female journalists and released five hours later after 
promising to return for trial.
"It seems there is a move to try us, but we will see how that is going 
to happen," al-Ghali told The Associated Press.
Ajras al-Hurria, which means "Freedom Bells" in Arabic, is one of two 
newspapers that pledged to suspend publication for three days earlier 
this month to protest censorship.
The publisher of Ajras al-Hurria, Salah Kajam, said earlier this month 
that state security agents regularly visit his paper's offices late at 
night to remove articles critical of the government and reports of 
violence in Darfur, among other things.
The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum criticized Monday's arrests and urged the 
Sudanese government to end censorship.
Suleiman Hamid al-Hajj, a human rights activist and spokesman for 
Sudan's Communist Party, said 63 journalists were arrested. The reason 
for the discrepancy in the numbers was not immediately clear.
The Sudanese government has not commented publicly on the arrests.
The Sudanese journalists union said it disapproved of censorship but did 
not condone Monday's protest.
"We do not approve of turning the issue into a political agenda," the 
secretary general of the union, al-Fatiha al-Sayed, told the AP.





http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1440548.php/Banda_sworn_in_as_Zambian_president_-_riots_spread

Banda sworn in as Zambian president - riots spread
Africa News
Nov 2, 2008, 14:49 GMT
Lusaka - Rupiah Banda was hastily sworn in as president of Zambia Sunday 
after snatching victory from the jaws of opposition leader Michael Sata 
amid accusations from the opposition of vote- rigging.
Banda, 71, of the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy, will serve 
out the remaining three years in ex-leader Levy Mwanawasa's term 
following Mwanawasa's death of a stroke in August.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was among the dignitaries that 
attended Banda's swearing in at State House, a few hours after the 
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced he won Thursday's by- 
election with 40.09 per cent of the vote to 38.13 per cent for Patriotic 
Front leader Sata.
In his inauguration speech, Banda, a former vice-president under 
Mwanawasa, extended an olive branch to the PF, which has vowed to 
challenge the election result in court.
'United we stand, divided we fall,' Banda said, calling on the 
opposition to put aside their 'petty squabbles'.
When it became apparent that Banda was going to win the vote, 
small-scale riots broke out Saturday in some poor neighbourhoods of 
Lusaka a Sata stronghold. Sata had been tipped to win the presidency in 
two of three opinion polls.
By Sunday, the riots had spread to the town of Kitwe in the Copperbelt 
mining region, where Sata is also popular. Radio Phoenix reported that 
police were engaged in running battles with Sata supporters. It was not 
clear how many protestors were involved.
Voter turnout in the election was down noticeably on the last 
presidential election at 45 per cent of the registered 3.9 million 
voters, against a turnout of over 70 per cent in 2006.
Sata has claimed numerous alleged irregularities during the vote. Among 
other things, he claimed voting continued in some places while the first 
results were being announced.
'We will not recognize Mr Banda unless a court tells us why we should,' 
PF spokeswoman Given Lubinda said.
Two African election observer teams, however, ave the election a clean 
bill of health. A pro-democracy NGO, the Foundation for Democratic 
Process, which carried out a parallel vote count said their numbers 
tallied with those of the ECZ.
In the only confirmed incident of what looked like a rigging attempt, an 
election officer in a Lusaka constituency was found in possession of an 
envelope of ballots pre-marked for Banda on election day. The man was 
detained by police.
Sata, who was on his third attempt to become president, had looked 
comfortably ahead at one point but that was before the votes from pro- 
Banda rural areas had come in.
The Zambian army has been on alert since earlier this week, amid fears 
of violence over a disputed outcome.
In 2006, Sata's initial refusal to accept his defeat at the hands of 
Mwanawasa sparked days of rioting.
Zambia is Africa's largest copper producer but 65 per cent of the 
population live on less than a dollar a day.
The global financial crisis loomed large over the election, as fears of 
a worldwide recession drag down prices for the commodity.
Banda has promised to continue Mwanawasa's legacy of prudent economic 
management, while cutting taxes on food and fuel.
'This will help Zambia to become a middle income country by 2030,' he 
said.'
He also warned foreign investors to respect Zambia's labour laws and to 
improve workers' wages. Sata had curried a lot of support by demanding 
better conditions for workers in Chinese-owned mining firms.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811031290.html

Zambia: 14 Nabbed for Rioting
3 November 2008
FOURTEEN suspected opposition political party cadres have been arrested 
in Lusaka's Mandevu and Chipata townships after they rioted as MMD 
candidate, Rupiah Banda was leading in the presidential race on Saturday 
night.
The protesters looted and burnt makeshift shops and stoned motor 
vehicles soon after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)'s 20:00 
hours update, which showed that Mr Banda was likely to win the election.
Lusaka police chief, Greenwell Ng'uni said one vehicle was extensively 
damaged while motorists were forced to divert elsewhere during the 
rioting which the police only managed to contain around 04:00 hours 
yesterday.
He said police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters and prevent 
them from causing further damage to vehicles and shops.
Mr Ng'uni said the 14 suspects have been charged with riotous behaviour 
and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Meanwhile, former Mineworkers Union of Zambia president, Andrew Mwanza 
has described as unpatriotic and irresponsible people resorting to violence.
Mr Mwanza said political party leaders that took part in the 
presidential election should concede defeat and support the ruling party 
in its efforts to improve people's welfare.
Mr Mwanza said Zambia had always been a peaceful nation and it would be 
irresponsible for any politician to resort to violence.
He proposed an amendment to the Republican Constitution so that if a 
Republican president dies, his party should hold a convention to replace 
him, instead of holding a presidential election where other political 
parties also contest.
He said holding a presidential election where other political parties 
participated after the Republican president has died was costly.
(Times of Zambia)







http://www.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/107/article_2026.asp

Zambia
Banda wins presidential election with narrow margin
Article published on the 2008-11-02 Latest update 2008-11-02 17:19 TU

Rupiah Banda, acting president since Levy Mwanawasa's death from stroke 
in August last, was sworn in as President on Sunday. He won the election 
with a score of 40.09 per cent of the vote, narrowly defeating his 
opponent Michael Sata who took 38.13 per cent.

Banda, sworn in just hours after the official result, said he would 
continue the policies of Mwanawasa and would fight poverty. He appealed 
to the opposition to "put aside petty squabbles"
Police broke up protesters on Saturday night with tear-gas on the 
streets of Lusaska. Supporters of opposition candidate Michael Sata 
marched in Mandevu, an area of the capital, to voice their anger that, 
after an initial lead, Sata had dropped back behind Rupiah Banda.
Police spokesman Benny Kapeso said the protests had begun at 9 pm 
Saturday and witnesses claimed that the demonstrators had attempted to 
set fire to the market.
On Sunday police were deployed in key areas of the city and patrols were 
increased.
Brian Lingeloa of the Media Institute of Southern Africa says that 
independant observers have described the election as free and fair and 
that Lusaka has been calm today.





http://allafrica.com/stories/200811140147.html

Zambia: Police Revoke Permit
14 November 2008
KITWE police yesterday withdrew the permit issued to the Patriotic Front 
(PF) to peacefully demonstrate against President Rupiah Banda's victory 
in the October 30 elections citing security of the public.
And various stakeholders yesterday condemned the riot that disrupted 
business and left various properties damaged in the city.
Kitwe district police chief, Daniel Kasonde said the police had 
cancelled the PF demonstration which was due to be held tomorrow.
Mr Kasonde said the situation was very delicate for an event of that 
nature to be held.
<
"The current situation is so unstable and tempers among the people are 
so high," said Mr Kasonde.
Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Jennipher Musonda said some notable 
opposition political party leaders are alleged to have masterminded the 
riot that took place in Kitwe yesterday.
And Mrs Musonda has urged all peace-loving Zambians to condemn and 
reject any violence that some politicians may try to fuel in the country.
Mrs Musonda was speaking in Kitwe yesterday evening after inspecting 
some of the shops that were damaged by youths who were alleged to have 
been mobilised from Kalulushi by one of the political party officials.
"We have information that some taxi drivers and street children were 
paid by some notable political party leaders to cause the riot. Police 
are pursuing the issue. This was a paid riot and I urge all peace-loving 
Zambians to condemn this behaviour. We are a peaceful nation and let us 
nurture our peace.
"However, I would like to assure the Kitwe residents that everything is 
under control and they should go on with their business. As Government, 
we are in-charge and we shall not allow anarchy in the country," Mrs 
Musonda said.
And Action National Group for Emerging Leaders (Angel) Copperbelt 
Chapter chairman, Thabo Kawana condemned yesterday's violence.
Speaking in an interview in Kitwe shortly after relative calm had been 
restored in the town, Mr Kawana said it was unfortunate that people 
should take advantage of the prevailing political situation to cause 
confusion in the nation.
He said the violent protest by suspected PF cadres was most unfortunate 
because the arrest of Radio Icengelo station manager, Frank Bwalya by 
police was something that was done in accordance with the law.
Mr Kawana said as much as Father Bwalya was doing his job as a 
journalist, people should understand that police were also doing their 
normal routine job.
He said there was need for young people to desist from engaging in acts 
of violence because property being destroyed was for the betterment of 
their lives.
"Young people should desist from engaging in acts of violence because 
Zambia is not only for the old generation. It is in fact us the young 
who should be more responsible, bearing in mind that the future will 
face us," Mr Kawana said.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) acting secretary general, Ian 
Mkandawire condemned the violence and the destruction of public property 
by suspected PF cadres.
Mr Mkandawire, who advised residents to maintain calm, said resorting to 
property destruction was not the best way of expressing displeasure 
because property had nothing to do with the political misunderstanding.
A Kitwe pastor also condemned the rioters who allegedly took part in the 
looting of shops in the city centre following disturbances over the 
arrest of Fr Bwalya.
Pastor Godfrey Kafunga of Christian Faith Ministries of Kitwe described 
the disruption of public services as a sad development which could have 
been avoided had both parties allowed common sense to prevail.
"That type of expression cannot be allowed to continue, at least not in 
our land that has been declared as a Christian nation and I hope the 
authorities will use their powers to ensure culprits are brought to 
book," he said.
Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Copperbelt 
provincial chairman, Teddy Kangwa condemned Fr Bwalya for allegedly 
behaving like a political party cadre when he was a clergyman who was 
supposed to preach reconciliation, love, peace and unity in the country.
Mr Kangwa commended the police for arresting and detaining Fr Bwalya for 
allegedly issuing unpalatable, provocative statements aimed at inciting 
people to rise against the Government.
"As much as we support the work Radio Icengelo is doing, the comments of 
Radio Icengelo station manager are provocative and have gone to extremes.
"What is happening in other countries like the Democratic Republic of 
Congo (DRC) and Rwanda where there are wars started with inciting people 
by others," Mr Kangwa said.
He charged that Fr Bwalya was abusing his powers and that if he wanted 
to join politics, he should come out in the open instead of using his 
position to fight political battles.
The Times of Zambia







http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7729317.stm

Friday, 14 November 2008
Zambia bans poll 'fraud' protest

Michael Sata had said he would not accept defeat
Police in Zambia have withdrawn permission for an opposition protest at 
alleged election fraud after riots, in which 38 people were arrested.
Shops were looted, cars stoned and a police station reportedly attacked.
"The current situation in the country is not suitable for such events," 
said Daniel Kasonde, a police commander in the area where the trouble 
broke out.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has reportedly lodged an official 
challenge to the results of last month's poll.
PF leader Michael Sata says he was robbed of victory.
The official results gave ruling party candidate Rupiah Banda a narrow 
victory and he was immediately sworn in.
African regional election observers declared the poll free and fair.
Thursday's violence in the opposition stronghold of Kitwe came after the 
release of a priest arrested during a live radio show over charges of 
inciting possible hostility by alleging the elections were fraudulent.
Police detained Father Frank Bwalya while he was on air for the Roman 
Catholic church-owned Radio Icengelo.
The BBC's Boyd Chibale in Kitwe says earlier in the day hundreds of 
people supporting Father Bwalye - an influential figure in the town - 
had brought Kitwe to a standstill and many shops were closed for fear of 
riots.
Taxis and buses were tooting their horns and protesters in the crowd 
chanted: "We want change".








http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=16433

Tuesday 11 November 2008
News & Reports
online only
Manchester protest for Congo
by Mark Krantz and Thomas Haines-Doran
Around 200 people protested in Manchester last Saturday against the 
killing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the deportation of 
Congolese asylum seekers.
Protesters, including many from the Congolese community, made clear that 
the reason for the fighting, which has claimed over five million lives, 
is Western interests in the country’s abundant natural resources. 
Western companies, supported by their governments, expropriate uranium, 
copper, gold and coltan —a heat resistant substance used in mobile 
phones and laptops. Meanwhile the Congolese people suffer from horrific 
poverty and malnutrition.
At a rally outside the BBC a spokesperson from the Congo Support Group 
explained what lies behind the upsurge in killing, saying, “It is all 
about the Western multinationals who are after out mineral resources, 
especially coltan. People don't have mobile phones in my country. We 
don't have electricity at night.
“In the Congo we don't have proper roads but there are massive 
resources. There is a squabble over control of these with the 
multinationals prepared to deal with any one. We do not want the 
Balkanisation of our country with foreign interests backing different 
warlords marking out a stake.”
After seeing the horror in the Congo, campaigners against deportation 
should draw fresh confidence in their fights to gain refuge here in Britain.






http://www.citytv.com/edmonton/yourcity_63972.aspx

Protest for Peace (Video)
The Congolese community sends a message at a downtown protest.

- - - STORY CONTINUES BELOW IMAGE - - -
Nov 10 | 1:06 PM
The Congolese community in Edmonton is small--only about one thousand 
people. But their voices were loud on Friday as they held a protest 
parade calling for peace in thier homeland.







http://allafrica.com/stories/200811030785.html

[ThisDay Nigeria]

Nigeria: Of Protesting Women and Ekiti LG Poll
Toba Suleiman
2 November 2008
Lagos — After several unsuccessful attempts in the past, Ekiti State 
Government has fixed December 20, 2008 for the conduct of the local 
government election in the state.
The election had earlier been scheduled for at least twice. The 
development accounted for why people of the state were skeptical of the 
ability of the state government and the State Independent Electoral 
Commission (SIEC) to successfully conduct the election.
To this end, indigenes of the state have been unenthusiastic about the 
new election schedule. Their doubt has been strengthened by the popular 
axiom, "once beaten, twice shy,"
So, to avoid being disappointed, after another failure might have been 
recorded over the conduct of the election, people's indifference to the 
schedule is obvious.
It is no longer news that some of the problems generated by the election 
controversy culminated in the impeachment of the former speaker of the 
state House of Assembly, Hon. Femi Bamishile.
While holding sway as the speaker of the House, Bamishile was accused by 
his colleagues of screening of members of the former SIEC in absentia 
and even at dawn, by only seven members of the House on the platform of 
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and excluding the Action Congress 
(AC) lawmakers.
Besides the removal of Bamishile, opposition parties in the state, 
specifically the AC and the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) 
instituted a legal action against the government, and joined the 
Assembly and SIEC as respondents.
The two courts which handled the cases simultaneously upheld the prayers 
of the two parties, and declared the SIEC illegal and unconstitutional, 
having been constituted at an "unparliamentary hour."
Since then, a stalemate had been created over the conduct of the 
election, viewed against the interest of politicians, especially those 
who have been campaigning for the council chairmanship position since 
last year.
Pressure began to mount on the Assembly on the need to conduct the 
election into the local government, which they described as the closest 
tier to the grassroots, who are believed to constitute the bulk of the 
electorate in any given society.
Sources hinted that the inability of the state government to have 
conducted the council poll over a year ago, has cost most aspirants in 
the two major parties, the PDP and the AC their fortunes.
This, it was further gathered, has been generating a bad blood among 
members, especially between those in power and those aspiring for 
chairmanship positions in the state.
So, in realization of what they lost while campaigning for the election 
before the recent schedule, a protest was staged by some women a tthe 
state House of Assembly complex to put the honourable members on their toes.
A group of women on the aegis of Concerned Women accused the House 
members of lackadaisical attitudes in the conduct of the council election.
The women in their thousands, across the 16 local government areas of 
Ekiti State, besieged the Assembly complex in a peaceful protest to 
register their displeasures over the attitudes of the lawmakers, who 
they accused of deliberately frustrating the election from being held.
On the fateful day, the women, who dressed in white attires, walking 
barefooted, stormed the assembly as early as 8 a.m. They were led to the 
assembly complex by women who were believed to be Sango worshippers, who 
were also armed with palm fronds and several other instruments of sango 
deity.
When they first arrived, it was not clear to those present, what their 
mission was, because of the strange way they dressed - in that 
significant white attire.
All the assembly staffers, workers at various parastatals, agencies, the 
state secretariat, whose offices were within the vicinity of the 
assembly complex, as well as security operatives, marvelled at the sight 
of the women.
Without minding the presence of the security operatives, they began to 
sprinkle several bags of table salt on the floor of the assembly complex 
to indicate that the first protest was a peaceful one, only meant to 
warn the lawmakers on the consequences of their actions.
The protest, which lasted for several hours, was carried out without any 
harassment by the security operatives, who watched them, as they moved 
round the assembly complex, fuming with anger and depression on their faces.
Most of the women, in their multitude, especially their leaders, also 
wore beads across their necks and wrists, just as some did not cover 
their heads with head ties. They also behaved as if they were drunk.
According to the leader of the group, Mrs Dupe Ayorinde (Iya Onisango), 
head of sango worshippers from Emure-Ekiti, assisted by one Mrs. Abiola 
Ayeni, also known as (3/3), the protest was an expression of their 
disappointment about the attitude of the lawmakers over the conduct of 
the council poll, since the inception of this administration in 2007.
She said the purpose of their coming to the assembly was to register 
their disappointment with the assembly men and the state government or 
any other body concerned with organizing the election, but failed to do 
so to the detriment of the larger society.
Mrs Ayorinde said they had spoken with the speaker of the House, Hon. 
Olatunji Odeyemi, when they gave him a three-day ultimatum, with which 
he was expected to come out with a definite date for the conduct of the 
election.
According to her, if after the expiration of the three-day ultimatum, no 
definite day was given, the women would be mobilized again, to stage 
another protest that would be more serious. According to her, all 
protesting women would appear naked, or if they would wear anything at 
all, it would be black attire altogether, while they would not hesitate 
to curse whoever is frustrating the conduct of the council poll in the 
state. She said the need for the conduct of the election became 
necessary in view of the hardship being faced by the people of the 
state, especially the downtrodden masses of the state.
According to her, there was no doubt that women of the state were the 
most affected by the assembly's failure to conduct the council poll, 
since local governments are the closest arm of government to the 
grassroots, with women forming the bulk of dependants. Mrs. Ayorinde 
further accused the lawmakers of not adequately representing the 
interest of the larger society, but only interested in their own pockets.
Asked if they were sponsored by a particular political party in the 
state, Ayorinde insisted that the protest was without bias and was not 
at the instance of any political party, but purely, a matter that 
affected all Ekiti women.
She said, they had been waited for so long, expecting the government to 
organize a credible election for the people of the state, but all to no 
avail, prompting them to take their destiny in their own hands, by 
mobilizing one anotherr to stage a peaceful protest at the Assembly
Reacting to the development, Odeyemi said there was nothing unusual in 
the protest, saying it was an avenue to register their feelings against 
the happenings in the state.
Odeyemi, who acknowledged that everybody had a right to protest, 
however, noted that what the women protested was a public issue, which 
he said must not be wished away.
"They came to bare their minds over the conduct of the council poll, 
especially the constitution of the State Independent Electoral 
Commission (SIEC). And we told them that in the next one week, 
everything would be over," Odeyemi said.
According to him, the house has its master plan, saying before the 
protest, he had met with the clerk of the House, during which they 
deliberated exhaustively on the SIEC issue.
He said a major assignment had been done on the SIEC matter, such as the 
amendment of SIEC Bill which he said had been passed adding that the 
state governor, Mr. Segun Oni had equally signed it into law.
Odeyemi therefore, assured members of the public that soon, all things 
being equal, the Assembly would conclude the process that would lead to 
the conduct of the council election. He appealed to members of the 
public to remain calm and allow the House to carry out its legislative 
duties.
True to this promise, 72 hours after the women handed down their 
threats, the House which probably knew what the action of the women 
suggested, hurriedly convened to screen and confirm the membership of 
the commission.
Apart from the screening of the SIEC members, the House for the second 
time, went further by suspending the chairmen of the caretaker 
committees of the 16 local government areas of the state and 
subsequently froze their accounts.
The chairmen were also directed to handover control to the councils' 
secretaries, who are the most senior officers in their respective local 
government areas. During the sitting, the House confirmed five of the 
seven members of the commission, while it dropped two others for lack of 
sound educational qualifications and incompetence.
Those cleared included the chairman, (Rtd.) Major General Simeon Kayode 
Oni, Mr. Babatunde Abel Odutola, Mr. Olusegun Babatunde Akinola, Mr. 
Awopeju Vincent Olutayo and Chief (Mrs.) Tola Ajayi, who was screened in 
abstentia.
The two who were dropped are Chief Solomon Olu Osaloni and Mr. Yemi 
Komolafe. According to the report of the committee in charge of SIEC, 
Osaloni was said to have been dropped because of his educational background.
He was said to have possessed only a standard six certificate as against 
the Senior Secondary School Certificate, which is the minimum 
requirement as stated in the 1999 Constitution.
Komolafe, on his own part, was dropped because he was allegedly 
inconsistent and inconsistent, when he appeared before the Bolu 
Komolafe-led committee.
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He said, the fifth person (Mrs) Tola Ajayi who was not physically 
present, had taken an excuse that she was indisposed, adding that she 
would come back to take a bow and collect her letter of confirmation.
He said, the chairmen of the caretaker committees were suspended based 
on the agreement between the House and the state governor, Mr Segun Oni.
According to him, within the next 65 days, after the constitution of the 
SIEC, the council election would be conducted.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811070099.html

Nigeria: N2.3 Billion - Anti, Pro Bankole Groups Clash
Tordue Salem
7 November 2008
A Group under the auspices of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders 
yesterday demanded the resignation of Speaker Dimeji Bankole, while 
another Group Coalition for Stable Democracy described Festus Keyamo's 
petition against the leadership as a plot to destabilize the parliament.
Besides the Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs 
yesterday claimed members were receiving threats to through text 
messages to"pull down the House" if the power probe report is not shelved.
The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) protested to the gate of 
the National Assembly yesterday and called on Speaker Dimeji Bankole to 
step aside to pave way for investigations into the controversial N2.359 
billion car deal.
The Coalition for Stable Democracy in a flier circulated at the National 
Assembly described Keyamo's petition as a tissue of lies and named a 
state governor as the chief financier of the 'campaign of calumny' with 
the support of six members of the House.
The statement entitled 'beware of these men', 'the under listed persons 
are enemies of the Nigerian state and people. They conspired to pull 
down the institution of the National Assembly, Nigeria 's symbol of 
democracy.
They induced unpatriotic elements in the account department of NASS.
procured and circulated forged NASS transactions with intent to mislead 
the public just because they lost out in grade A committee chairmanship, 
and some lost out completely.
(Vanguard)






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811080102.html

[ThisDay Nigeria]

Nigeria: Car Saga - Protest Rocks National Assembly
Onwuka Nzeshi
7 November 2008

Abuja — Crisis in the House of Representatives assumed a different 
dimension yesterday, as two groups took the National Assembly Complex by 
storm, distributing handbills on the allegations of fraud levelled 
against leadership of the House.
The first group, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) arrived the 
National Assembly in the early hours of the morning in a chartered bus, 
armed with leaflets and banners denouncing the leadership of the House 
and demanding that Speaker Dimeji Bankole steps aside to allow for 
thorough investigations into the crisis.
The group, numbering about six, was however, restricted to the first 
gate by security operatives.Armed with a megaphone, the group said the 
allegations of fraud against the House must not be swept under the 
carpet, but must be exposed, as it was during the era of the immediate 
past Speaker, Patricia Etteh.
The group aligned itself with the testimony of Keyamo during his 
appearance before the Ethics and Privileges Committee, and challenged 
the House to prove the lawyer wrong. It also faulted the argument and 
defence of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) that the company had the 
right to rename the model of its cars.
"Ït reasons to follow that the House earmarked money for a more 
expensive model and had an inferior quality supplied at the price of the 
model quoted in the offer letter by PAN and this is fraud, which the 
House doesn't want Nigerians to know about, rather they engaged Keyamo 
in a shouting competition that we cannot help but wonder why they 
weren't at the ringside of Samuel Peters when the Ukranian beat him blue 
black."
This present crop of leaders in the House rode on the label of 
integrity, claiming to be righteous and above the murky waters that 
drowned Mrs Olubunmi Etteh , the first female Speaker of Nigeria. 
Bankole should not be a judge in his matter. He should step aside while 
the probe commences," the group said in its statement. The second group, 
Coalition for Stable Democracy, circulated a two paged leaflet warning 
Nigerians against the antics of those it described as enemies of the 
Nigerian state and people. The group alleged that six lawmakers and 
members of the House of Representatives have been contracted to pull 
down the leadership of the House for some selfish political reasons.
It gave the names of the lawmakers as Honourables Independence Ogunewe, 
Festus Adegoke, Solomon Ahwinahwi, Austin Nwachukwu, Gbenga Oduwaiye and 
Kayode Amusan.
The group alleged that these lawmakers, in collaboration with Festus 
Keyamo, have been hired by Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, and some 
unnamed persons indicted by the Power Probe, to cause disaffection 
within the House and stall consdideration of the Elumelu Report on the 
sector.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811270180.html

SW Radio Africa (London)
Zimbabwe: Police Violently Disperse NCA Peaceful Protesters in Harare
Violet Gonda
26 November 2008
Scores of NCA activists took to the streets of Harare Wednesday, to call 
for the setting up of a transitional government to address the urgent 
needs of the population. The activists also want a people driven 
constitution, that will pave the way for a fresh elections.
The pressure group said 700 people heeded their call to participate in 
the peaceful protest. Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa said he saw 
protesters marching from the city's Nelson Mandela Avenue and Leopold 
Takawira Avenue, towards parliament. They were singing and holding 
placards but were violently dispersed by anti riot police when they 
reached parliament.
NCA Chairperson Dr. Lovemore Madhuku told us several people were 
seriously injured, while at least two activists were arrested.
After the protesters were forcibly dispersed they regrouped along First 
Street and started marching towards the Reserve Bank, where they 
addressed crowds in cash queues and at food outlets.
The demonstrations were supposed to be held in the country's four other 
main cities but the NCA says this time around they invited their 
'commanders,' who mobilise people in other towns, to take part in the 
Harare demonstration. The pressure group says it will continue holding 
peaceful protests.
Meanwhile political analyst Professor John Makumbe believes if these 
protest marches are to have any positive impact, thousands of people 
have to take to the streets, and not just a few hundred.
Ironically while the NCA activists marched for a better standard of 
living, most people remained watching from their bank queues. Makumbe 
said unfortunately people are busy scavenging for food and will not drop 
everything for street protests, when they feel they have to survive first.
He said: "Secondly the organisers of street demonstrators have to first 
of all convince the people that it is right to be killed, it is right to 
be injured, it is right to be locked in a nasty cell in Matapi. And if 
you don't convince people mentally along those lines you will not 
mobilise them."
The NCA and Women of Zimbabwe Arise have been at the forefront of street 
protests, but it's rare to see the general public and other civic groups 
coming out in solidarity. Professor Makumbe said unfortunately at the 
moment there is no organisation in Zimbabwe that has been able to 
successfully convince the masses of a sustainable, non-stop 
confrontation, against the despotic regime.
He said civil society is lacking the capacity to organise and that the 
management in spreading information to the public is currently very 
poor. The outspoken analysts said this is in spite of 13 non 
governmental organisations coming together recently, to say they will 
work together, but they have failed to mobilise the people.






http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/2008111116325/weekday-top-stories/nca-stages-demonstrations-in-5-cities-protesters-experience-police-brutality.html

11
Nov
NCA stages demonstrations in 5 cities; protesters experience police 
brutality
By James

The NCA today staged demonstrations in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, 
Masvingo and Gweru. In four of these locations, the police disrupted the 
protests, arresting NCA members and injuring many demonstrators.

These peaceful protests were intended to push for a three point plan 
aimed at achieving democracy in Zimbabwe. The plan indicated the 
necessity of 1) a Transitional Government, 2) a People-Driven 
Constitution, and 3) Free and Fair Elections.

In a calculated move, police detained NCA National Chairperson Dr. 
Lovemore Madhuku for four hours, prohibiting him from participating in 
the protest in Harare that he planned to lead. Operating without 
Madhuku, hundreds of protesters in Harare faced a violent attack from 
riot police that disrupted the demonstration from its outset. Many NCA 
members were injured and 15 individuals are currently seeking medical 
attention for their injuries. Additionally, innocent bystanders who were 
in bank queues suffered injuries from indiscriminate attacks by police. 
A yet to be determined number of protesters were arrested and are 
currently in police custody.

The demonstrations in Bulawayo, Mutare and Gweru were each attended by 
between 200 and 400 individuals. In each location riot police 
interrupted the protests with violent beatings and arrests. In those 
three locations, a combined 25 arrests have been confirmed. Other 
protesters are currently receiving medical attention.

In Masvingo, approximately 400 NCA members engaged in a successful 
protest action. Although a small number of police witnessed the 
demonstration, the protesters were allowed to conclude their 
demonstration in peace.

Today's demonstrations mark the beginning of a campaign that will 
continue to push for democratic reform in line with NCA's three point 
plan. The campaign will be resumed next Tuesday, with more 
demonstrations in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Gweru and other areas.

The NCA today condemns the government's violent response to peaceful 
actions by Zimbabweans seeking democratic change. However, we will not 
be intimidated or discouraged. The NCA will continue to push for a new, 
democratic and people-driven constitution that will help Zimbabwe emerge 
from the current political and socio-economic crisis.






http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24639943-12335,00.html

Riot police beat protesters
 From correspondents in Harare | November 12, 2008
Article from: Agence France-Presse
RIOT police beat dozens of students and pro-democracy activists marching 
today in Zimbabwe's capital to demand a new government to tackle the 
country's worsening economic and political crisis.
Dozens of university students and activists from the National 
Constitutional Assembly (NCA), a pro-democracy pressure group, held 
hands as they marched through downtown Harare.
Riot police used to batons to break up the protesters, chasing them 
through the streets and beating passers-by along the way, according to 
an AFP reporter at the scene.
The NCA said its leader Lovemore Madhuku was arrested before the protest.
He was ordered to report to police in the morning and has not been 
released, the group said.
"The NCA emphatically condemns this unjustified obstruction of the 
organisation's peaceful protest actions," it said.
The protesters were calling for a caretaker government to guide the 
country until President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan 
Tsvangirai end their feud over forming a unity government.
Students wanted "a transitional arrangement that will urgently work 
towards addressing the desperate humanitarian catastrophe in the 
country," said Clever Bere, president of the Zimbabwe National Students 
Union.
The protest came two days after a regional summit failed to break an 
impasse on forming a unity government under a power-sharing deal signed 
nearly two months ago.
Mr Mugabe has said that a new government will be formed soon, despite 
objections from Mr Tsvangirai over the distribution of key cabinet posts.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811060046.html

SW Radio Africa (London)
Southern Africa: Large Protests Expected at SADC Summit On Sunday
Tichaona Sibanda
5 November 2008
Thousands of demonstrators are expected to take to the streets of 
Pretoria in South Africa on Sunday, during the SADC summit on Zimbabwe.
A wide coalition of placard waving Zimbabwean groups will march to the 
venue of the summit to hand over a petition to the regional grouping, 
calling on the leaders to stop the rot in Zimbabwe.
Leaders from the 15-nation SADC bloc will be meeting to discuss the 
deadlock in talks between Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe over the 
formation of a coalition government.
Nickson Nyikadzino, a pro-democracy activist, told us from Johannesburg 
that Zimbabweans in South Africa will register their discontent over 
Mugabe's intransigence in forming an inclusive government. Mugabe and 
Tsvangirai signed a power-sharing agreement in September, but the 
establishment of a unity government has stalled as Mugabe shows that he 
is not prepared to fairly allocate important ministries to the MDC. 
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki and the SADC have been trying 
to broker an end to the dispute.
'We want to send clear message to Mugabe and the SADC leaders that 
people in Zimbabwe are dying unnecessarily because ZANU PF does not want 
to share power equally with its partners in the tripartite power-sharing 
deal,' Nyikadzino said.
He said Sunday's march against the regime is expected to be by far the 
largest. Authorities in South Africa have remained tight-lipped over the 
summit venue but South African based journalist Brian Latham confirmed 
the crisis summit is to be held in Pretoria, although authorities have 
not said anything about the exact venue.
Nyikadzano said they have information that authorities are trying to 
frustrate them from going ahead with their protest, citing their 
unwillingness to disclose the summit venue. He said they are working 
round the clock to get that information before Sunday.
'We know they (authorities) become averse when it comes to issues 
pertaining to protests against Mugabe whenever he's in the country. But 
that won't stop us from registering our disapproval against him and his 
party,' Nyikadzino added.





http://allafrica.com/stories/200810290032.html

SW Radio Africa (London)
Zimbabwe: Protester Beaten to Death Inside Zanu PF Office
Lance Guma
28 October 2008
A protester from Monday's demonstration is alleged to have been beaten 
to death at ZANU PF's offices in Fourth Street, Harare.
Newsreel has been told that Osborne Kachuru from Mbare was abducted 
immediately after the demo by unidentified men, and bundled into a twin 
cab truck belonging to ZANU PF. A few minutes later 3 other people were 
abducted by youths using a Nissan single cab truck, believed to be owned 
by Zanu PF political commissar Eliot Manyika. Manyika was allegedly 
driving the car and instructing the youths to beat up some of the 
protesters.
Speaking to Newsreel on Tuesday Edgar Chikuvire, the Information 
Director for the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR), said 
their lawyers traveled to Parirenyatwa Hospital in an effort to 
positively identify Kachuru's body. The lawyers were turned away by 
hospital authorities who told them they needed to bring at least one 
relative for the identification exercise. Kachuru's friends insist their 
colleague was killed inside the ZANU PF office after being brutally 
assaulted.
Newsreel spoke to several of his friends who say they saw his body being 
removed from the ZANU PF office and transferred to the mortuary at 
Parirenyatwa. Of concern is the role a prominent ZANU PF official such 
as Manyika plays in such acts of violence. He is said to have hired the 
youths from the Machipisa high density suburb of Harare and witnesses 
saw him driving the single cab truck with the militant youths crammed in 
the back. Manyika is well known for leading violent attacks against the 
opposition, particularly in his home town of Bindura. He is also known 
for his involvement in Zanu PF's youth militia.
More than 200 ROHR activists participated in a series of demonstrations 
on Monday that brought business to a standstill in Harare. Around 300 
women from the Women's Coalition also took to the streets, demanding a 
unity government be formed urgently. Over 200 students held another 
protest decrying the strike by lecturers and the continued closure of 
some of their colleges. Police violently put down all the protests using 
tear gas and baton sticks.
ROHR say 23 of their members were hospitalized 7 arrested, while 4 are 
still missing. Moses Mutasa from Hatfield, Tinei Tinarwo from Glen 
Norah, a Mr Ncube from Dzivarasekwa and Adam Muchiriri from Hatfield are 
all still unaccounted for. The Women' Coalition meanwhile reported that 
47 of their members were arrested and a further 11 had to seek treatment 
for injuries sustained from police beatings.
On Tuesday ROHR staged another demonstration in Masvingo but fortunately 
reported no major incidents. They distributed fliers in the city centre 
as part of their 'Demand for Democracy and Justice Campaign'.
These protests happened on the sidelines of the SADC summit and there is 
no doubt that the leaders would have been informed of the brutality that 
was taking place, while they were sitting talking and having tea with 
the architect of the repression.







http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24639943-12335,00.html

Riot police beat protesters
• Font Size: Decrease Increase
• Print Page: Print
 From correspondents in Harare | November 12, 2008
Article from: Agence France-Presse
RIOT police beat dozens of students and pro-democracy activists marching 
today in Zimbabwe's capital to demand a new government to tackle the 
country's worsening economic and political crisis.
Dozens of university students and activists from the National 
Constitutional Assembly (NCA), a pro-democracy pressure group, held 
hands as they marched through downtown Harare.
Riot police used to batons to break up the protesters, chasing them 
through the streets and beating passers-by along the way, according to 
an AFP reporter at the scene.
The NCA said its leader Lovemore Madhuku was arrested before the protest.
He was ordered to report to police in the morning and has not been 
released, the group said.
"The NCA emphatically condemns this unjustified obstruction of the 
organisation's peaceful protest actions," it said.
The protesters were calling for a caretaker government to guide the 
country until President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan 
Tsvangirai end their feud over forming a unity government.
Students wanted "a transitional arrangement that will urgently work 
towards addressing the desperate humanitarian catastrophe in the 
country," said Clever Bere, president of the Zimbabwe National Students 
Union.
The protest came two days after a regional summit failed to break an 
impasse on forming a unity government under a power-sharing deal signed 
nearly two months ago.
Mr Mugabe has said that a new government will be formed soon, despite 
objections from Mr Tsvangirai over the distribution of key cabinet posts.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811101477.html

Zimbabwe: NCA Countrywide Protests on Tuesday
Violet Gonda
10 November 2008

It is reported that SADC leaders admitted at their extraordinary summit 
in Sandton, Johannesburg on Sunday that they had never experienced a 
situation in their own countries where rival parties actually share 
ministries, and yet they chose to prescribe this bizarre solution to end 
Zimbabwe's political impasse.
In their final communiqué they said the rival political parties should 
immediately form a government of national unity and that the contentious 
Home Affairs ministry should be shared.

There has always been a clear division of powers in cases where rival 
political parties are expected to share power. Not even in Kenya (held 
up as the role model for Zimbabwe) do President Mwai Kibaki and Prime 
Minister Raila Odinga share a ministry.
But National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) chairperson Dr Lovemore 
Madhuku says the decision by SADC is not surprising as the regional body 
has a history of taking positions that are in favour of ZANU PF. He said 
SADC merely endorsed this 'ministry share' to appease Robert Mugabe.
The outspoken civic leader also said it is "unrealistic and naïve" for 
anyone to think SADC would have taken a different position from its 
Troika and mediator Thabo Mbeki. Both the former South African President 
and the SADC Troika on Security and Defence had in recent weeks 
supported the co-sharing of the Home Affairs ministry.
Madhuku urged the MDC and Zimbabweans in general to focus more on 
finding their own solutions locally, saying the solution doesn't lie by 
just waiting for SADC, the African Union or the UN, as their results are 
very predictable.
Madhuku said as a political party with the greatest support in the 
country the MDC will always have permanent options and should be urging 
supporters to make a noise in Zimbabwe, rather than wasting time on 
"lengthy and useless discussions" with ZANU PF.
"You must ask why the MDC is in an arrangement with such a dishonest 
party like ZANU PF. If they found reason to sign a deal on the 15th of 
September I think it is too much to simply blame ZANU PF. The blame must 
be put on the shoulders of both parties as that agreement on the 15th 
was unworkable from the start," Madhuku added.
Starting Tuesday the NCA will embark on countrywide demonstrations as 
part of their civic initiative to focus the nation on pushing for a 
transitional government that would address hunger and other forms of 
suffering. The NCA chairperson said they also want fresh elections, 
under a new constitution. The Zimbabwe National Student Union (ZINASU) 
is expected to support the pressure group, while other organisations are 
expected to join in a week from Tuesday's demonstrations,
(Southwest Radio Africa)







http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/2305020

Protest crackdown in Zimbabwe
Published: 4:24PM Wednesday November 12, 2008
Source: Reuters
• Read
Zimbabwean police broke up an anti-government protest with teargas and 
batons on Tuesday and detained the leader of the group behind the 
demonstration, the group said.
The crackdown came as hopes fade in Zimbabwe that a power-sharing deal 
agreed in September between veteran President Robert Mugabe and 
opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai will end the ruinous political and 
economic crisis.
Mugabe looked certain to press ahead with setting up a new government 
soon after a regional summit called for the immediate installation of a 
new administration.
He said on Tuesday a new government could be formed as early as this week.

"We will try to institute the decisions reached by the summit as quickly 
as possible. Maybe this week, maybe next week, but as soon as possible," 
he was quoted as saying by the state-run Herald newspaper.

State television said Mugabe would chair an extraordinary meeting of his 
ZANU-PF party's decision-making politburo on Wednesday to discuss the 
SADC resolution - a firm step towards naming a new cabinet.
The police crackdown on protestors was the first such action in several 
weeks.
The National Constitutional Assembly pressure group said its chairman 
Lovemore Madhuku had been detained ahead of the protests to demand 
political reform from Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980.
There was no immediate comment from police or government officials.
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Riot police later fired teargas and used batons to break up a protest by 
about 40 activists from Madhuku's group in Harare. Pursuing the 
protesters, police dispersed queues of Zimbabweans waiting to withdraw 
money from banks, witnesses said.
Cabinet deadlock
Zimbabweans had hoped the September 15 power-sharing deal would ease 
political tensions and create a united leadership that could rescue the 
ruined economy.
Instead, Zimbabwe's parties are deadlocked over allocating cabinet 
ministries.
A regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit failed 
to break the deadlock at the weekend when leaders asked Mugabe and 
Tsvangirai to share the powerful home affairs ministry, a demand swiftly 
rejected by the opposition leader.
The Zimbabwean parliament broke off for a month on Tuesday, delaying a 
national budget and proposed constitutional changes which will allow the 
formation of a power-sharing government.
MDC chief whip Innocent Gonese told Reuters the parliamentary break 
highlighted a crisis brought about by the failure of both parties to 
form a unity government.
"This almost certainly means there will not be any budget presentation 
this year. It also means they (Mugabe's government) will not be able to 
bring the Constitutional Amendment bill to parliament anytime soon," 
Gonese said.
But the government said Mugabe would proceed to form an "inclusive" 
government, even before parliament amended the constitution.
"The (constitutional) amendment has not yet been drafted, but the (SADC) 
summit enjoined us to move with haste to form a government," Justice 
Minister Patrick Chinamasa told Reuters.
"We will abide by their resolution."
South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said on Tuesday it 
was crucial for Zimbabweans to have a government.
"You cannot keep the suffering people of Zimbabwe at ransom at the altar 
of the ministry of home affairs, it is important to begin the process 
that will change the life of the people of Zimbabwe because they have 
been suffering for a long time," Dlamini-Zuma told reporters in Brussels.

She said an imperfect government can be changed but stressed the 
importance of setting up a new administration.





http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/Zimbabwe/0,,2-11-1662_2424884,00.html

Police stop anti-Mugabe protest
12/11/2008 08:05 - (SA)


Pretoria - President Robert Mugabe's police broke up anti-government 
demonstrations across Zimbabwe on Tuesday, arresting some people and 
beating up others, according to the opposition.
The police action came as human rights lawyers were holding a news 
conference in South Africa to say that state-sponsored violence was 
increasing in Zimbabwe.
They joined other independent groups in condemning a suggestion from 
regional African leaders that Mugabe retain some control over his police 
force.
Police detained human rights activist Lovemore Madhuku, who called for 
the protests, keeping him from a demonstration in Harare, Zimbabwe's 
capital, according to a spokesman for Madhuku's group, the independent 
National Constitutional Assembly. Police also showed up at protests in 
four other cities.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said pro-democracy organisations had 
recorded more than 1 300 cases of political violence in September, up 
39% from the previous month. The cases ranged from property destruction 
to rapes and killings.
Mugabe and main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai signed a 
power-sharing agreement on September 15, but that has yet to lead to a 
unity government, partly because of a dispute over who should control 
the police ministry.
Police blamed for violence
At a weekend summit in South Africa, regional leaders suggested that 
Mugabe and Tsvangirai run the police ministry together.
Tsvangirai rejected that suggestion, raising the possibility that Mugabe 
will unilaterally name a government.
The lawyers and other independent Zimbabwean groups meeting on Tuesday 
in neighbouring South Africa blame the police for the recent violence 
and say Tsvangirai is right when he insists the opposition have complete 
control of the police.
The government denies charges that its security forces and ruling party 
militants have attacked the opposition, instead blaming the violence on 
Tsvangirai's supporters.
Yet independent human rights monitors say the government is responsible 
for an overwhelming majority of attacks.
Activist Elinor Sisulu called the police ministry-sharing idea a recipe 
"for conflict and paralysis".
Magock Chigasa, spokesperson for the independent National Constitutional 
Assembly, said police detained and beat an unknown number of protesters 
and passers-by in Harare.
Arrests and beatings
He said protests in four other cities were more successful because 
demonstrators finished marching before police arrived, but that there 
were also arrests and beatings in those cities.
In all, Chigasa said, about 1 000 people protested across the country.
"We will continue with these demonstrations," Chigasa said, saying more 
protests were planned for November 25 - and every Tuesday thereafter.
Police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena said he had no information on the 
protests.
Madhuku's alliance of civic and labour groups is pressing for a 
transitional government to replace Mugabe's regime and prepare for new 
elections.
The group also wants a new constitution.
Without a government, Zimbabweans are without leadership as their 
economy collapses.
Zimbabwe's inflation rate is the highest in the world. Hospitals and 
schools have closed because there's no money to pay doctors and 
teachers, and food and most other essential goods are desperately scarce.
The UN World Food Program said on Tuesday that without extra donations, 
it will run out of food in January - just when it says the number of 
Zimbabweans needing food aid will rise to 5 million, or nearly half the 
population.
- AP










http://allafrica.com/stories/200811110975.html

Cameroon: CPDM Militants Protest At Biya's Anniversary
Chris Mbunwe
10 November 2008

A score of hefty young men of Meforbe Santa Subsection stormed the Santa 
municipal grandstand during the 26th Anniversary celebrations of 
President Paul Biya's ascent to power, in protest.
The youths were protesting that the Santa Section led by John B. Ndeh 
had sidelined them in the organisation of the event.Incidentally, the 
irate youths hailed from the same area where detained former Director of 
Douala Shipyard, Zacheaus Fornjindam, militated as Subsection President.
They waited up to when the ceremony was about to end then they moved up 
to the microphone where they confronted Ndeh.They wanted to know why 
even if Fornjindam's name did not feature in speeches and prayers, the 
entire Subsection could not be involved in the organisation of the 
anniversary.
In response, Ndeh told the youths that what they were trying to 
dramatise was a non-event because the second in command in Meforbe 
Subsection to detained Fornjindam, one Godfrey Nototo, Provincial 
Delegate of Agriculture, had been contacted and unfortunately he was 
called to Yaounde and had only returned early that morning.
As such, according to Ndeh, information could not have circulated to 
them to know that each Subsection was to celebrate at the Subsection 
level not in Santa Central."You people travelled all the way up to Santa 
town without this knowledge and we can only say sorry, it is 
unfortunate," said Ndeh.
Talking to The Post shortly after the celebrations, Nototo regretted 
that the CPDM barons in Santa have abandoned Fornjindam who 
single-handedly sponsored the July 22, 2007 twin elections to rot in prison.
"These elders in the party here are practising politics of hatred. 
Fornjindam's name to them is a taboo. I can rightly say that 
Fornjindam's freedom is a big threat to them, so, they don't care what 
happens to him," Nototo averred.
The Meforbe CPDM scribe said Ndeh and his executive contacted him very 
late and this, to him, was deliberate so as to deprive Meforbe 
Subsection from participating in the event.
Earlier, in his speech, Ndeh presented a catalogue of socio-economic and 
diplomatic achievements of President Paul Biya in 26 years and urged 
Biya to stand for 2011 presidential elections.
"After all, Mezam II Santa Section took the lead in preparing the 
groundwork for the next presidential elections when we requested for a 
constitutional amendment of Article 6.2 and others," said Ndeh.
He said anniversary celebrations of this magnitude have always been 
exceptional in the Northwest, in Mezam where the umbilical cord of the 
CPDM party lies and Santa in particular, which is the gateway to Mezam 
and the Northwest Province.
The WCPDM Section President, Becky Acham, lauded President Biya for 
fighting corruption and embezzlement of public funds through operation 
Sparrow Hawk, but urged that those detained be speedily tried.
The leader of the Central Committee to the event, Robert Achu, said the 
theme of Biya's 26th Anniversary, "Peace and Social Cohesion", was 
timely because the regime is consolidating achievements gained as a 
result of peace.
Highlights of the event, was the initiation of the new Provincial 
Paymaster General, Moses Khan into the CPDM by Ndeh.Khan said since he 
entered the Public Service and has served in various top jobs, he had 
never militated in any political party.
"Today, I have chosen to follow the right path and I will deliver Santa 
to CPDM and President Paul Biya, in the next elections, come what may," 
Khan remarked.Other speakers included Christopher Boma, Provincial 
Delegate of Basic Education Northwest, who was recently appointed as 
Central Committee Member of the CPDM by. Rene Sadi, CPDM Secretary General.
The Director of Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Jonathan Fru, 
assured Santa people of major projects if they remain solidly behind Biya.
(The Postnewsline)







http://allafrica.com/stories/200811180578.html

Rwanda: Mega National Protests to Be Staged Tomorrow
Edwin Musoni
18 November 2008

Kigali — All businesses across the country are expected to come to a 
standstill tomorrow morning as Rwandans stage a mega protest against 
Rose Kabuye's arrest and detention in Germany.
Kabuye, the Director of State Protocol, was arrested in the German city 
of Frankfurt on November 9, as she arrived at the airport on state duty.
The arrest was based on the heavily contested indictments issued in 2006 
against nine senior Government officials by French Judge, Jean Louis 
Bruguiere.
The mega protests are also expected to be held in many countries 
worldwide. Protestors will gather to criticise Rwandan's commonly term 
as the 'western culture of abuse of universal jurisdiction'.
Rwanda's Minister of Information and government Spokesperson, Louise 
Mushikiwabo confirmed the mega protests saying that they (protests) have 
been organised by the civil society organisations in partnership with 
the media.
Despite the continued rising tempers among Rwandans and government 
denouncing Kabuye's arrest, the demonstrations are expected to be held 
peacefully.
A former Mayor of Kigali, Kabuye is among the nine former members of the 
Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA) who were indicted by Bruguiere.
The indictments which were issued without hearing from the persons 
allegedly implicated, accused the nine officers of having played a role 
in the shooting down of the plane that was carrying former President 
Juvenal Habyarimana.
The government has continuously blamed Paris for playing a political 
game designed to blur the truth about France's role in the 1994 Tutsi 
Genocide.
Rwanda has on several occasions pointed an accusing finger at France, 
for financing and spearheading the 1994 Tutsi Genocide that claimed over 
one million people.
(The New Times)






http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hxpBFLdE4PEr9MVfTeOi7RFFT_Pw

Rwandan presidential aide extradited as protests rock Kigali
Nov 18, 2008
PARIS (AFP) — French officials took custody Wednesday of an old 
comrade-in-arms of Rwanda's president charged over an assassination in 
the run-up to the 1994 genocide, amid mass anti-European protests in Kigali.
Germany extradited Rose Kabuye, a former guerrilla leader who now serves 
as chief of protocol to President Paul Kagame, ten days after police 
acting on a French warrant arrested her as she arrived at Frankfurt airport.
French officials took charge of her in Frankfurt, and she was flown to 
Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris aboard an Air France jet.
 From there she was transferred to the main law courts in Paris, where 
she was to appear before anti-terrorism investigating magistrate Marc 
Trevidic, Kabuye's lawyer Bernard Maingain told AFP.
Trevidic was to decide whether to charge Kabuye with "complicity in 
murder in relation to terrorism" and whether to remand her in custody 
pending an eventual trial, prosecutors said.
French investigators suspect Kabuye, 47, of involvement in the downing 
of a plane that killed presidents Juvenal Habyarimana of Rwanda and 
Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi and two French pilots on April 6, 1994.
Habyarimana's ethnic Hutu supporters went on the rampage following the 
attack, slaughtering 800,000 ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutu men, women 
and children in an horrific 100-day orgy of bloodletting.
French investigators accuse Kagame's Tutsi rebels of attacking the jet, 
although other observers have speculated that Hutu hardliners killed 
their own president to serve as a pretext for the subsequent killings.
Kabuye was a senior military leader during Kagame's successful war to 
drive out the genocidal Hutu militias, and the arrest of his trusted 
lieutenant has cast a fresh chill on already frosty ties with France.
Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Paris in 2006 after a French 
anti-terrorism judge issued their first arrest warrants over the case.
Kagame accuses France of having actively supported the Hutu militias, 
and the legal dispute has stymied attempts by both governments to 
re-establish friendly ties 14 years after the massacre.
He has accused Europe of persecuting the genocide's survivors instead of 
hunting its perpetrators, some of whom are said to be living in Europe.
Large numbers are also believed to be involved in unrest currently 
shaking neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
"It is not only Rose who is in the dock, it is Rwanda that is in the 
dock," Kagame said on Monday.
Her arrest led to three days of demonstrations in Rwanda and on 
Wednesday tens of thousands of people again took to the streets of 
Kigali to vent their anger.
Large numbers converged on the German embassy -- Rwanda expelled the 
German ambassador after Kabuye's arrest -- and the local offices of 
German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, an AFP correspondent said.
"Mrs Kabuye is calm. She's a real fighter. You must know she faced other 
battles. She spent years in the bush after her family was expelled from 
Rwanda in the 1950s," her lawyer told AFP Tuesday.
Kigali, however, may soon turn the tables on Paris.
Judicial sources there say Rwandan prosecutors could soon issue warrants 
and indictments against some of the 33 political and military French 
officials named in a Rwandan report on France's alleged role in the 
events of 1994.
These who could find themselves accused include former prime ministers 
Alain Juppe and Dominique de Villepin and former foreign minister Hubert 
Vedrine.
Some European investigators fear that Kabuye deliberately delivered 
herself to German authorities so her lawyers could gain access to the 
case files prepared against her and other Kagame allies.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811280072.html

Rwanda: Kabuye Arrest - Protests Continue
James Karuhanga
28 November 2008
Kigali — Rwandans based in Belgium have called upon the European Union 
(EU), to consider looking at the legal basis, of the French indictments 
against top Rwandan officials.
This is Nineteen days after Rose Kabuye's arrest in Germany and 
extradition to France, with protests against what many consider an 
illegal arrest of the Director of State Protocol continuing.
These have included the ongoing online protests and petitions by 
Rwandans the world over. As part of the pressure on the EU leadership, 
Rwandans also mounted a rally in Brussels, at La Place Schuman, Thursday 
afternoon.
Chantal Karara, head of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium confirmed this 
in a phone interview. She told The New Times that La Place Schuman, an 
area in close proximity to the European Commission institutions was 
where the protestors gathered.
"More than one hundred and twenty people came and from there, we sung 
and danced in protest to Rose's arrest," she said.
Adding that they also sent, through a representative, a memo of protest 
to José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.
"His representative came and listened to our protests," she said, 
explaining that they also wrote, among other things, calling upon the EU 
to consider looking into the basis of the indictments and arrest 
warrants issued by French Judge, Jean Louis Bruguiere.
"We pointed out that people like Rose Kabuye are the ones who fought to 
liberate our country, unlike what is being suggested in the faulty 
indictment charges," Karara said.
(The New Times)






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811240257.html

Rwanda: Kabuye Protests Paralyze Kampala
Edmund Kagire and Berna Namata
22 November 2008
Kampala — Business came to a standstill Thursday as thousands of 
anti-Rose Kabuye arrest protesters hit the streets of Kampala,Uganda.
They had joined the rest of the world to express their misgivings on the 
arrest of Rwanda's Chief of State Protocol on November 9 in Frankfurt , 
Germany.
Chanting slogans like 'Who do we want? Rose Kabuye. When do we want her? 
Now Now France, shame on you!
<
Germany .shame on you! Release Kabuye .Release Kabuye," protesters who 
included students from different Ugandan Universities, members of the 
Civil Society, Pan- Africanists, sympathisers and people from all walks 
of life converged at Buganda Road Primary School Play Ground. They were 
then addressed by Pastor Martin Ssempa and Grace Kabayo of the Pan 
African Global Movement, the protest organisers.
"We are assembled here to join our friends in Rwanda to condemn in the 
strongest terms, the acts of the French and Germans in arresting Rose 
Kabuye, a comrade and a sister and we demand for her immediate release 
and apology from the French," Ssempa told the visibly angry crowd.
"Africa oyee, Africa oyee .we stand here as Africans united against the 
re-colonisation of Africa by the French and Germans. As Pan-Africanists, 
we must rise up and tell the French to release Kabuye now. She's a 
freedom fighter and a mother, they should know that. They should be 
ashamed," Kabayo told the crowd which was responding, "Shame ..shame."
The protesters then marched to the French and German embassies, 
Parliament and EU delegation to deliver a document demanding for the 
immediate release of Kabuye.
Carrying placards with statements like 'We condemn the Kidnapping of 
Rose Kabuye', 'Investigate France for Rwanda Genocide Crimes', 'Africa 
to boycott French Products', 'Why abuse women's rights?'
And many others, the protesters who were in a buoyant mood peacefully 
descended onto Bombo Road, joining Kampala road before they branched off 
at Kampala Pentecostal Church, joining Lumumba avenue in Nakasero where 
the French Embassy is located.
The protesters guided by Police, approached the French mission, 
apparently catching the embassy officials off guard as they moved closer 
and closer to the heavily fortified and guarded 'Ambassade'.
Lumumba Road, one of the busiest roads in Kampala, was blocked as 
protesters waving the Rwandan, AU and Pan African flags chanted 
anti-France slogans.
Sssempa, mounting a truck loaded with loudspeakers read the 2 page 
document which was to be given to the French Ambassador.
The crowd braved the afternoon heat for two hours until Kabayo and 
Ssempa, donning Release Kabuye T-Shirts and two Journalists were allowed 
entry into the embassy where they handed the petition to the French 
Ambassador to Uganda, Rene Forceville.
On return from what seemed a triumphant mission, Ssempa told the 
restless crowd that it didn't matter whether French judges' act with a 
high degree of independence with less Government influence like the 
ambassador was claiming, as long as Rose Kabuye was treated the way she was.
"All we want is the release of Kabuye or the French will see that 
Africans can act on their own. We will banish anything French, we will 
not refuel at Total, we will not use any of their products, we will 
freeze them out until they realize how angry we are," he told the 
cheering crowd.
Snaking along Speke Road, the crowd headed to the Ugandan Parliament 
where they delivered the petition to the Speaker received by the Clerk 
to Parliament, Aeneaus Tandekwire on his behalf.
The protesters braved the hot sun and proceeded to the German embassy 
giving a document condemning Germans for their role in Kabuye's arrest 
to the German ambassador to Uganda Reinhard Buchholz and the European 
Union delegation in Uganda.
Speaking to The New Times in Kampala, Joan Kakwenzire, a Presidential 
advisor on Poverty Eradication and human rights activist who was among 
the protestors, described the arrest as a total disregard of Human 
Rights and an act of aggression towards Rwanda 's sovereignty. She 
argued that the French were trying to cover up for the crimes they 
committed during the Genocide.
"It is them who should be arrested and prosecuted not Rose who was and 
is a victim of their crimes. This is an act of Neo-colonialism and there 
is no doubt, Rose will pull Rwanda out of Neo-colonialism," she said.
Adding, "Africa must struggle and resist Neo-colonialism. It is clear 
that France is humiliated that Rwanda has resisted colonial influence." 
She observed that if France succeeds with Rose, such acts that undermine 
the rights of Africans would continue.
Grace Kabayo, the Executive Director Pan African Movement in Uganda said 
that the arrest of the diplomat was illegal and as such, France had 
"kidnapped" her.
"We are not going to be colonised politically, economically and 
judicially. We demand that she is released immediately. Why do they want 
to keep her in France as if she has no home?" She added that the Pan 
African Movement would not stop the protest until Rose is released.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811110081.html

Rwanda: Niboye Joins Anti-Kabuye Arrest Demonstrations
Moses Gahigi
11 November 2008
Kigali — Residents of Niboye sector in Kicukiro district Monday joined 
the nation-wide demonstrations against Germany's arrest of Rose Kabuye, 
the President's Chief of Protocol.
The people were mobilised from youth committees, civil society and 
companies found in Niboye sector.
"This is total disrespect. How can the well known genocidairs be left at 
large and instead arrest a person who stopped the genocide? It is a 
cover up for the real criminals!" commented an infuriated demonstrator.
When The New Times talked to Joyce Munyaneza the Executive Secretary of 
Niboye sector, she said that the people were voluntarily compelled to 
participate in the demonstration, owing to the circumstance surrounding 
the arrest.
"We also came to participate in the demonstration to express our 
disappointment to the world in regard to Germany's arrest of Rose 
Kabuye, as influenced by a French judge," she said.
"She is one of the people who stopped the Genocide! It is ironical to 
find that she is arrested in connection to the same thing, it is really 
absurd and the world should know that we are not happy at all," she added.
The demonstrators from Niboye set off from the sector headquarters and 
joined the rest of the spirited demonstrators at a play ground in town, 
who later set off to the Germany embassy in Kigali.
The demonstrators, who marched peacefully, chanted anti-French slogans, 
while displaying banners with rhetoric's like "Rose is innocent, she is 
ready to defend herself" and others "The truth will set us free."
A lady, demonstrator, spirit fully commented, "The French are trying to 
sway the entire world to take their eyes away from the real villains, 
but time is ripe the entire world knows the truth."
She added in a local proverb that "God brings a problem to solve another 
one" meaning that this might be an opportunity to bring facts to light.
Rose Kabuye was arrested by Germany authorities on Sunday in Frankfurt 
while on official duty.
Her arrest is a result of indictments issued by a French Judge Jean 
Louis Bruguiere against Rwandan army officials in connection to 
Habyarimana's death which is the accuser's claim to have sparked off the 
1994 Tutsi Genocide.
(New Times)







http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-11/2008-11-19-voa43.cfm?CFID=152972579&CFTOKEN=22748712&jsessionid=6630bb04d58567f4b84b1574344fec412338

Rwandan Capital Protests Extradition of Top Official to France
By Thomas Rippe
Kigali
19 November 2008
Rwanda's capital was closed for business as the city turned out for mass 
demonstrations against the extradition of a top Rwandan official to 
France. Thomas Rippe reports for VOA from Kigali.

Protest in Kigali against the extradition of Rose Kabuye from Germany to 
France, 19 Nov 2008
Much of Kigali was unusually quiet today. Stores were shut and schools 
and businesses were closed.

But around the German embassy, near the center of town, tens of 
thousands of people gathered to protest the extradition of Rose Kabuye 
from Germany to France.

There is a deep anger among the protesters.

Kabuye was arrested last week in Germany on a 2006 French indictment 
that alleges she was involved in the 1994 downing of a plane that killed 
then-Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana. His death sparked the 
genocide that killed 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

Germany recently released the secretary general of the Democratic Forces 
for the Liberation of Rwanda Callixte Mbarushimana. Many of those 
responsible for the 1994 genocide are FDLR members.

Rwandans like Jeff Madali cannot understand why Germany would release 
Mbarushimana and then arrest Kabuye, the protocol chief for Rwandan 
President Paul Kagame.

"But now if you look at a country like Germany arresting Rose," he said. 
"Germany is a place where people who committed genocide are staying 
comfortably. They are being fed. They have houses and cars. They are 
living as diplomats. But Rose, who is on diplomatic duty, is being 
arrested for nothing at all. It is so shaming."


Protest in Kigali against the extradition of Rose Kabuye from Germany to 
France, 19 Nov 2008
Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with France in 2006, after a French 
judge issued indictments against several top Rwandan officials in 
connection with the genocide. There is no French embassy in Kigali for 
the Rwandans to direct their anger towards.

Jean-Bosco Rutegengwa is still angry with France for supporting the 
previous government against the Rwandan Patriotic Front, now Rwanda's 
ruling party.

"We are fighting against the French from 1990 when France supported the 
genocide peoples, the killers," he said. "Now is another kind of war the 
French are bringing to our country. We know, we know."

In August, Rwanda issued a report detailing French involvement in the 
genocide, and has raised the possibility of indicting French military 
and political officials including former President Francois Mitterand. 
But Information Minister Louise Mushikiwabo says it is important not to 
get the impression that Rwanda and France are engaged in a tit-for-tat.

"Rwanda has something to accuse France of," she said. "France has 
nothing to accuse Rwanda of. France was involved on the side of genocide 
planners. France participated in the genocide in this country."

For all the anger and marching in the streets some still see hope and a 
way forward. Rwanda Foreign Affairs Minister Rosemary Museminali says 
even now there is dialogue between the countries.

"Rwanda has made it clear that we leave our doors open for talking," she 
said. "And then we hope that through that we will be able to clear the 
air. But based on principles, based on mutual respect, based on working 
together. Not as subservients and masters, but as people working in an 
equal combination. And this is what we demand, not only of France, but 
of Germany and of the world."

Officials like Minister Museminali and protesters like Jeff Madali hope 
the situation can serve as a starting point for greater dialogue between 
Africa and Europe.






http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/-/1066/489704/-/1485eiiz/-/index.html

Rwanda clerics protest at arrest

By KEZIO-MUSOKE DAVID in Kigali, RwandaPosted Tuesday, November 11 2008 
at 18:49
Rwanda’s religious leaders Tuesday added their voices to several 
protests against the arrest of Mrs Rose Kabuye, a top aide to President 
Paul Kagame.
Addressing a press conference in Kigali, leaders representing different 
religious denominations criticised Germany over Mrs Kabuye’s arrest in 
Frankfurt on Sunday.
Mrs Kabuye was arrested while on official business in Germany, prompting 
various street protests by thousands of Rwandans in Kigali.
The arrest came as a result of a warrant issued in 2006 by a French 
magistrate, Mr Jean-Louis Bruguiere, for Mrs Kabuye’s alleged 
involvement in a 1994 plane crash that killed the then Rwandan president 
Juvenal Habyarimana. The killing sparked the Rwanda genocide in which 
one million people were killed.
Judge Bruguiere’s indictment was followed by those issued by a Spanish 
judge, Fernando Andreu Merelles, against 40 top Rwandan officials.
The Spanish judge argued that all the forty were involved in the killing 
of nine Spaniards.
Different protests in Kigali, including one by parliamentarians, have 
been opposing the indictments by both the French and the Spanish judges.
The religious leaders are also question Germany’s decision, saying the 
arrest of Mrs Kabuye makes the government in Berlin an accomplice to the 
Spanish and French motives.
Just a week ago, Germany released two people linked to the 1994 Rwanda 
genocide. One of them was Callixte Mbarushimana, the Secretary General 
of Democratic Republic of Congo-based rebel group called Democratic 
Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The move was questioned by 
officials in Kigali. Members of the FDRL are remnants of the 
ex-Interahamwe genocide militia that carried out atrocities during the 
1994 genocide.
One of the most powerful religious leaders in Rwanda, the Mufti Habimana 
Saleh, said that the religious leaders are collectively organising 
prayers to petition Germany over Mrs Kabuye’s arrest.
“We have written a declaration to the whole world to petition what the 
Germans have done. We are also quite disappointed that of all countries 
it should be the Germans. They should have learnt from there own 
experience since they very well witnessed the holocaust,” said the Mufti.
Mrs Kabuye’s arrest is seen by many in Kigali as a diversionary effort 
to undermine the work of the Mucyo Commission, an independent team which 
the Rwanda government set up to investigate France’s role in the 
genocide. According to the commission’s report, the French trained the 
Interahamwe Hutu militia who carried out the 1994 killings.
Opponents disappeared
The report also says French officers were in training centres, where 
torture was perpetrated, and where political opponents disappeared. It 
also implicated 33 former high ranking Frenchmen, including former 
president Francios Mitterrand.
A source said that, basing on the team’s findings, Rwanda is considering 
preparation of an indictment list of about 23 Frenchmen for instigating 
the genocide.
According to the source, a Rwandan judge will then at an appropriate 
time issue arrest warrants for the Frenchmen, for trial under the 
principle of ‘universal jurisdiction’, which was also invoked by French 
judge to indict Mrs Kabuye.





http://allafrica.com/stories/200811210281.html

Rwanda: Gasabo Residents Protest at Germany Radio Station
George Kagame
21 November 2008

Kigali — Thousands of Gasabo district residents Wednesday braved the 
midmorning heat and afternoon rains at the Deustch Weller radio masts to 
protest Rose Kabuye's arrest in Germany and transfer to France.
Deustch Welle is a German radio. Its masts in Rwanda are located on a 
hilltop in Kibagabaga, a Kigali suburb.
Kigali residents, filled all roads, waving protest banners and placards 
calling for Kabuye's freedom, walked from as far as Kabuga and Kacyiru 
to the Kinyinya intersection from where they joined groups and moved to 
the radio station.
Many of the protesters spotted a green badge with a rose a symbol of 
solidarity with with another Rose, Kabuye. Demonstrator, Robert Mugenzi, 
a resident of Kanombe said that he was marching to show his support for 
the current government.
"This government has moved us from being ignored to our present status. 
I am proud to be a Rwandan today because this government has done a lot 
of good. The Germans and the French want to discredit our leaders by 
issuing warrants, but we shall rally behind our leaders and we will not 
accept Europeans making decisions for us," he said.
For Claude Ntambara, the protest was about Rwandans showing their anger 
against the insensitivity of Europeans towards Africans.
"How can the French be concerned or care about Rwanda? They are jealous 
that the country has moved on without their patronage and instead of 
cooperation they have resorted to arresting our leaders who have done 
more for the country in a short time than Habyariamana and his French 
cohorts ever did since independence (1962)."
According to another protestor Jacques Nzamwita, France is mad with 
Rwanda for breaking away from its wings.
"I am here to protest France's role in Rwanda before and even now. They 
are using Kabuye to prove that they are a power in the international 
community but we are determined to protest peacefully to let the truth 
be known."
Kabuye arrived in France on Wednesday and was immediately taken to a 
French court.
Yesterday she was released on bail and will report to court every 
fifteen days.
[The New Times]






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811110001.html

Rwanda: Thousands Brave Downpour to Protest Kabuye Arrest
Felly Kimenyi
11 November 2008

Nyarugenge — Thousands of Kigali City residents braved a heavy downpour 
that washed the city yesterday afternoon when they took to the streets 
in protest against the weekend's arrest of Rose Kabuye, the Director of 
State Protocol.
Kabuye was arrested in the German city of Frankfurt as she arrived at 
the airport on state duty. The arrest was based on the heavily contested 
indictments issued in 2006 by French Judge, Jean Louis Bruguiere, 
against nine senior Government officials.
"It is a shame for Germany to arrest an innocent woman just 70 years 
after the Holocaust you should be arresting the Genocidaires who are 
freely roaming in your country!" read one of the many banners that were 
held by protesters who converged at the German embassy in Kiyovu, a 
Kigali suburb.
The peaceful demonstration was held under a heavy deployment of riot 
police that controlled the masses who were consistently chanting "we 
want our Rose back."
A former Mayor of Kigali, Kabuye is among the nine former members of the 
Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) who were indicted by Bruguiere.
The indictments were apparently based on testimonies by well known 
Genocide perpetrators while other witnesses have since retracted their 
testimonies saying that they had testified due to political pressure 
from the French Government.
The indictments which were issued without hearing from the persons 
allegedly implicated, accused the nine officers of having played a role 
in the shooting down of the plane that was carrying former President 
Juvenal Habyarimana.
"We Rwandans strongly condemn the arrest of Rose (Kabuye) by the Germans 
this shows the way those from the poor countries are humiliated by the 
so called rich countries," said Immaculee Ingabire, a veteran journalist 
who spoke on behalf of the citizens.
She continued: "Rose has no case to answer and she is ready to stand 
trial all we ask is for her to get the justice she deserves because she 
is our hero."
"What we request the French is to assure us of her security before they 
bring her back here," said Evanys Nyinawankusi, a 55-year old who said 
she had walked many kilometres in protest over Kabuye's arrest.
The protests started off from different parts of the city attracting 
dwellers from all the three districts of Nyarugenge, Gasabo and Kicukiro 
who converged at the embassy which seemed deserted throughout the 
two-hour demonstration.
Others interviewed by The New Times included Odda Gasinzigwa, the 
Chairperson of the National Women Council.
"Rose is a woman who has devoted her life to the restoration of the 
rights of Rwandans in general and women in particular; she is an 
inspiration to many young Rwandan women, both as a mother and a leader. 
Why arrest her over these fictitious allegations?" questioned Gasinzigwa.
She added that she believed Kabuye will go through the circus, "because 
I have known her as a strong and courageous woman for all the time I 
have known her and we shall fight alongside her to ensure that she 
overcomes this smear campaign because an attack on her is an attack on 
us all."
The protests follow the Rwandan government's denunciation of the arrest 
at a news conference held by the Minister of Information, Louise 
Mushikiwabo, Sunday afternoon.
Mushikiwabo, who is also the government spokesperson, in a statement, 
said that the Government of Rwanda believes it is a political game 
designed to blur the truth about the 1994 Tutsi Genocide.
Together with Maj. Gen. (rtd) Sam Kanyemera and Jacob Tumwine, Kabuye a 
retired Lieutenant Colonel filed a case in a French court protesting the 
indictments but the court has ignored the case.
Germany is currently home for Ignace Murwanashyaka--the leader of the 
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDRL), an outfit 
composed of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide of Tutsis.
[The New Times, Kigali]






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811190030.html

Rwanda: LOcals in Sweden Protest Kabuye's Arrest
Felly Kimenyi
19 November 2008
Kigali — The Rwandan community in Sweden yesterday added their voice in 
condemning the arrest in Germany of State Protocol Director, Rose Kabuye.
During the demonstrations that were staged at both the German and Frech 
embassies, the protesters called for Kabuye's immediate unconditional 
release, saying that in the arrest, Rwanda's sovereignty was attacked.
<
This is part of the demonstrations that have been going on countrywide 
and in other countries following Kabuye's arrest in the German city of 
Frankfurt upon her arrival in preparation of President Paul Kagame's visit.
"This arrest is a serious invasion on the sovereignty of our country she 
held diplomatic immunity and her arrest was very unfortunate," said 
Norman Gatarayiha, the chairman of the Rwandan Association in Sweden.
He added that even the charges on which the arrest was based are 
speculations which are not legally binding.
Kabuye's arrest was triggered by the contentious indictments against her 
and eight other officers formally of the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) 
which is responsible for stopping the 1994 Tutsi Genocide, a 100-day 
mayhem that left over one million people dead.
"We are calling for her unconditional immediate release," said 
Gatarayiha by telephone from the Swedish Capital Stockholm.
According to Gabriel Gabiro, a Rwandan living in the Nordic country, the 
march started from the German Embassy to Sweden where protesters holding 
placards and banners demonstrating the injustice surrounding the arrest 
camped for over an hour before walking an estimated half a kilometre to 
the French embassy to express their anger.
"Both embassies were given memos protesting the arrest and they told us 
that they would be sending these memos to their respective ministers of 
Foreign Affairs," said Gabiro adding that the protest which attracted 
hundreds also attracted Swedish sympathisers.
Throughout the protest, according to Gabiro, police accompanied the 
demonstrators "and the process has been peaceful but people were visibly 
angry."
Rwanda's ambassador to Sweden said that the demonstrations were 
organised by Rwandans living in that country as a civil society but 
added that the embassy was informed.
"They were condemning this unfortunate act by Germany and the unfairness 
surrounding it has been clearly explained by our government," said 
Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira, who on top of Sweden represents Rwanda 
in other Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland and Norway.
She said that the embassy had presented the communiqué that was issued 
by the Government of Rwanda protesting the arrest to all the countries 
into which the mission represents Rwanda.
"We also gave them the Note Verbale from the African Union Secretariat 
and we have been briefing several diplomats accredited to Sweden," said 
Mukangira.
She called upon African countries to act in solidarity by condemning the 
arrest "because this is not only an attack on Rwanda by these countries 
but to the entire continent because it will inevitably happen to any 
other country."
Similar demonstrations are expected to take place in the coming days, 
according to Mukangira.
She added that Rwandans living in Denmark will protest from Copenhagen, 
the Danish capital today while on Thursday and on November 26, 
demonstrations are slated to take place in Norway and Finland respectively.
Demonstrations which started on November 10, a day after Kabuye's 
arrests have been going on both in Rwanda and in other countries that 
include the United States and in the UK and have all called for the 
release of Kabuye, whom they say is a hero who helped stop the Genocide.
A countrywide demonstration is expected to take place today, the same 
time Kabuye is expected to be transferred to France from where she opted 
to be taken to defend herself. The other option according to a German 
court was challenging the charges from Germany.
Germany, whose ambassador to Rwanda was asked leave Kigali until the 
matter is resolved, has been accused of double standards especially by 
arresting Kabuye who had diplomatic immunity and in the same week 
releasing two Genocide fugitives on Interpol Red Notice.
Callixte Mbarushimana and Onesphore Rwabukombe were released by a German 
court despite pleas from the Rwandan judiciary to have them extradited 
to bring them to account for the atrocities they committed in the 1994 
Tutsi Genocide.
(The New Times)






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811170605.html

Rwanda: Pro- Rose Kabuye Protests Go to G20 Summit in U.S.
Florence Mutesi
16 November 2008
Kigali — Scores of Rwandans from across the United States and friends of 
Rwanda, Saturday, braved a heavy downpour to protest the arrest in 
Germany of Rose Kabuye.
The demonstration was held outside the venue of the G20 Summit, a 
gathering of leading industrial powers such as the US, Japan and 
Germany, and emerging market countries such as China, India and Brazil - 
representing 85% of the world economy.
<
The Diaspora targeted the summit to inform the international community 
of the political abuse of the principle of Universal Jurisdiction 
invoked by the French government to indict Kabuye and nine other senior 
Rwandan Government officials.
The demonstrators held a five-hour vigil with participants expressing 
their disappointment over Genocide perpetrators who continue to enjoy a 
good life in Europe while the liberators who stopped the Genocide are 
threatened with arrest.
"It is unbelievable, if it was in our countries it would be so alarming! 
Picking a member of the international community, an official and 
arresting just like that," said Patrikk Salemme, of Consultant Corporate 
Executive Board.
He said there are better progressive things to do for a country like 
Rwanda rather than harassing her and putting her officials behind bars, 
which only hinders the country's development.
Adding: "We stand up against this because we are all human beings 
created equally, and we believe in justice."
Another protestor Rwandan, Robert Kayinamura, said that the European 
Union (EU) should not join France in the of universal jurisdiction 
principle.
France is currently in the rotational seat of EU Presidency, neither of 
the two countries, (France and Germany) have brought Kabuye's illegal 
detention to the rest of the EU member States.
"For the Germans, we ask them to release Rose (Kabuye) immediately 
without any precondition because the arrest was illegitimate. For 
France, they should leave Rwanda alone, they should drop the political 
indictments and stop the neo-colonial agenda's," Kayinamura explained.
Relevant Links
• Central Africa
• Europe and Africa
• Rwanda
Lionel Gahima another Rwandan in the Diaspora, said the two countries 
have no right to arrest Kabuye because she is protected by immunity, 
explaining that she was on official duty.
"They should stop their injustice against Rwanda which I think if it 
continues will be extended to other African countries. They should 
release her, we demand it and there is no real reason for her arrest. 
She should be doing her job rather than being in jail," he asserted.
Adding, "We as Rwandan people should fight for her liberty and the 
government should use any diplomatic means to free her."






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811140318.html

Rwanda: Women Protest Kabuye Arrest
Robert Mugabe and Sam Nkurunziza
14 November 2008
Kigali — Thousands of women from across Kigali city Wednesday braved a 
heavy downpour to add their voice to the protests against the arrest in 
Germany of Director of State Protocol, Rose Kabuye.
It was a very emotional day. The protesters, some with tears' rolling 
down their cheeks held banners calling for the immediate release of Kabuye.
"Rwandan women are tired of France and Germany's arrogance and 
disrespect," read one of the banners.
<
"We thank all friends of Rwanda who have come up to condemn the 
injustice against Rwandan women in general and Rose in particular. She 
is among the women who stopped the 1994 Tusti Genocide and as women we 
demand for her immediate release," read another.
The nonviolent demonstration which lasted over four hours was attended 
by women from all walks of life visibly disappointed that perpetrators 
of the Genocide continue to enjoy life in Europe while the heroes who 
stopped it are being threatened with arrest.
They presented their protest message in five languages, including German.
Germany also harbours Ignace Murwanashyaka, the leader of the Democratic 
Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDRL), an outfit composed of 
perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide of Tutsis.
"The main message from Rwandan women to the western world is that Rose 
is innocent and that is why she took the trip despite the warnings. The 
indictment against Rwandan officials is a gimmick to blur the role of 
France in the Genocide," read the message in part. The women who kept on 
chanting "we want our Rose back" were fighting for a cause that was also 
widely joined by the African Union and some members of the European Union.
Eugenie Musayidire, a Rwandan with German citizenship and whose husband 
and children live in Germany described the whole scenario as comic and 
shameful.
"I am a German but standing here without fear to condemn actions by a 
country where the whole of my family lives," the 54 year old mother of 
four said.
Ndabaga Women Association comprising women who participated in the 
country's liberation struggle who stopped the Tutsi genocide also firmly 
called for Kabuye's release. They sang songs they used to sing during 
the liberation war.
Police had to be firm on the Gatsata women council, who threatened to 
sleep at the German embassy until Kabuye is set free.
"We want our woman. Rose is a hero. If you are to arrest the innocent, 
come take us all," they challenged.
"We are fed up with these imperial politics," their banners read.
Senator Aloysia Inyumba and Angelina Muganza were also among the 
demonstrators.
Meanwhile, the German Ambassador to Rwanda, Christian Clages was Tuesday 
given 48 hours to leave the country and Rwanda's envoy to Germany, 
Eugene Richard Gasana, recalled for consultations in protest over the 
arrest which government terms as politically motivated.
The New Times, Kigali






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811170332.html

Rwanda: Pro-Kabuye Protests Planned Across Europe
Edwin Musoni
17 November 2008

Kigali — Demonstrations against the Germany November 9 arrest of the 
Director of State Protocol, Rose Kabuye, are expected to be carried out 
at different German Embassies in Europe.
Some of the confirmed protests are expected to take place in the United 
Kingdom and in Sweden where Rwandans living in those countries and their 
friends have finalised preparations.
The UK based Rwandese Community Association, (RCA), will on Tuesday, 
November 18, demonstrate at the German Embassy located in London, 
Chesham Place, 23 Belgravia Square.
<
According the Chairman of the Rwandese Diaspora in the UK, Ignatius 
Mugabo, RCA has already organised demonstrations against continuing 
French hostility and injustice meted against Rwanda and her people.
"This follows the arrest and detention of Director of State Protocal 
Rose Kabuye in Germany on a politically motivated indictment issued by 
French judge against Rwandan leaders," says his communication.
The Tuesday protests in the UK are expected to kick off at 1p.m up to 
5p.m. According to Mugabo, thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda 
are expected to turn up for the demonstrations.
"Evidence of France's role in the killings of over a million Rwandan has 
been adduced but instead of owning up, France, has embarked on a 
campaign to convince the rest of the world that the victims of the 
Genocide were the perpetrators.
We are shocked that any country could believe this but we are also sure 
that this is a lie whose time to be exposed has come," Mugabo said in a 
protest email.
He added: "RCA, therefore, calls upon all Rwandans, friends of Rwanda 
and other peace-loving people to come out and condemn France's attempt 
to poison other countries and turn them against our country, which is 
trying to rebuild itself following a French-aided Genocide of 1994.
We call upon all EU nations and other countries of the world not to 
accept France's dirty games against Rwanda."
According to Mugabo's email, RCA has sought and obtained the permission 
of the Metropolitan Police making assurances that the protests will be 
peaceful and civilised.
"We therefore ask everyone turning up for this protest to respect these 
principles as we shall not tolerate any acts of violence, racism or 
violation of the law," the email reads further.
The demonstrators will assemble at Hyde Park Tube Station (Nightsbridge 
exit) at 1pm and then proceed to the German Embassy.
The New Times has also learnt that Rwandans living in Sweden have 
finalised preparations for similar protests.
Information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that the 
Swedish demonstrations will take place on Thursday at 10.00a.m in front 
of the German Embassy in Stockholm.
 From there, the demonstrators are expected to proceed to the French 
Embassy also based in Stockholm.
Other planned demonstrations in Europe are yet to be confirmed but are 
all expected to be conducted in a calm and secure environment.
These demonstrations follow the just concluded one in the United States 
of America which drew scores of Rwandans and Americans alike, who 
protested Kabuye's arrest.
The demonstration was held outside the venue of the G20 Summit, a 
gathering of leading industrial powers such as the US, Japan and 
Germany, and emerging market countries such as China, India and Brazil - 
representing 85 percent of the world economy.






http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-11/2008-11-15-voa24.cfm?CFID=146205126&CFTOKEN=10580913&jsessionid=84301540af7a2a79f2943191476d30231767

Rwandans In the Diaspora Protest Diplomat's Arrest
By Jackson Mvunganyi
Washington D.C
15 November 2008
Kabuye’s arrests last week, while on official duty, sparked objections 
from the Rwandan government, which accused Germany of contravening UN 
conventions. Kabuye was arrested based on a warrant issued by French 
Judge Jean Louis Bruguière, in which Kabuye and nine other Rwandan 
officers are accused of masterminding the assassination of former 
President Juvenal Habyarimana.
The Washington protestors said Judge Bruguiere’s indictments are illegal 
and should not be recognized by any government. Robert Kayinamura a 
Rwandese attorney working in the Washington area hoped the protests 
would “send a message to the international community that the arrest was 
illegitimate…because she (Kabuye) had diplomatic immunity.” He said the 
indictments were politically motivated and have no legal basis.

Ines Kaliza one of the other protesters said they want to draw “the 
attention of these world leaders, and let them know about the violation 
of the principle of universal jurisdiction.” She said Germany’s actions 
should be condemned by all nations because “ of the way weaker countries 
are treated by some developed nations…they don't see us as partners but 
subordinates”








http://www.afrol.com/articles/31716

SA labour protests Western Sahara inclusion in EU-Morocco deal
afrol News, 17 November - A global protest campaign, contesting occupied 
Western Sahara's inclusion in a Morocco-European Union (EU) free trade 
deal is gaining momentum. Today, South Africa's dominant labour union 
COSATU told the EU it was breaking international law by its planned 
inclusion of the territory.
COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi today personally wrote to the 
Brussels union, "demanding" that Morocco's "advanced status" within the 
EU "must exclude Western Sahara." The advanced status to be granted 
Morocco will increase free trade but also political and cultural 
cooperation.

So far, the EU has indicated that the occupied territory of Western 
Sahara will be included in the deal, contrasting its agreement with 
Israel, where occupied Palestine is excluded, and contrasting the 
US-Moroccan free trade agreement, which excludes Western Sahara. In the 
current EU-Moroccan fisheries agreement, Western Saharan seas were 
included, despite strong protests, giving EU trawlers access to these 
waters in return for payment to the Rabat government.

COSATU, representing about two million workers in South Africa, is the 
last among many prominent organisations now joining the global petition 
demanding that "occupied Western Sahara is specifically excluded from 
the agreement." COSATU leader Vavi says that if the EU were to include 
Western Sahara, "through its negotiations with Morocco as the occupying 
power, it would give an unfortunate sign of support to the unfounded 
Moroccan claims over the territory. It could also lead to the EU 
damaging the UN's efforts to decolonise the territory."

The South African labour leader holds that the EU could be breaking 
international law. "Under International Customary Law, the EU and its 
member states have a duty of non-recognition of the Moroccan annexation 
of Western Sahara, and to support the decolonisation of the territory," 
Mr Vavi says.

COSATU is not the first trade union to join the petition. Also, two of 
Spain's largest union, Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) and Unión Sindical 
Obrera (USO), in addition to unions in Norway and Sweden have joined the 
fight. Even political parties in Europe, mostly liberal and socialist 
parties in Scandinavia, have signed the petition.

But for the organisers, the global network Western Sahara Resource Watch 
(WSRV), the support from outside the EU is of particular encouragement. 
Ronny Hansen, representing the Norwegian partners behind WSRV, told 
afrol News that "the support from COSATU and other prominent 
organisations worldwide is a clear recognition that the petition is a 
matter of global solidarity, and just an internal EU affair."

"We hope COSATU's support for this petition will inspire organisations 
and governments in other parts of Africa to join our ranks and express 
clearer support for the rights of the Sahrawis," Mr Hansen says. "After 
all, Western Sahara is the only African Union member currently under 
foreign occupation," he concludes.






http://allafrica.com/stories/200811260660.html

Namibia: Karibib's Kandetu Suspended a Fourth Time, Workers to Protest
Adam Hartman
26 November 2008

KARIBIB'S entire municipal workforce plans to demonstrate today after 
the Karibib Town Council on Monday suspended the town's CEO, Lydia Kandetu.
<
During an extraordinary meeting, the council placed Kandetu "on special 
leave indefinitely".
She will still get her salary and full benefits, but will not be allowed 
on the council's premises until further notice.
"The resolution was taken in order for the council to ascertain 
[alleged] irregularities and inconsistencies suspected at your office," 
the suspension letter read.
It is the fourth time in Kandetu's less than three years in office that 
she's been suspended for reasons that up until now have not been clarified.
A meeting yesterday between the workers and the acting CEO, Edward 
Hashela, led to the workers demanding a meeting with the council to get 
a full explanation of the purported charges against Kandetu.
The meeting was scheduled for yesterday afternoon.
"We said 16h00, and gave them until 16h30, but they did not come," a 
reliable source told The Namibian.
"Now we will march".
The workers will meet at the municipal office at 08h00 today, and will 
begin their march at around 10h00.
A petition has also been compiled and it will be directed to the 
Minister of Regional and Local Government, Jerry Ekandjo.
"We cannot go on like this.
We are not prepared to work if Kandetu is not here," the source stated.
"Our jobs are negatively affected by this foolishness from the council."
The source said the workers want answers as to why Kandetu is being 
suspended, and are not interested in "vague explanations" like "alleged 
irregularities and inconsistencies".
Previous charges against Kandetu earlier this year and last year were 
handed to the Minister, who later called for the charges to be dropped 
and ordered that Kandetu be reinstated.
Karibib is currently experiencing a collapse in municipal services 
because of alleged poor management by the town's leaders.
[The Namibian]







http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413448.html

Manchester Students remember Ken Saro-Wiwa in University Shell protest
Manchester Campaigns Collective | 24.11.2008 19:14 | Climate Chaos | 
Education | Manchester
Students from the University of Manchester held a memorial protest in 
remembrance of Nigerian human rights activists who were killed by the 
Nigerian military in 1995. The protest highlighted the new partnership 
to research biofuels between the University of Manchester and Shell.

STUDENTS HANG MEMORIAL EFFIGY IN UNIVERSITY SHELL PROTEST

Monday 10th November 2008

Students from the University of Manchester held a memorial protest in 
remembrance of a Nigerian human rights activist who were killed by the 
Nigerian military in 1995. November 10th marked the 13th anniversary of 
the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists.[1]

Shell oil company will be taken to court this February 2009, charged 
with complicity in his murder. ( 
http://www.unpo.org/content/view/8792/236/)

The protest highlighted the new partnership between the University of 
Manchester and Shell. [2] 
(www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1068530_shell_and_manchester_universitys_biofuels_project) 


The group held banners reading 'Remember Ken Saro-Wiwa murdered on 
behalf of Shell on 13th of November 1995' and 'Shell operating at the 
University of Manchester' outside the Manchester Interdisciplinary 
Biocentre. They also displayed an effigy of Ken Saro-Wiwa as a powerful 
reminder of the execution of the environmental and human rights activist.

Philosophy student Gabriel Hassan said, "Until Shell sort out their 
human rights record and stop devastating the environment with their oil 
projects they have no business being on campus. Ken Saro-Wiwa was a man 
who stood up to the ruin brought upon his people in Nigeria by Shell and 
for that Shell had him hung. This is the kind of the thing that the 
university was always going to turn a blind eye to though."

The group asked if someone from the Institution could explain the 
ethical problems concerning the University’s partnership with Shell but 
were told to speak to the University’s press office. The press office 
suggested writing a letter to President and Vice-Chancellor Alan 
Gilbert. The group will deliver an open letter to the Vice-Chancellor 
asking for an explanation.

Security were called and removed the banners from the University 
building wall. Some students remained to flyer outside. Meanwhile 
another group retrieved the banner and displayed them high up on a 
lamppost on the other side of the building on Princess Street.

The student group held a discussion on the role of Shell in the Niger 
Delta and Rossport later that evening attended by around 100 people.

( http://www.corribsos.com/)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO THE EDITOR

[1] Ken Saro-Wiwa was a leader in the protest against the devastation of 
the Ogoni people's homeland in Nigeria caused by oil extraction projects 
run by Shell and Chevron. For more information about Ken Saro-Wiwa and 
the circumstances of his execution visit http://www.remembersarowiwa.com/

[2] Shell is one of 17 companies working with The Centre of Excellence 
in Biocatalysis, Biotransformations and Biocatalytic Manufacture 
(CoEBio3) based at The University of Manchester. See 
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/archive/list/item/?id=3983&year=2008&month=09 
and http://www.student-direct.co.uk/2008/10/shelling-out/ for more 
information.
Manchester Campaigns Collective
e-mail: mcrcampaignscollective at gmail.com







http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/article.php?news_id=11905

Opposition leader launches protest against St Lucia government

Published on Monday, November 3, 2008 Email To Friend Print Version
By Oscar Ramjeet
Caribbean Net News Special Correspondent
Email: oscar at caribbeannetnews.com

CASTRIES, St Lucia: Opposition leader Kenny Anthony said that he is fed 
up with the state of affairs in St Lucia and has served notice of 
protests against the Stephenson King administration.

Anthony, who served as Prime Minister of St Lucia for three terms, said 
that there is no sign of direct leadership in the country, and said that 
he has put not only his party, but the country on alert because of the 
issues confronting the entire country,

Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony
A CMC report stated that the opposition leader added that the country is 
in a tailspin with the economy and is now in a recession. He added that 
he has written to the Attorney General about taking legal action in 
relation to the ‘Texedogate’ affair involving the Health Minister Dr 
Keith Mondesir, who Anthony alleges violated the Tourism Act in 
furnishing his private residence with items that were imported duty free 
for Texedo Villas, which he owns, even though the minister constantly 
denies the charges.

The former Prime Minister also alleges according to the CMC report, that 
three unnamed ministers of government were involved in an attempt to 
obtain millions of dollars from an undisclosed investor.

Anthony lost power in December 2006 to veteran politician Sir John 
Compton, who retook leadership of the United Workers Party (UWP), but 
the 82-year-old politician who had led the country to independence, died 
less than a year after becoming prime minister for the third time.

King became prime minster in late 2007 after Sir John's passing.







http://globalvoicesonline.org/2008/11/16/brazil-flash-mob-protest-against-digital-crimes-bill/

Brazil: Flash mob protest against Digital Crimes Bill

Sunday, November 16th, 2008 @ 11:05 UTC
by Paula Góes
Brazilian bloggers and netizens took to the streets of São Paulo to 
protest against the Digital Crimes Bill, which typifies the cyber-crimes 
punishable by law and stipulates penalties accordingly. They claim the 
law has so many flaws that, instead of punishing real criminals, it 
might end up deeming as crime trivial conduct when surfing the Internet. 
Proposed by senator Eduardo Azeredo, the bill has passed through the 
Senate, has proceeded to the House of Representatives and has been 
labeled as urgent, which means that voting might happen at any time.
Over 50 bloggers, students and netizens participated in the flash mob 
last Friday at Avenida Paulista, one of the city's most important 
avenues and financial centers. The protest was organized through blogs 
and mostly twitter. Lúcia Freitas reports:
A postos, mostramos nossos cartazes. alguém de dentro do ônibus acena. 
Pessoas param nas calçadas de ambos os lados. Motos e carros buzinam. Ao 
comando, viramos para o outro lado (ímpar) da avenida. Os fotógrafos 
fazem farra. A gente diz em alto e bom som: Não!
Put in place, we showed our posters. Someone waves at us from inside a 
bus. People stop on both sides of sidewalks. Motorcycles and cars honk 
their horns. At the command, we turn to the other side of the avenue. 
Photographers enjoy it. We say in loud and clear voices: No!
In fact, due to bad weather and terrible traffic, many people only 
managed to get there late. Political Scientist Sérgio Amadeu [pt] says 
that these late comers demanded to be part of the protest, so a quick 
decision was made for another performance, this time attended by over 
100 people:
Bom, como uma manifestação auto-organizada ela resolveu se 
auto-constituir de novo. A flashmob virou uma refreshmob.
Well, as an auto-organized protest, it decided to reproduce itself 
again. The flashmob became a refreshmob.

Photo by Paulo Fehlauer who also has a video showing the protest at 
Avenida Paulista
On the day before, a public hearing was held in Brasília and some 
bloggers took the time to attend the debate (see a video and twitter 
reactions). They had their mouths closed with sellotape to protest 
against the over-surveillance on the Internet that the bill may bring if 
approved. Daniel Padua [pt] was there and said it had a positive outcome 
as the case against was very well laid by both specialists and members 
of parliament:
A força dos argumentos foi uma surpresa pros defensores do projeto, que 
acabaram soando ridículos e despreparados - como no caso do delegado da 
PF (alguma coisa Sobral) - que apresentou uma história na qual a PF 
tinha os IPs de suspeitos de pedofilia, mas só conseguiu prender 1/5 
deles pela falta de um processo jurídico adequado, e foi questionado 
pelo deputado Paulo Teixeira: “bom, a PF tinha os IPs, não? então se 
vocês já conseguem os IPs das pessoas, porque precisam desse projeto de 
lei?”
The strength of the arguments (against the bill) was a surprise for the 
project supporters, who ended up sounding silly and unprepared - as in 
the case of a police officer who had a history in which the police had 
the IPs of suspected pedophiles, but only managed to arrest 1/5 of them 
because of the lack of an appropriate legal process. He was questioned 
by parliament member Paulo Teixeira: “Well, the PF had the IPs, right? 
So if you already get people's IPs, what do you need this bill for?”.
Marcelo Träsel [pt] says that a battle was won but the fight goes ahead. 
He unveils whose interests are in fact behind the bill:
Porque no fim das contas é disso que se trata: os bancos estão tentando 
impor uma legislação estúpida para deixarem de assumir a 
responsabilidade por tornar seus sistemas de transação eletrônica mais 
seguros. Afinal, garantir a segurança de dados custa dinheiro. E 
dinheiro é o que os bancos deram, coincidentemente, para a campanha a 
senador de Azeredo e muitos outros deputados. Estão pouco ligando se vão 
emperrar o processo cultural ou o avanço da inclusão digital no Brasil.
At the end of the day this is it: banks are trying to impose this stupid 
law so that they don't have the responsibility for making their 
electronic transaction systems more secure. After all, ensuring data 
security costs money. And money is what the banks have, coincidentally, 
donated to Senator Azeredo's and many other [politicians] campaigns. 
They don't care if it will paralyse the cultural process or the 
enhancement of digital inclusion in Brazil.
According to João Carlos Caribé [pt], this public hearing, virtually the 
first open debate about the bill, was made possible through liaising by 
the organizers of an online petition [pt] in defense of freedom and 
progress of knowledge on the Brazilian Internet. It has been signed by 
over 121,400 citizens, which is not much, considering Brazil's nearly 
200 million population. Gabriel Sadoco [pt] writes about it at this 
Saturday's blog carnival [pt] about politics and says that people should 
not be so apathetic regarding this and others issues:
E a esses brasileiros que não se incomodam com o que acontece no seu 
país. Que preferem assistir as tragédias do jornal antes da novela das 
oito e só servem pra fazer peso no mundo, acordem para a realidade e 
comecem a protestar, porque você ainda tem direito a isso. Não ao 
vigilantismo.
Privacidade e liberdade pra todo mundo!
For those Brazilians who do not care whatever happens in their country, 
who prefer to read the tragedies in the newspaper before the eight 
o'clock soap opera and are only good to put weight on the world, wake up 
to reality and begin to protest, because you still have the right to do 
so. Say no to surveillance. Privacy and freedom for everyone!
Mário Amaya [pt] has designed the poster that many bloggers have been 
carrying with them, which can be downloaded and printed out. He is also 
the designer of many of the online banners that have spread on the 
blogosphere.







http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/242096,roadblocks-target-nicaraguan-opposition-in-election-protests.html

Roadblocks target Nicaraguan opposition in election protests
Posted : Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:39:17 GMT
Author : DPA
Category : World
Managua, Nicaragua - Nicaragua's capital was bracing for large 
demonstrations Tuesday by the ruling Sandinista party and the opposition 
after supporters of President Daniel Ortega blocked an important highway 
through Managua, forcing opposition leaders to seek refuge in a church. 
The supporters of the Sandinista National Liberation Front cut off the 
Pan-American Highway and important streets in the capital Monday to 
block the movements of Eduardo Montealegre, who ran for mayor of Managua 
in November 9 elections and is now charging electoral fraud.
The member of the Liberal Constitutionalist Party and other opposition 
leaders then had to hole up in the church.
The Sandinista-dominated Election Commission said the ruling party won 
about 100 of the 146 mayoral posts up for grabs last week, but 
Montealegre, who according to official results lost to boxing champion 
Alexis Arguello, said he intends to present data to diplomats to back up 
his charges of electoral fraud.
Post-election violence has shaken the impoverished Central American 
country for a week. Two people have been killed.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/19/america/managua.php

Sandinista protesters intimidate opposition in Nicaragua

By Marc Lacey
Published: November 19, 2008

MANAGUA: Waving sticks and hurling stones, thousands of protesters 
backing the leftist Sandinista party angrily took to the streets here to 
support the results of local elections earlier in the month that the 
opposition says President Daniel Ortega rigged to expand his power.
The opposition leader, Eduardo Montealegre, had called for a march 
through the capital in protest of the Nov. 9 elections, which he says 
the Sandinistas stole to deny him the mayoralty of Managua. But the 
pro-government forces, some of them federal employees released early 
from their jobs to join the fray, surrounded Montealegre's backers, who 
then disbanded.
"This fight isn't about the Managua mayoralty," a fuming Montealegre 
said in an interview on Wednesday morning, insisting that he was the 
legitimate winner. "It's more fundamental. It's about dictatorship 
versus democracy."
The streets have turned into a free-for-all over the past week and a 
half, with Sandinistas firing off homemade mortar rounds, stoning 
passing vehicles and angrily confronting journalists, and opposition 
backers sometimes responding. Ortega has remained silent. A Sandinista 
revolutionary who led Nicaragua in the 1980s, he was ousted in 1990 but 
re-elected in 2006, in a hotly contested race in which his closest rival 
was Montealegre.
The violence affected other parts of the country on Tuesday as well, 
with pro-government protesters invading and destroying three radio 
stations in León considered sympathetic to the opposition. The 
Sandinista mayoral candidate in that city, northwest of Managua, was 
declared the winner despite widespread reports of fraud, including 
ballots found in a municipal dump.
"The streets are ours," said one Sandinista supporter, José Bonilla, 
holding a homemade plywood shield during the tumult Tuesday afternoon in 
Managua. Fellow demonstrators, waving red-and-black Sandinista flags, 
shot mortar rounds over the heads of riot police officers who were 
blocking them from Montealegre's rally a block away.
When Ortega cast his ballot on Nov. 9, in an election that was viewed as 
the first test of his influence since he took office, he defended the 
integrity of the polling and accused the local media of attempting to 
discredit the results and "create an image of Nicaragua at war."
Montealegre, backed by leaders of the Catholic Church and Nicaragua's 
two largest business organizations, is demanding a full recount 
monitored by international observers. Ortega had not allowed observers 
during the municipal elections, which took place nationwide.
The Supreme Electoral Council, in its initial report, said the 
Sandinista mayoral candidate in Managua, Alexis Arguello, a three-time 
world boxing champion, had triumphed over Montealegre, who is a 
Harvard-educated ex-finance minister. But faced with a barrage of 
criticism from foreign governments, Roberto Rivas, president of the 
electoral council, ordered a recount.
"It's a special process we're going to do even though it's not 
required," Rivas told reporters earlier in the month. "We are doing it 
so that the Nicaraguan people - not the embassies - but the Nicaraguan 
people are completely satisfied that their vote was respected."
Rivas did not address allegations that polls had closed early and that 
opposition electoral delegates had been forced out of the final vote 
count in Managua. He did request that state prosecutors investigate the 
ballots found in the trash.
"It must be found out whether public officials are involved," he said, 
vowing to "get to the bottom of this case."
Montealegre said it was the government that was responsible for the 
violence. Gesturing at newspaper photos that showed his supporters 
waving flags and Sandinista backers clutching rocks and sticks, he said 
Ortega was responsible for the violence on the street.
"He is the president of the country, not me," he said. "He can end this."
Blake Schmidt contributed reporting from Managua.





http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/world/americas/20nicaragua.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Claims of a Rigged Vote Foment Bitter Protests in Nicaragua

By MARC LACEY
Published: November 19, 2008
MANAGUA, Nicaragua — As homemade mortar rounds exploded over this 
capital, and angry demonstrators poured into the streets for a second 
consecutive day, Nicaragua found itself mired Wednesday in an 
increasingly bitter struggle over who controls Managua and scores of 
other cities across the country.
Skip to next paragraph
Enlarge This Image

Oswaldo Rivas/Reuters
Police officers on Sunday in León, Nicaragua, detained a supporter of 
Eduardo Montealegre, who insisted he was the winner of the mayoral race 
in Managua.
Enlarge This Image

Esteban Felix/Associated Press
Supporters of the left-wing Sandinista party of President Daniel Ortega 
threw stones during a clash on Sunday in León.
Opposition leaders accuse President Daniel Ortega’s left-wing Sandinista 
party of rigging the mayoral race here and hundreds of other municipal 
races across the country in an effort to extend its political reach.
Before Election Day, Nov. 9, Mr. Ortega limited the access of outside 
election observers and then, his critics contend, ordered his underlings 
to tamper with the balloting to ensure that candidates loyal to him came 
out on top.
“This fight isn’t about the Managua mayoralty,” said Eduardo 
Montealegre, who insisted he was the legitimate winner of the mayoral 
race even though the Sandinista-controlled electoral council said 
preliminary figures indicated that he had lost.
“It’s more fundamental,” he said. “It’s about dictatorship versus 
democracy.”
Mr. Montealegre, a member of the Constitutional Liberal Party, has tried 
to protest the results, but he has been met by angry Sandinistas at 
every turn. They have chased away his supporters and have turned the 
streets into a free-for-all.
Demonstrators blocked intersections and pelted cars with rocks. Members 
of rival political parties have faced off in angry confrontations, and 
nervous merchants have closed up their businesses.
Mr. Ortega has remained silent. A Sandinista revolutionary who led 
Nicaragua in the 1980s, he was ousted in 1990. But he was re-elected in 
2006 in a hotly contested race in which his closest rival was Mr. 
Montealegre. While Mr. Ortega won with only 38 percent of the vote, he 
has moved to impose his Sandinista stamp on all aspects of society.
Sandinistas clearly control the streets. For weeks before Election Day, 
the party’s supporters began camping out at traffic circles in what they 
called prayers for peace over hate. Opposition leaders saw it as an 
attempt to hold on to central public spaces and to limit opposition rallies.
“The streets are ours,” said José Bonilla, a Sandinista supporter 
holding a homemade plywood shield, during the tumult in Managua on 
Tuesday afternoon. Fellow demonstrators, waving red-and-black Sandinista 
flags, shot explosives over the heads of riot police officers who were 
blocking them from Mr. Montealegre’s rally a block away.
When Mr. Ortega cast his ballot in an election that was viewed as the 
first test of his influence since his re-election, he defended the 
integrity of the balloting and accused the local media of trying to 
discredit the results and “create an image of Nicaragua at war.”
Mr. Montealegre, backed by leaders of the Catholic Church and 
Nicaragua’s two largest business organizations, is demanding a full 
recount monitored by international observers.
Mr. Ortega’s skepticism of international observers traces back to the 
1990 election, in which he was defeated by Violeta Barrios de Chamorro. 
“From that moment, the truth is that I lost faith in the Organization of 
American States and all the other organisms,” he said in a speech before 
the election.
The Supreme Electoral Council of Nicaragua, in its initial report on the 
voting on Nov. 9, said the Sandinista mayoral candidate in Managua, 
Alexis Argüello, 52, a three-time world boxing champion, had defeated 
Mr. Montealegre, 53, who is a Harvard-educated former finance minister.
But in response to a barrage of criticism, including some from the 
United States and other governments, Roberto Rivas, the president of the 
electoral council, ordered a recount. But he said it would not be 
monitored by independent outsiders.
“We are doing it so that the Nicaraguan people — not the embassies, but 
the Nicaraguan people — are completely satisfied that their vote was 
respected,” Mr. Rivas said in a news conference last week.
Mr. Rivas did not address accusations that polls closed early and that 
opposition electoral delegates were forced out of the final counting of 
the vote in Managua. He did request that state prosecutors investigate 
reports that ballots marked for the opposition were found in the 
municipal dump in León, northwest of Managua.
“It must be found out whether public officials are involved,” he said, 
adding that he would “get to the bottom of this case.”
In his news conference, Mr. Rivas chided Mr. Montealegre for failing to 
file a formal fraud complaint with Nicaraguan prosecutors and for 
calling on his supporters to take to the streets in protest.
But Mr. Montealegre, in an interview on Wednesday, said it was the 
government that was responsible for the violence. Gesturing at newspaper 
photographs that showed his supporters waving Nicaraguan flags and 
Sandinista backers clutching rocks and sticks, he said Mr. Ortega was 
responsible for the violence in the streets.
“He is the president of the country, not me,” Mr. Montealegre said. “He 
can end this.”
Blake Schmidt contributed reporting.





http://www.nowpublic.com/world/online-tools-amplify-culture-protest-where-there-none

Online tools amplify a culture of protest where there is none!
by astroleni | November 8, 2008 at 10:34 am
44 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment
Today 70 Saudi activists launched a two-day hunger strike via Facebook 
to protest the detention of 11 human rights activists who have been held 
in Saudi Arabia for months - some for almost two years - without charge. 
Operating under oppressive restraints of freedom of expression and 
assembly, the activists' defense team and supporters have harnessed the 
power of online tools to amplify their voices and calls for justice.

Calling for the release - or fair and public trails - of detainees is 
incredibly restrictive under the absolute monarch. In July 2007, the 
Mabahith, Saudi secret police, arrested five women who were peacefully 
demonstrating for the release or trial of their relatives detained for 
over two years without trial. Operating under oppressive restraints of 
freedom of expression and assembly, the activists' defense team and 
supporters have harnessed the power of online tools to amplify their 
voices and calls for justice.
Under Saudi law, one can be detained for up to six months (and up to 60 
days in solitary confinement) without a formal sentencing or trial. Once 
in custody, detainees are "commonly the victims of systematic and 
multiple violations of due process and fair trial rights, including 
arbitrary arrest and torture and ill-treatment during interrogation," 
according to Human Rights Watch.

"We are trying to introduce a culture of protest where there is none. 
Without the Internet, this wouldn't have been possible," said Mr. 
al-Qahtani, an organizer of the hunger strike in an interview with 
Canada's Globe and Mail.

A combination of few freedoms to assemble, express or associate oneself 
publicly, reasonably high internet connectivity, and a 60% population 
under the age of 30 has made it possible for this unprecedented event to 
occur online. Word is quickly spreading in online chat rooms, social 
networks and the blogosphere.

World media is reporting on this unprecendented act of civil 
disobedience. Watch an exclusive video interview with Saudi journalist 
Ebtihal Mubarak about the hunger strike at 
http://hub.witness.org/en/SaudiHungerStrike. WITNESS' online channel for 
human rights video, the Hub, was fortunate enough to attain the only 
video interview on this subject, due to its strict adherence to safety 
and security issues for participants.
Read more about it on the Hub blog: 
http://hub.witness.org/en/blog/facebooking-a-hunger-strike
Visit the Facebook Protest Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45829380308

Listen to an audio interview with one of the people participating in the 
protest: http://hub.witness.org/en/node/11279
Though this is not the first human rights-related campaign from the 
region on Facebook (see WIRED's "Cairo Activists Use Facebook to Rattle 
Regime"), it is notable because it's the first one of its kind in Saudi 
Arabia to get around repressive laws by harnessing power and the 
ubiquity of the internet to gain attention and hopefully change policy.

I hope you'll share this info with your online colleagues who may have 
more room to cover this story online or continue to look to WITNESS and 
the Hub as a source of stories and information about the challenges and 
struggles of people all over the world and ways in which they are 
confronting them face.

Sincerely,
Suvasini Patel
Communications & Outreach Manager/WITNESS
Tel: 718-783-2000 ext. 316|suvasini at witness.org






http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97541372&ft=1&f=1004

Saudi Women Reunite To Remember Driving Protest
by Caryle Murphy
Listen Now [4 min 15 sec] add to playlist
Morning Edition, December 16, 2008 • Every year, nearly four dozen Saudi 
women get together for a reunion. Eighteen years ago, on Nov. 6, 1990, 
they staged a public protest against their country's ban on women 
driving. For half an hour, they drove their cars in a convoy around the 
capital city of Riyadh until they were stopped by police.
The women paid heavily for their actions — all the drivers, and their 
husbands, were barred from foreign travel for a year. Those women who 
had government jobs were fired. And from hundreds of mosque pulpits, 
they were denounced by name as immoral women out to destroy Saudi 
society. Almost two decades later, the ban is still in place, making 
Saudi Arabia the only country in the world where women cannot drive.
"I think it was worth it, because we raised the issue of the women in 
Saudi Arabia and the consciousness about it," says Aisha al Mana, a 
businesswoman in Al Khobar who took part in the driving protest.
"We went through around a year of harassment because they thought we did 
something that is not acceptable by society. 'The drivers,' they call 
us," she says with a laugh.
Two years after their demonstration, the women fired from jobs were 
reinstated. But Fawzia al Bakr, a professor of education who was one of 
the 47 protest drivers, says there is still lingering discrimination.
"Wherever you work, you are labeled as a 'driver' and you will never be 
promoted, no matter how good you are," she says.
Facing Backlash
The women also have had to contend with critics who say they chose the 
wrong time to protest, given that their country was on war footing just 
three months after Iraq invaded neighboring Kuwait. In addition, Saudi 
Arabia's conservative religious forces were furious about the 
government's decision to let in thousands of non-Muslim U.S. troops to 
protect the kingdom from Saddam Hussein.
Other critics say focusing on driving detracts from more important 
problems faced by women. And there are plenty of Saudi women who say 
that lifting the ban would threaten the Saudi family.
Al Bakr says none of these arguments means she should have to forgo her 
right to drive.
"In every society, you have different opinions," al Bakr says. "I think 
these women have the freedom not to drive, but then we should have the 
freedom to drive if we want to. If you drive, it means that you have 
access to the public, you have access to the institutions. But if you 
are totally unable to move unless you have a male to actually drive you, 
then you're completely paralyzed. And that's the essence of it."
Hossa al Sheikh, dean of women at Riyadh's Yamama University and another 
of the protest drivers, says the ban is a hardship for families who 
cannot afford a chauffeur.
"I see poor women — they ask 'I want to drive. I can't work because I 
don't have a driver,' " al Sheikh says.
Progress Under King Abdullah
The drivers agree that under King Abdullah, Saudi women have made 
progress in terms of expanding educational opportunities and growing 
access to jobs. But the king, who has said that allowing women to drive 
is a social, not a religious, issue, has so far not moved to lift the 
ban. Al Bakr says it may be a matter of priorities for the king.
"At the practical level, King Abdullah is working in a quiet way to 
support women," al Bakr says. "But when it comes, unfortunately, to the 
driving, it's just too much headache, and that's why I think King 
Abdullah doesn't want it — because he has more important issues."
Yet opposition to women driving seems to be fraying. A Gallup poll last 
year found that 55 percent of Saudi men now want to let women drive. A 
handful of women caught driving this year were only briefly detained, 
according to press reports, and a university student was called a 
heroine after she drove her badly burned father to the hospital.
"I think now people are at ease talking about it," al Mana says. "It's 
not like it was 18 years ago — it was taboo."
For now, those who defied the driving ban 18 years ago get together 
every November. They put on T-shirts that say "Drivers," and they share 
a cake with a car on it. They take a group picture — just as they did 
back in 1990, right after their protest.
"It was so scary at that time, because we were chased by all the 
religious people," al Bakr says. "But then we decided that this is a 
very historical moment, so as many of us, we should get together and 
have a picture and just keep it. And we did, actually. We gathered in 
one of our friend's house and we took a historical picture, and I'm sure 
this picture is going to be in some museums somehow."






http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGlobeAndMail-Front/~3/445040411/

Saudi hunger strikers risk arrest for protest
SONIA VERMA
 From Friday's Globe and Mail
November 6, 2008 at 10:17 PM EST
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Mohammad al-Qahtani rose before dawn, kissed his 
children and prayed before embarking on the most radical act of his 
life: He skipped breakfast.
The professor of economics is among a group of 64 Saudis staging this 
conservative kingdom's first public hunger strike, denouncing the 
detention of nearly a dozen political prisoners.
To outsiders, the two-day protest might seem tame, but in a country 
where political parties, civic organizations and public rallies are 
strictly banned, the strikers could face arrest for dissent.
“Yes, we are afraid,” Mr. al-Qahtani, 43, said, “but to get our message 
out we are willing to take the risk.”
He admits, however, their risk is a calculated one.
The protest, which ends Friday, was timed to coincide with the weekend 
here so strikers could fast in hiding or in the safety of their own homes.
Recruitment was also kept low-key, with organizers using online networks 
such as Facebook to enlist supporters and talk to each other.
“We are trying to introduce a culture of protest where there is none. 
Without the Internet, this wouldn't have been possible,” Mr. al-Qahtani 
acknowledged.
Saudi's state-controlled media have not reported on the strike, although 
the story is beginning to capture headlines in the international press.
The protesters' demands centre on the cases of 11 prisoners who are 
being held in Jeddah and Riyadh jails without charge.
Strikers are demanding the Saudi government give the prisoners fair, 
public trials or set them free.
Nine of the detained men, who were arrested in Jeddah in February, 2007, 
were accused of supporting terrorism and sent to solitary confinement 
without formal charge.
Human-rights groups say they were jailed for pressing for political reform.
The most high-profile prisoner is Matrouk al-Faleh, a political science 
professor at Riyadh's King Saud University, who was arrested in May 
after publishing a report criticizing conditions in Saudi jails.
He was previously jailed in 2003 after calling for a constitutional 
monarchy, but was subsequently freed by King Abdullah when he assumed 
the throne in 2005.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Mr. al-Faleh's wife, Jamila, 
said she didn't think the hunger strike would change her husband's fate.
“It won't solve our problem, but at least I feel there are others who 
are standing with us,” said Ms. Al-Faleh, who is only allowed to visit 
her husband once a week and says his health is declining.
Government officials canvassed by The Globe said they were unaware of 
any protest but, hypothetically speaking, said hunger strikes are 
against the law.
They declined to comment on the cases of the 11 men in detention.
With the government effectively ignoring the protest, it was unclear 
what kind of impact it would have.
The activists, mostly young, prominent Saudis – lawyers, writers, 
professors and journalists – hold positions that would likely insulate 
them from harsh prosecution.
Some hoped their protest would encourage others from all walks of Saudi 
society.
Others described their participation as personal victories.
“I see the hunger strike as my little personal gesture to the 
detainees,” wrote Ahmed al-Omran, a popular Saudi blogger known as 
Saudijeans.
“I don't know what it would mean to them or if they even know about it, 
but it certainly means something to me. It means that I do not accept 
injustice,” he wrote.





http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08307/924739-82.stm?cmpid=nationworld.xml

Saudi activists plan protest over detainees
Sunday, November 02, 2008
By Faiza Saleh Ambah, The Washington Post
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- A group of Saudi activists is planning the 
country's first public hunger strike to draw attention to the detention 
without charge of a dozen political reformists. The participants, who 
include lawyers, university students and relatives of the detained, 
could face arrest for their protest in this authoritarian kingdom.
The 48-hour strike is planned in several Saudi cities on Thursday and 
Friday, a weekend here. Organizers said they are demanding that the 
government grant the prisoners fair and public trials or set them free.
"To the government, we want to say that you can't put prisoners of 
conscience in jail without facing consequences," said Walid Abu-Alkhair, 
a writer and lawyer in Jiddah. "And to the activists, we want to say, 
'you are not alone.' We want to show that when you put human rights 
activists in jail, a new wave will come and take their place."
Although the state-controlled media have not reported on the strike, it 
has gained attention online through bloggers and announcements posted to 
Facebook and Google groups.
"This act of peaceful protest is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, 
and I believe this is the least we can do for those people," wrote Ahmed 
al-Omran, who blogs as Saudi Jeans. "Please join the call and spread the 
word."
Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy, bans demonstrations, political 
parties and civic organizations. The reformists were jailed for various 
reasons, including organizing protests.
In their online announcements, the strike organizers urged "all 
activists and citizens who have a conscience" to show "solidarity with 
all detainees, whose basic rights have been violated."
"We announced the names of 26 additional participants on Wednesday," 
said Fowzan al-Harbi, an engineer. "Five more have joined us, but the 
final list will be announced next week."
The strikers will remain at home without food or water on the designated 
days, organizers said.
Mohammad al-Qahtani, a Riyadh-based college professor who also hosts a 
television show, said he was excited about participating.
"This is the first time something like this happens in Saudi Arabia. I 
ask my friends to pinch me to make sure I'm not daydreaming," said Mr. 
Qahtani, whose wife will also join in the hunger strike. "These people 
are in prison for defending our rights. And now, it's time for us to 
defend their rights."
The most prominent of the detained dissidents is Matrouk al-Faleh, who 
was arrested in May in the capital, Riyadh, for criticizing conditions 
in the kingdom's jails. In 2003, he was jailed for calling for a 
constitutional monarchy but was pardoned by King Abdullah when he took 
the throne in 2005.
Nine of the detainees, arrested in Jiddah in February 2007, have been 
accused of supporting terrorism, but human rights groups say the men 
were detained for calling for political reform.
"I think the hunger strike represents the failure of the Saudi judicial 
system to address what is clearly the arbitrary arrest of Professor 
Matrouk al-Faleh and the group of reformers in Jiddah," said Christoph 
Wilcke, who researches Saudi Arabia for the New-York based Human Rights 
Watch. "The Saudi government ... still thinks it can silence dissent by 
locking up reformers. But this puts pressure on the Saudi government to 
justify why these people are behind bars."






http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/world/stories/DN-lashes_12int.ART.State.Edition1.4a6b03c.html

Egyptians protest doctor's whipping sentence in Saudi Arabia
12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Associated Press
CAIRO, Egypt – Demonstrators in Cairo demanded Tuesday that Saudi Arabia 
release an Egyptian doctor sentenced to 15 years in prison and 1,500 
lashes after he was convicted of malpractice – reportedly after treating 
a Saudi princess.
Dr. Raouf Amin el-Arabi, who has been serving the Saudi royal family for 
about 20 years, was convicted last year of giving wrong medication.
Egyptian newspapers reported that he was accused of driving a Saudi 
princess "to addiction."
He initially was sentenced to seven years in prison and 700 lashes, but 
when he appealed two months ago, the judge not only upheld the 
conviction, but more than doubled the penalty.
Family members, friends and colleagues gathered at the headquarters of 
Egypt's doctors' union in downtown Cairo and urged Saudi King Abdullah 
to pardon Dr. el-Arabi.
"My children want their father to return swiftly and safely," the 
doctor's wife, Fathiya el-Hindawi, told The Associated Press. "I hope 
the king will give them back their smiles."
She fears the punishment will kill her husband.
Banners at the protest read "1,500 lashes is unprecedented in the 
history of Islam," and "Who is responsible for the humiliation of our 
doctors abroad?"
In Egypt, human rights groups have demanded that President Hosni 
Mubarak, who maintains close ties with the Saudi royal family, intervene 
to free 53-year-old Dr. el-Arabi.
The doctor is jailed in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah and is believed 
to have received at least one of his weekly installments of 70 lashes.
The Associated Press





http://www.almasry-alyoum.com/article2.aspx?ArticleID=187714

Three Protests Calling for Uncovering Place of Bloger, Releasing 
Samalout Detainees and Bringing Policeman to Trial

By Farouk el-Gamal and Shaima’ Ade 24/ 11/ 2008
Hundreds of demonstrators staged a protest yesterday before the office 
of the public prosecutor, calling for revealing the place of a bloger, 
releasing Samalout detainees and bringing a policeman to trial.
During the protest, the April 6th and Youth for Change Movements called 
for revealing the place of bloger Mohamed Adel, who was detained on his 
way to Arish to end some personal matters.
"I called on the public prosecutor to release my son or even illustrate 
why he was detained, especially as he is under 20 years of age. When 
they searched the house, they did not find leaflets as they had 
alleged," Adel's father said.
The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Egypt called for releasing 
Samalout detainees and bringing a policeman who killed a pregnant woman 
while trying to arrest her brother-in-law to trial.
Hisham Mubarak Law Center for Human Rights and Al-Nadeem Center for 
Human Rights screened a documentary film in the Press Syndicate on the 
relatives of the detainees and on eyewitnesses.





http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=98110

Hundreds protest against SSNP attack on Future TV journalist
Assault prompts condemnation from across political spectrum
By Andrew Wander
Daily Star staff
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Listen to the Article - Powered by
Hundreds of protestors turned out Friday to demonstrate against 
Thursday's attack on Future TV journalist Omar Harqous by Syrian Social 
National Party (SSNP) members. Journalists, politicians and charity 
workers took part in an hour-long sit-in at the car-park of Future TV's 
headquarters in Qantari.





http://english.sina.com/world/2008/1128/201307.html

Lebanese journalists protest against assault by opposition party
2008-11-28 15:32:23 GMT2008-11-28 23:32:23 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English
BEIRUT, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Lebanese journalists gathered in 
a sit-in at the parking lot of Future TV in Beirut to protest against 
the assault against its reporter, the broadcaster aired Friday.
Omar Harqous, who works as a reporter for Future TV owned by majority 
leader Saad Hariri, was badly beaten, with wounds in the head, neck and 
chest by members of the Syrian Socialist National Party (SSNP), the 
report said.
The army has arrested five members of the Lebanese opposition party, who 
were involved in the assault in Hamra area of west Beirut on Thursday.
Harqous was attacked when covering attempts by Beirut municipality 
employees to remove a SSNP poster, in line with an agreement reached 
between the Western-backed majority and the opposition over a month ago 
to defuse tension by removing all political posters.
The SSNP set the Future TV building on fire in riots between the 
opposition and the government supporters in early May, leading to the 
Arab intervention and the production of a Qatari-brokered accord between 
rival Lebanese groups in Doha on May 21.





http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&D063FE525AF48EE7C225750E00631161

SSNP Assailants Wound Mustaqbal Reporter, Sit-In Protest Called
Assailants from the Syrian Social National Party (SSNP) attacked Future 
television reporter Omar Harqous with sticks in Beirut's Hamra street on 
Thursday, wounding him in the head, neck and chest.
Harqous was admitted to the emergency ward of the American University 
Hospital for treatment as an army patrol moved in to the area and 
arrested at least five SSNP members involved in the attack on a news 
reporter on duty.
Harqous and a cameraman were covering attempts by Beirut Municipality 
employees to remove an SSNP poster in Hamra in line with an agreement 
reached more than a month ago to defuse tension in the capital after the 
May attacks by Hizbullah, SSNP and other allies on the capital's western 
sector.
SSNP partisans were apparently trying to prevent Municipality employees 
from removing their poster when Harqous and his cameraman arrived.
Information Minister Tareq Mitri denounced the attack and called for 
"immediate measures to apprehend the culprits."
He said all political factions should put a "final end" to attacks on 
media personnel.
The March 14 forces said the attack on Harqous was carried out by "the 
pro-Syria mercenary squad of March 8." That was in reference to the SSNP.
The attack was another chapter of the "May 7 invasion of Beirut," the 
March 14 statement said.
It urged Interior Minister Ziad Baroud to "act immediately to clear the 
area from gunmen who are using Hamra street as a launching pad to resist 
freedoms of Beirut citizens."
It called for a sit-in protest scheduled for noontime Friday at Future 
Television offices to protest against attacks targeting the media and 
freedom of expression.
The SSNP media office, in a statement, expressed regret for the attack 
that targeted Harqous, and said it turned over to security forces the 
SSNP members involved in the incident.

Beirut, 27 Nov 08, 20:09






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7752863.stm

Thursday, 27 November 2008

Yemen opposition protest clashes

Opposition parties are demanding electoral reform and free elections 
clashed with police at an anti-government rally in Sanaa

Police have fired warning shots and hurled batons at an opposition rally 
in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.
Early reports suggest at least five protestors and two police officers 
were injured in the clashes.
Thousands gathered for the rally called by Common Forum, an opposition 
umbrella group demanding electoral reform anbd free and fair elections.
The grouping is threatening to boycott of next year's parliamentary poll 
unless its demands are met.
The party of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the General People's 
Congress, has refused election monitors or to reform the electoral law.
The Yemeni Socialist party and the Islamist al-Islah (Reform) Party want 
government officials banned from using their power to influence the vote 
and an end to voter-registration in the workplace.
On Monday, parliament postponed local elections for another four years, 
citing expense and the fact that the last local elections were only held 
in September 2006.
This prompted a parliamentary walk-out by opposition parties.
President Saleh has ruled the middle east's poorest state since its 
unification in 1990. He was re-elected in 2006.






http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&FF25E9FD39B640E6C225750F0015BF9F

Bomb Shakes Sanaa, Scores Injured in Police Clash with Protesters
Three people were killed and four wounded on Thursday when a bomb ripped 
through a minibus at a central bus station in Sanaa, a police official said.
"A bomb exploded on a minibus, killing three people and wounding four 
among the passengers," the official told Agence France Presse requesting 
anonymity.

The explosion took place at al-Hasba bus station.

The official said that police was investigating whether the bomb was a 
terrorist attack or motivated by tribal vengeance.

The attack came the same day Yemeni security troops opened fire on 
thousands of protesters calling for a boycott of April parliamentary 
elections and wounded about two dozen demonstrators, the organizers of 
the rally said.

An Interior Ministry official said the troops fired into the air to 
disperse the "illegal" demonstration in Sanaa, but he refused to comment 
on any injuries.

The Yemeni Socialist Party said it had called the protest with several 
other opposition groups because they believe the balloting next April 
will not be fair, mostly because a 9-member electoral body overseeing 
the vote is all-appointed by the country's president and its members are 
closely linked to the ruling party.

Socialist leader Yaseen Said No'man said the opposition has been holding 
demonstrations across Yemen to protest the government's rejection of 
amendments to the country's electoral law proposed by the opposition and 
meant to curb vote-rigging.

No'man said the opposition wants the electoral body to include 
independent figures and opposition members.

A Socialist Party statement issued after the protest Thursday said 23 
people were wounded, three of them critically. It said the police 
arrested at least 34 protesters.(AP-AFP-Naharnet)

Beirut, 28 Nov 08, 06:05






http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008444761_wdig28.html?syndication=rss

Yemen protesters attacked by troops
Yemeni security troops opened fire Thursday on thousands of protesters 
calling for a boycott of April parliamentary elections and wounded about 
two dozen demonstrators, the organizers of the rally said.

KHALED FAZAA / AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Yemeni protesters rally in San`a on Thursday, calling for a boycott of 
parliamentary elections.
San`a, Yemen
Yemen protesters attacked by troops
Yemeni security troops opened fire Thursday on thousands of protesters 
calling for a boycott of April parliamentary elections and wounded about 
two dozen demonstrators, the organizers of the rally said.
Yemeni Socialist Party leader Yaseen Said No'man said the opposition has 
been holding demonstrations across Yemen to protest the government's 
rejection of electoral reforms.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power since 1978, ruling 
North Yemen and then South Yemen when the two united in 1990, won 1999 
elections overwhelmingly amid opposition boycotts, claims of 
vote-rigging and clashes at polling booths that left several dead.






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7752863.stm

Thursday, 27 November 2008

Yemen opposition protest clashes

Opposition parties are demanding electoral reform and free elections 
clashed with police at an anti-government rally in Sanaa

Police have fired warning shots and hurled batons at an opposition rally 
in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.
Early reports suggest at least five protestors and two police officers 
were injured in the clashes.
Thousands gathered for the rally called by Common Forum, an opposition 
umbrella group demanding electoral reform anbd free and fair elections.
The grouping is threatening to boycott of next year's parliamentary poll 
unless its demands are met.
The party of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the General People's 
Congress, has refused election monitors or to reform the electoral law.
The Yemeni Socialist party and the Islamist al-Islah (Reform) Party want 
government officials banned from using their power to influence the vote 
and an end to voter-registration in the workplace.
On Monday, parliament postponed local elections for another four years, 
citing expense and the fact that the last local elections were only held 
in September 2006.
This prompted a parliamentary walk-out by opposition parties.
President Saleh has ruled the middle east's poorest state since its 
unification in 1990. He was re-elected in 2006.






http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=12447

Yemen police clash with protesters at election boycott rally, seven injured

SANAA (AFP) - Seven people, including two policemen, were injured in 
clashes on Thursday between security forces and pro-opposition 
supporters protesting parliamentary polls next year, police and the 
opposition said.
Police fired warning shots and beat up protesters, injuring five 
demonstrators and arresting 18, sources from the opposition told AFP.
Security sources told AFP that two policemen were injured in the clashes.
The violence broke out as police tried to prevent thousands of 
opposition supporters from joining a rally called to boycott 
parliamentary elections due to take place next year.
An AFP correspondent said that police fired their guns in the air and 
hurled their batons on demonstrators who flocked from several areas to 
Sanaa’s Tahrir Square.
Security forces blocked access to the square in the Yemeni capial, 
forcing demonstrators, who carried banners that said “no to rigged 
elections,” to pull back into side streets and alleyways.
The gathering was called for by the opposition Common Forum, which 
groups Al Islah (Reform) Party, the main Islamist opposition party, and 
the Yemeni Socialist Party, as well as other smaller opposition factions.
Parliamentary elections are due to be held on April 27.
Opposition parties are demanding amendments to the electoral law, 
including banning government officials from using their influence to 
affect the vote, and confining the registration of electors to their 
place of birth or residence while ruling out the place of work.
They have been organising demonstrations across Yemen, after 
negotiations with the ruling General People’s Congress (GPC), the party 
of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, failed to reach a compromise.
The GPC, which holds 235 seats in the 301-member parliament, had already 
tried to placate the opposition by accepting amendments to the election 
law, such as extending the deadline for vote-counting and announcing 
results from 72 hours to 10 days.
On Monday, parliament postponed local elections for another four years 
because they were due to be held at the same time as the parliamentary 
polls.
The government also justified the postponement on the grounds that the 
term of the current councils, which were elected in September 2006, 
would be too short and that holding the local ballots would be expensive.
Opposition MPs, who hold 63 seats in parliament, stormed out of Monday’s 
session in protest at the decision and called on voters to boycott the 
elections.

28 November 2008






http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR248239.htm

Yemen police clash with protesters, 11 wounded
27 Nov 2008 14:51:03 GMT
Source: Reuters
SANAA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Eleven protesters were wounded in clashes with 
police in Yemen on Thursday, activists said, as the opposition stepped 
up rallies against what is sees as government efforts to manipulate 
parliament elections next year.
At least 10 were arrested after police broke up the protest by several 
thousand people in the capital Sanaa, they said.
Government officials were not available for comment.
In a separate incident, witnesses said at least two people were injured 
when a van running on liquefied gas blew up in Sanaa. Other witnesses 
said the blast was caused by a bomb.
The opposition has accused the ruling party of trying to "hijack" the 
April 2009 parliamentary elections by excluding opposition figures from 
a body that will oversee the polls.
The opposition boycotted the election in May of provincial governors by 
local councils, saying 2006 polls that elected the councils were rigged. 
EU observers said the polls, which also included a presidential 
election, were "genuine" despite some breaches.
The opposition has organised several demonstrations over unemployment 
this year, some of which led to clashes between government forces and 
activists.
Poverty and unemployment is fuelling discontent in the country of 22 
million people, one of the poorest outside Africa.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh, re-elected in the 2006 vote, has ruled 
Yemen since its unification in 1990.
Yemen is the ancestral home of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and has 
cracked down on militants. It cooperated closely with Washington after 
the Sept. 11 attacks and al Qaeda attacks at home, including the bombing 
of a U.S. warship in 2000.
Two Islamist militants were killed in southern Yemen on Thursday when 
explosives they were carrying on a motorcycle blew up accidentally, a 
security source said. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari and Mohammed 
Mokhashef; writing by Inal Ersan)






http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2433563,00.html

Cops clash with protesters
27/11/2008 16:46 - (SA)


San'a - Witnesses say Yemeni security troops have opened fire on 
thousands of protesters calling for a boycott of April parliamentary 
elections, wounding a number of demonstrators.
An Interior Ministry official says troops fired into the air on Thursday 
to disperse the "illegal" demonstration in San'a.
Witnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government 
reprisal, say at least 10 protesters were wounded.
The ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he 
was not authorised to talk to the media, refused to comment on the 
reported injuries.
Yemen's opposition has been holding multiple demonstrations over the 
government's rejection of amendments to the country's electoral law to 
curb vote-rigging.
- AP





http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Middle%20East&set_id=1&click_id=123&art_id=nw20081127125328202C215925

Yemen police clash with protesters

November 27 2008 at 01:36PM

Sanaa - Seven people, including two police officers, were injured in 
clashes on Thursday between security forces and pro-opposition 
supporters protesting against parliamentary polls next year, police and 
the opposition said.

Police fired warning shots and beat up protesters, injuring five 
demonstrators and arresting 18, sources from the opposition said.

Security sources said that two officers were injured in the clashes.

The violence broke out as police tried to prevent thousands of 
opposition supporters from joining a rally called to boycott 
parliamentary elections due to take place next year.

An AFP correspondent said that police fired their guns in the air and 
hurled their batons on demonstrators who flocked from several areas to 
Sanaa's Tahrir square.

Security forces blocked access to the square in the Yemeni capial, 
forcing demonstrators, who carried banners that said "no to rigged 
elections," to pull back into side streets and alleyways.

The gathering was called for by the opposition Common Forum, which 
groups Al-Islah (Reform) Party, the main opposition party, and the 
Yemeni Socialist Party, as well as other smaller opposition factions.

Parliamentary elections are due to be held on April 27.

Opposition parties are demanding amendments to the electoral law, 
including banning government officials from using their influence to 
affect the vote, and confining the registration of electors to their 
place of birth or residence while ruling out the place of work.

They have been organising demonstrations across Yemen, after 
negotiations with the ruling General People's Congress (GPC), the party 
of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, failed to reach a compromise.

The GPC, which holds 235 seats in the 301-member parliament, had already 
tried to placate the opposition by accepting amendments to the election 
law, such as extending the deadline for vote-counting and announcing 
results from 72 hours to 10 days.

On Monday, Parliament postponed local elections for another four years 
because they were due to be held at the same time as the parliamentary 
polls.

The government also justified the postponement on the grounds that the 
term of the current councils, which were elected in September 2006, 
would be too short and that holding the local ballots would be expensive.

Opposition MPs, who hold 63 seats in parliament, stormed out of Monday's 
session in protest at the decision and called on voters to boycott the 
elections.






http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=6346738

Yemeni Police Clash With Protesters
Yemeni police clash with protesters calling for election boycott
By AHMED AL-HAJ Associated Press Writer
SAN'A, Yemen November 27, 2008 (AP)
The Associated Press

A group of y oung Yemenis take to the streets in the capital San'a, 
Yemen, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008....
(AP)
Yemeni security troops opened fire on Thursday on thousands of 
protesters calling for a boycott of April parliamentary elections and 
wounded about two dozen demonstrators, the organizers of the rally said.
An Interior Ministry official said the troops fired into the air to 
disperse the "illegal" demonstration in the capital San'a, but he 
refused to comment on any injuries. The official spoke on condition of 
anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.
The Yemeni Socialist Party said it had called the protest with several 
other opposition groups because they believe the balloting next April 
will not be fair, mostly because a 9-member electoral body overseeing 
the vote is all-appointed by the country's president and its members are 
closely linked to the ruling party.
Socialist leader Yaseen Said No'man said the opposition has been holding 
demonstrations across Yemen to protest the government's rejection of 
amendments to the country's electoral law proposed by the opposition and 
meant to curb vote-rigging.
No'man said the opposition wants the electoral body to include 
independent figures and opposition members.
A Socialist Party statement issued after the protest Thursday said 23 
people were wounded, three of them critically. It said the police 
arrested at least 34 protesters.

"What happened in San'a today was a strong expression of the popular 
rejection of authorities' attempts to falsify the elections," No'man 
said. "It's clear evidence that people rejects anyone forging their will."
Later Thursday, the interior ministry accused the opposition of 
attempting to destabilize the country and warned in a statement that the 
parties would be held responsible for "the consequences of their illegal 
acts."
Separately, the Yemeni journalists union issued a statement saying the 
troops using batons and weapon butts beat seven journalists who were 
covering the rally.
Mohammed Saleh Ahmad, a witness at the rally, said the government troops 
opened fire and threw bricks and tear gas at the protests, prompting a 
stampede, which caused some of the injuries.
Yemen is an impoverished country in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, 
with strong tribal rules and lawless areas. It's also the ancestral 
homeland of Osama bin Laden.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been in power since 1978, ruling North 
Yemen and then continuing in power after North and South Yemen united in 
1990. In the 1999 elections, Saleh won overwhelmingly amid opposition 
boycotts, claims of vote-rigging and clashes at polling booths that left 
several dead.

The Socialists are Yemen's second biggest party and ruled southern Yemen 
before the unification. The country's opposition bloc has 60 members in 
the 301-seat parliament.





http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,458429,00.html
Police Open Fire on Protesters in Yemen
Thursday, November 27, 2008 | FoxNews.com
AP

Nov. 27: A group of young Yemenis take to the streets in the capital 
San'a, Yemen. Witnesses said Yemeni security troops opened fire on 
protesters.
SAN'A, Yemen — Yemeni security troops opened fire on Thursday on 
thousands of protesters calling for a boycott of April parliamentary 
elections and wounded about two dozen demonstrators, the organizers of 
the rally said.
An Interior Ministry official said the troops fired into the air to 
disperse the "illegal" demonstration in the capital San'a, but he 
refused to comment on any injuries. The official spoke on condition of 
anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.
The Yemeni Socialist Party said it had called the protest with several 
other opposition groups because they believe the balloting next April 
will not be fair, mostly because a 9-member electoral body overseeing 
the vote is all-appointed by the country's president and its members are 
closely linked to the ruling party.
Socialist leader Yaseen Said No'man said the opposition has been holding 
demonstrations across Yemen to protest the government's rejection of 
amendments to the country's electoral law proposed by the opposition and 
meant to curb vote-rigging.
No'man said the opposition wants the electoral body to include 
independent figures and opposition members.
A Socialist Party statement issued after the protest Thursday said 23 
people were wounded, three of them critically. It said the police 
arrested at least 34 protesters.
"What happened in San'a today was a strong expression of the popular 
rejection of authorities' attempts to falsify the elections," No'man 
said. "It's clear evidence that people rejects anyone forging their will."
Later Thursday, the interior ministry accused the opposition of 
attempting to destabilize the country and warned in a statement that the 
parties would be held responsible for "the consequences of their illegal 
acts."
Separately, the Yemeni journalists union issued a statement saying the 
troops using batons and weapon butts beat seven journalists who were 
covering the rally.
Mohammed Saleh Ahmad, a witness at the rally, said the government troops 
opened fire and threw bricks and tear gas at the protests, prompting a 
stampede, which caused some of the injuries.
Yemen is an impoverished country in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, 
with strong tribal rules and lawless areas. It's also the ancestral 
homeland of Osama bin Laden.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been in power since 1978, ruling North 
Yemen and then continuing in power after North and South Yemen united in 
1990. In the 1999 elections, Saleh won overwhelmingly amid opposition 
boycotts, claims of vote-rigging and clashes at polling booths that left 
several dead.
The Socialists are Yemen's second biggest party and ruled southern Yemen 
before the unification. The country's opposition bloc has 60 members in 
the 301-seat parliament.







http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/412300.html

Police assualt student to prevent LSE protest
Michael Deas | 05.11.2008 15:50 | SOCPA | Education | Repression | World
Police have used unlawful violence to prevent a student demonstration at 
the London School of Economics. Students gathered outside the opening of 
the New Academic Building by the Queen to protest against the naming of 
a lecture theatre after Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the dead dictator of 
the UAE. When the group dropped a banner reading "No more Dirty Money at 
LSE" a policeman approached the group and, without warning, kneed a 
student in the crotch and punched him on the side of the head twice.
The group also hoped to draw attention to the corporate and unethical 
direction of the LSE.

A photographer from The Beaver, the newspaper of the LSE Students' 
Union, took photographs of the violence. The policeman who had used 
violence then approached the photographer and used aggressive and 
forceful language to unlawfully coerce the photographer to delete the 
photographs.

When the group arrived, police informed them that a demonstration would 
not be permitted due the Queen's presence at the opening. The group 
sought legal advice from a professional lawyer and were told that a 
demonstration would be legal and any action to prevent it would be illegal.

Protesters were prevented from distributing leaflets on the patio of the 
New Academic Building by LSE security.

A spokesperson for the group said, "We gathered to lawfully protest 
against the corporate and unethical direction of the LSE. We made our 
lawful and non-violent intentions clear to both the Police and the LSE 
at the beginning of the demonstration. The freedom of association and 
free speech are essential parts of any liberal democracy. We condemn in 
the strongest terms both the actions of the Metropolitan Police and LSE 
security staff. We shall not allow this incident to deter us from 
drawing attention to and opposing the unethical direction which LSE is 
taking."

Other banners that the protestors had intended to display read "LSE not 
£$€" and "Human rights for UAE." Students wore t-shirts that read "LSE 
not £$€". One student, who had been invited to greet the Queen, wore an 
"LSE not £$€" tshirt to meet the Queen and LSE Director Sir Howard Davies.
The group intend to make representation to the Independent Police 
Complaints Commission and other authorities.

Executive Editor of The Beaver Joseph Cotterill said, "For the police to 
treat protesters in this way is reprehensible in any case, but to deny a 
member of the media the right to report what happened is completely 
unacceptable. We want answers."

Aled Dilwyn Fisher, General Secretary of the LSE Students' Union, said, 
"Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of academica. Freedom to 
protest is an integral part of that. Students should be free to make 
their voices heard on matters relating to the university they pay fees 
to attend. The police used powers given to them under increasingly 
authoritarian legislation, as well as straightforward brutality, which 
all believers in freedom of expression should strongly condemn. The 
police have many questions to answer about they way they treated 
innocent non-violent protestors."



The leaflets that the protestors distributed read,



"A theatre inside the New Academic Building is named after Sheikh Zayed, 
the former dictator of the United Arab Emirates. We oppose commemorating 
a dictator who:
According to Amnesty International, sanctioned torture of his citizens 
and refused to sign international agreements on human rights
Outlawed Trade Unions and implemented employment law which forbid 
workers from leaving their job or the country without their employer's 
permission.
Outlawed homosexuality and imprisoned LGBT people

But there is more. The LSE also:
Invests money in arms companies BAE Systems, Boeing and Rolls Royce
Invests in BHP Biliton, a firm which produces produces
uranium for nuclear weapons
Accepted donations of over £1m from BP, a company which cut safety 
budget, leading to the death of 15 people.
Appointed BP Chairman Peter Shutherland as Chair of LSE Council despite 
large scale student opposition.

We are a broad coalition of students concerned with the corporate and 
unethical direction of the LSE.

We resent the fact that the LSE has decided to commemorate former UAE 
dictator Sheikh Zayed in exchange for £2.5m. By naming a lecture theatre 
after him the LSE is endorsing his dismal human, workers' and LGBT 
rights record.

We resent too that this is representative of a wider culture at LSE. The 
LSE currently invests in arms companies and firms which enrich uranium 
for use in nuclear weapons. The LSE has accepted donations of over £1m 
from BP and named BP Chairman Peter Sutherland as Chair of LSE Council. 
Sutherland was present at BP board meetings that authorised the cutting 
of safety budgets, which cost the lives of 15 people and caused 
monumental environmental damage.

Our facilities and our knowledge are increasingly harnessed to the 
demands of an administration subordinated to the profit motive above all 
else. LSE's students, academics and staff deserve better. In 
anticipation of further steps in this direction by the School, we have 
decided to make a stand. Please join us in the fight for a better LSE."



ENDS


Notes to Editors



1. The group would appreciate it if they were informed if this story is 
to be printed.
2. The attached photos were taken by a different photographer than the 
one who had his photos deleted. These photos were taken by Lorenzo 
Levrini. High resolution versions are available at 
http://rapidshare.com/files/160898133/police.zip. Please credit Lorenzo 
Levrin and The Beaver for the photos.
3. The Beaver is currently trying to use data recovery software to 
recover the superior photos taken from a better angle that clearly show 
unnecessary force being used. Any expertise or advice on this would be 
greatly appreciated.
4. For more information contact 07533058329 or 07825779606 or 
m.deas at lse.ac.uk or ethicalLSE at googlemail.com
5. To contact Joseph Cotterill telephone 02079556705
Michael Deas
e-mail: michaeldeas at gmail.com
Homepage: http://michaeldeas@gmail.com










http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/412198.html

02nov - two men arrested for illegal socpa protest
reason | 04.11.2008 13:06 | SOCPA | Repression | Social Struggles | 
Terror War
two men were arrested at downing street on sunday 2nd november for 
protesting without permission. they were left wondering why there was 
only two of them when all activists should unite to break this silly law.

one man was holding a piece of paper with the words "this is illegal" & 
a tshirt with the slogan "investigate 911". the other man was holding 
various messages including "more pay for police" (which got a few 
giggles). 2 americans asked to be photographed holding the signs and 
this flagrant flouting of the law was ignored by the police.

they were first approached by 3 pcsos who asked them to move on and 
then, on further instruction, to go and break the law over the road 
where authorised protests are permitted. then 2 policemen arrived saying 
that the option of breaking the law over the road was no longer 
available. there was some debate and several requests to move on. then, 
on further instruction, they were again given the option to break the 
law over the road. this offer was declined by both men and after about 
30mins of discussion they were arrested, handcuffed & taken to 
belgraveyard police station (belgravia as it's commonly known to police, 
as it's not usually that busy).

one man refused to give any details and was to be remanded in custody to 
face court in the morning. he was also not allowed his 'sealed' food or 
book as the custody sergeant couldn't perform a safety assessment 
without the suspect confirming his identity.
one handcuff refused to open and the man was slightly injured in 
releasing himself from the cuff using soapy water. he was informed that 
the handcuff maker had gone bust!
the other man gave his name/dob with 'no fixed abode'. it was thought 
that he would also have to stay overnight to face court in the morning. 
no fingerprints or dna were taken as they were told it was not a 
recordable offence. the man who refused to confirm his details, did so 
later after deciding that he was not currently prepared to see it all 
the way through to a prison sentence for not confirming his details. 
this was synchronistically or telepathically decided around the time 
that his colleague was bailed, even though he had no idea that this had 
happened! both men were later bailed to appear at horseferry magistrates 
court on 12 November and agreed to the bail condition of "not entering 
the city of westminster before the court date".

Additions
update
05.11.2008 22:33
one man was charged with organising and the other with participation. 
the 'investigate 911' tshirt was not admitted as evidence and was said 
to be a 'fashion accessory' by the arresting officer.

it is thought that the man charged with participation will refuse to 
enter a contract with the court (as detailed at www.tpuc.org). if this 
fails his defence will be that he was trying to prevent the ongoing 
commission of genocide & war crimes by the uk government under sections 
51 & 52 of the International Criminal Court Act 2001 (british law).
reason





http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413167.html

Death in Custody Protest London Sat 22. Nov
posted by PigBrother | 19.11.2008 03:45 | Anti-racism | Repression
This is the annual ‘Justice for Ricky Bishop March’ but this year it’s 
been extended to include the demand to end all forms of violence against 
our community, and so the route of the march has also been extended.

Starting at 1:00 PM Brixton Library (near Ritzy cinema), marching to 
Brixton Police Station -> Coldharbour Lane -> Camberwell Green -> 
Peckham Square.

Saturday 22nd November – ‘Justice for Ricky Bishop March – End all forms 
of violence against the African/black community!’

The date is of particular significance as the day before the march will 
mark exactly 7 years since the police murder of Ricky Bishop in Brixton 
police station on 21st November 2001.

Flyer:
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8237/justside1onlineas6.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1552/justside2onlinebo4.jpg

Map:
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/729/brixtonmapsi8.jpg

http://www.inpdum.org http://www.uhurunews.com 
http://www.myspace.com/inpdum
posted by PigBrother
e-mail: inpdum_london(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413175.html

ID Cards protest against Thales in Stockport - Monday 17th November
Manchester Campaigns Collective | 19.11.2008 12:07 | Other Press | 
Technology | Terror War | Liverpool | Manchester
A group of student activist held a noise demo outside the offices of 
Thales in Stockport to protest at their involvement in ID Cards and the 
National Identity Register.

A group of activists, including the Student Union Campaigns Collective, 
Manchester NO2ID and Students Against ID held a demonstration outside 
the office of Thales in Stockport. The demo, which took place on Monday 
17th November, occured a week before foreign nationals will need to 
submit their personal details, including biometric information, to the 
National Identity Register. The defence company has received the first 
contract under the ID Cards Act, though has received little media 
attention.

The demonstration took place to highlight the role that Thales will play 
in producing the National Identity Register and ID cards, and the profit 
they will be making from their production. The company is 27% owned by 
the French government , so those who made the decision to accept the 
deal will not be directly affected by it. The protestors don’t think the 
company should honour such a contract, especially in light of the 
Conservatives saying they will scrap the scheme .

The protestors took an array of instruments, from ukuleles to horns, to 
make as much noise as possible outside the offices, and grab the 
company’s attention. Workers were given flyers as they passed giving the 
reasons for the action, and later an open letter was presented to the 
company expressing the groups concerns . The event was marked with a 
notable police presence, but passed entirely peacefully.

Though the police did little in their presence, some took issue with the 
reason for them being there. Hazel Kent, a fourth year Arabic and French 
student, commented: “This demo was always going to be peaceful, and it 
was. Yet the police still laid on a large number of officers for the 
demo, and even trailed us in a car as we travelled on a local bus. We 
don’t need permission to lawfully protest. ID Cards are part of a wider 
issue of increasing control by the state of its citizens.”

“We are targeting Thales because they are set to benefit from our 
misfortune”, said Andrew McCarthy, a first year politics student. “ID 
Cards, when looked at together with the Government’s insistence on 42 
day detention without trial or even a charge, represents a serious 
threat to the civil liberties and human rights of people living in the 
UK, especially those originally from outside the EU. They represent a 
fundamental shift in the relationship between citizen and state.”

The London School of Economics has estimated that the National Identity 
Scheme will cost up to £20 billion. The individual cost will be at least 
£100 per person. The UK National Identity Scheme would be illegal in 
Germany due to their stricter data protection laws.
Manchester Campaigns Collective
e-mail: campaigns at umsu.manchester.ac.uk
Homepage: http://www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk/campaigns






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413565.html

Solihull protest against the imposition of biometric ID cards on migrants
Noborders Birmingham | 26.11.2008 10:37 | Anti-racism | Migration | 
Birmingham
Yesterday Noborders Birmingham protested against the imposition of 
biometric ID cards at the UK Border Agency Office in Solihull. They were 
met by a puzzling disproportionate police response at Dominion Court, 41 
Station Road, Solihull - around 12 police officers, including 3 police 
vans and an evidence gatherer. This may have something to do with the 
policing of a previous protest around the corner at Sandford House, the 
home office reporting centre, where hundreds of Congolese demonstrators 
facing mass deportation occupied the main road 
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2007/04/368076.html
A banner proclaiming 'Freedom of Movement for All' was held by the 
entrance of the UK Borders Agency Office. The police offered to 
'facilitate' our protest by a seemingly polite offer to arrange for a 
metal barrier to hang our banner from. However, we realised that the six 
foot high hedge in front of the building would make our protest 
invisible to almost everyone, so instead we hung our banner by the main 
road and distributed around 600 leaflets to some very interested members 
of the public.

Following a concerned report from a dedicated community police officer 
earlier in the day, two equally committed council workers from the 
environmental and health department at Solihull Council turned up in 
their lunch hour to ensure that the literature being distributed was of 
a political, rather than commercial, nature and thus would not run afoul 
of local bye-laws on littering/flyering (no one seemed quite sure). This 
follows several other incidents known to us in central Birmingham where 
council officials have attempted to apply similar bye-laws (with 
accompanying threats of fines and court appearances) to dissuade people 
from handing out political literature. It has been noted before that the 
parliamentary legislation which serves as the basis of these bye-laws 
specifically exempted materials of a political nature. The council 
workers also showed some interest in the banner, raising concern over 
the manner of its attachment to some local shrubs and something else 
about private property, but in the end they seemed to decide that 
neither the public nor the shrubs were at any risk (potential, real, or 
otherwise) and returned to what remained of their lunch hour.

Two students from Pakistan informed us that they had to book an 
appointment to begin the biometric ID card process and they couldn't 
return home until this had been completed. They claimed today they were 
told by staff that they would be required to give blood samples and have 
iris scans for their biometric cards so if they committed any 'crimes' 
in the UK they could be identified immediately. It appears that the 
private company contracted to the tune of £5.6 billion, and entrusted 
with sensitive biometric data, are already doing their best to impress 
upon applicants that ID cards will be effective at 'fighting crime'. 
Liberty, the civil liberties and human rights organisation, have already 
expressed concern about the Government’s ability to safeguard 
individual’s intimate details on the National Identity Register after 
Government departments last year lost 30 million pieces of personal 
data, including those of 25 million child benefit claimants. 'We have ID 
cards in our country but they aren't biometric' said one of the 
students. 'It feels very discriminatory that we are being targeted 
first. Why aren't they processing UK nationals first?' The international 
students also pointed out that this was costing them a great deal of 
money. Not only did they have to pay exorbitant fees for their courses 
but on top of that they have to pay £300 for their visas and now they 
have to pay for their biometric ID cards and they are only permitted to 
work 20 hours a week. They also added that these measures would serve to 
put overseas students off studying here citing Australia as a more 
welcoming alternative.

The use of foreign nationals as guinea pigs for the more widespread 
introduction of ID cards is a strategy to run a testbed for the 
technology on people without a voice. It has become apparent that the 
government is likely to pick off certain sections of the community in 
Britain one at a time. This divide and rule strategy has been used 
throughout history, most notably by the Nazi regime in Germany.

When the British government came for the migrants,
I remained silent;
I was not a migrant.

When they came for the airline workers,
I remained silent;
I was not an airline worker.

When they came for the convicts,
I did not speak out;
I was not a convict.

When they came for the health workers,
I did not speak out;
I was not a health worker.

When they came for the students,
I did not speak out;
I was not a student.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
Noborders Birmingham
e-mail: noborders-brum @ riseup.net






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413352.html

Demonstration against first ID cards
Brighton and Hove NO2ID | 22.11.2008 01:31 | South Coast
Tuesday, 25th November – meet on New Road at 12:20.

Visual demonstration to raise awareness that this is the day the first 
ID cards will be issued!

We will be doing two short stunts, at 12:30 and 13:00. We need as many 
people as possible to stand in a queue, where you will eventually be 
either ‘authorised’ or not.

Brighton and Hove NO2ID Meeting 7.30pm at the Brighton Peace and 
Environment Centre, opposite the train station.We will also be going to 
the Battle of Trafalgar afterwards if meetings aren’t your thing.
Brighton and Hove NO2ID
e-mail: brighton at no2id.net
Homepage: http://brighton.no2id.net






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/412982.html

Protest against ID cards on 25th November
No Borders South Wales | 14.11.2008 23:53 | Bio-technology | Migration
Biometric ID cards will come into force for non-EU students and spouses 
from 25th November and will be issued from offices in Birmingham, 
Cardiff, Croydon, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Sheffield. We will be holding 
a protest outside the Home Office building in Cardiff and hope for 
protests outside each of the other offices on that day.


The protest will start at 12 noon. We welcome all opponents of the 
increasing levels of social control that the government wishes to extend 
over all our lives to take part. Join us during your lunch break from 
work or study to show solidarity with migrants being victimised by these 
cynical divide and rule tactics by The Home Office.

By resisting the repression of migrants, we defend the freedom of everyone!

Though ID cards come into force on 25th November, somewhat 
unsurprisingly The Home Office are predicting considerable delays in 
their processing time, and the Border Agency centres will not all be 
ready to take ID applications at the same time, the roll out of the 
scheme being - 25th November: Croydon, 1st December: Sheffield, 4th 
December: Liverpool, 8th December: Birmingham, 10th December: Cardiff, 
12th December: Glasgow.

By resisting the repression of migrants, we defend the freedom of everyone!

More info here:
http://noborderswales.wordpress.com/tag/id-cards/
http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=3147
No Borders South Wales






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/412945.html

Leeds Protest against 'ID cards for foreigners'
James Elsdon-Baker | 14.11.2008 14:04 | Other Press | Leeds Bradford
Leeds NO2ID will be protesting against the Introduction of ID cards on 
24th November
Protest against the Introduction of ‘ID Cards for foreigners’

On the 25th of November the government will be introducing compulsory 
Identity cards for Non-EAA students and Non-EAA national applying for 
marriage Visas. Those affected will be required to attend one of six 
centers (Croydon, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, and 
Glasgow) on arrival their fingerprints and photographs will be taken and 
they will be issued with an ID card.

The government has made use of the UK Borders Act 2007 to enable these 
cards, cards that discriminate against certain visitors in placing these 
groups of people under a regime of state surveillance and suspicion.

Although the government has made no significant headway with developing 
the intrusive National Identity Register, they have cynically altered 
the existing visa infrastructure to introduce these cards. Once the 
methods of Identity card registration and management have been trialed 
on some of the most vulnerable groups in society they intend to start 
picking on their next target group. They seek to whittle away our 
opposition, but we will stand together in defense of our liberty, 
freedom and right to a private life as enshrined in the European 
Convention of Human Rights.

In opposition to the scheme we invite all individuals and groups opposed 
to ID cards to join us in Leeds City Centre where we will be setting 
fire to a mock ID card,

PROTEST

TIME: 6pm
DATE: Monday 24th November
LOCATION: Dortmund Square, Outside St John's Shopping Centre, Headrow, 
Leeds

Called by Leeds NO2ID

Contact: James Elsdon-Baker, Regional Yorkshire NO2ID coordinator, 
07817605162, yorkshire at no2id.net
James Elsdon-Baker






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/413384.html

Ricky Bishop and Economic Development Protest, Brixton 22 Nov
Peter Marshall | 23.11.2008 12:21 | Anti-racism | Repression | Social 
Struggles
The 'Ricky Bishop and Economic Development' demonstration organised by 
The International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) marched 
from Brixton to Peckham on Saturday, holding several rallies including 
one outside Brixton Police Station. Pictures copyright © 2008, Peter 
Marshall.
Ricky Bishop, Sean Rigg, Derek Bennett were the names on the banners and 
placards as demonstrators made their way from Brixton to Peckham on 
Saturday afternoon. Around 50 people had gathered outside the Tate 
Library for the march up to Brixton Police Station, where Ricky Bishop 
died after being arrested during "Operation Clean Sweep" - which they 
describe as a "modern day lynching" - on November 22, 2001. Others 
joined them there for a short rally around what they have named the 
"lynching tree" in front of the station where a number of arrested black 
men have died in highly suspicious circumstances.

Among those taking part were members of Bishop’s family and those of 
Derek Bennett, shot in the back by armed police while holding a 
gun-shaped cigarette lighter in i Brixton in July 2001, and Sean Rigg, 
who died after being taken ill in police custody in Brixton Police 
Station on Thursday 21 August 2008. There was a minute's silence in 
memory of the victims and family members added a wreath and other 
flowers to those already present on the lynching tree. Arican drumming 
and some fine singing added to the impact of the event.

Speakers called for a boycott of the official enquiries that are 
designed to hide the truth and whitewash the police. Justice would only 
be delivered by the prosecution of all officers responsible for these 
and similar deaths, including ten officers who were named for their part 
in the murder of Ricky Bishop.

Speakers and the slogans chanted on the march called for an end to all 
official violence against the black community, and for economic 
development, with resources for black businesses rather than increased 
spending on police repression. They called for the community to get 
organised through organisations such as InPDUM, http://www.inpdum.org/ 
"a grassroots organization, led by the black working-class community... 
founded in 1991 in Chicago by the African People's Socialist Party" as 
the only way to defend themselves.

More than 60% of black families live on less than half the national 
average income and they suffer from under-funded schools and welfare 
services, poor food and high levels of drugs, gun and knife crime. 
Marchers accuse the police and government of bringing drugs, guns and 
knives into the country and of carrying out a public policy of brutality 
to contain the African community through policies such as Operation 
Clean Sweep. Black men are harassed on the street, being stopped and 
searched 8 times more than the average, and a high percentage have had 
DNA samples taken against their will.

I left the march on its way to further rallies at Camberwell Green and 
Peckham Square. You can see more pictures from the event on My London 
Diary, http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2008/11/nov.htm#brixton as well as 
those from the recent annual Whitehall march by the 'United Friends and 
Families' of those who have died in police custody 
http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2008/10/oct.htm#united

More about:
Ricky Bishop http://www.4wardever.org/#/rickybishop/4528086733
Derek Bennett http://www.4wardever.org/#/derekbennett/4528134956
Sean Rigg http://www.4wardever.org/#/seanrigg/4530787293
Peter Marshall






http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081028.warrested1028/BNStory/National/home

Protesters seek help for Canadian jailed in Mexico
The Canadian Press
October 28, 2008 at 4:55 PM EDT
VANCOUVER — Friends and family are urging the Canadian government to 
help a B.C. man jailed in Mexico.
About 50 people gathered in front of the Mexican consulate in Vancouver 
Tuesday to demand help for Pavel Kulisek.
Mr. Kulisek was arrested in Los Barriles on March 11 and remains behind 
bars in a maximum-security Mexican prison, charged with promoting drug 
trafficking and organized crime.
His family and lawyer say he was swept up in the arrest of Gustavo 
Rivera Martinez, an accused drug kingpin and an acquaintance Mr. Kulisek 
knew only through dirt biking.
They say Mr. Kulisek, who lived in North Vancouver before temporarily 
moving to Mexico with his wife and two young daughters a year ago, was 
merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mr. Kulesik's wife, Jirina Kuliskova, says her husband's health has 
deteriorated, leaving him suffering from constant stomach pains and 
unable to sleep.





http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1036047

A protest at Vancouver's Mexican consulate this afternoon

10/28/2008

About four dozen protesters gathered in front of the Mexican consulate 
in downtown Vancouver this afternoon. They were there to show their 
support for Pavel Kulisek - a Canadian man serving time in a Mexican 
jail for something ralliers say he didn't do.

The message was loud and clear. Protesters want the Canadian government 
to step in and bring Pavel Kulisek back to Canada. The man was arrested 
in march and is now serving time in a maximum security prison in 
Guadalajara, Mexico.

His wife Jirina says Kulisek's health is deteriorating in poor hygienic 
conditions.

The man was charged with conspiring to traffic narcotics, but his wife 
says he's innocent.

So far the ministry of foreign affairs and Mexican consulate have not 
responded to the family.

Kulisek's lawyer, who also defended the Brenda martin case several 
months ago, says it could be months before the man could have his case 
heard in a Mexican court.






http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008410866_apcanadayoungdrivers.html?syndication=rss

Teens protest Ontario's proposed driving rules
Canadian officials proposed tougher restrictions on teen drivers in 
Ontario, including a prohibition on new motorists 19 and younger from 
driving with more than one teenage friend, prompting thousands of young 
drivers to protest online.
By CHARMAINE NORONHA
Associated Press Writer
TORONTO —
Canadian officials proposed tougher restrictions on teen drivers in 
Ontario, including a prohibition on new motorists 19 and younger from 
driving with more than one teenage friend, prompting thousands of young 
drivers to protest online.
The bill, introduced in the Ontario legislature Tuesday, also included a 
zero blood-alcohol limit for drivers under 21 and escalating sanctions 
for young drivers who speed, starting with a 30-day license suspension.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty called the legislation a modest 
restriction on the freedoms of young people and safe-driving advocates 
lauded the move, but it raised the ire of many young drivers.
Peter Robinson, 18, who created a group about the legislation on 
Facebook, an online social network, said that while he agreed with some 
of the restrictions, the passenger limits represent "the worst law ever 
made."
"Sometimes I have to pick up two or three different teammates to go to a 
game," said Robinson, who plays on sports teams and relies on carpooling.
"If I'm not able to do that we may not have the right amount of players 
to play."
Others are concerned about designated drivers getting their friends home 
safely.
Alex Popescu, 17, said the law, if passed, would mean he wouldn't be 
able to bring his friend and girlfriend to parties and accused the 
officials of age discrimination.
"I passed my test just like any other person," Popescu said Wednesday. 
"I did good and I think I deserve to be able to drive with anybody I want.
Dominique Noel started an online petition Tuesday opposing the new 
restrictions on young drivers in Canada's most populous province. By 
Wednesday afternoon 3,563 people had signed it.
The law would limit drivers between the age of 16 and 19 to having only 
one passenger 19 or under in the vehicle during their first year of driving.
The government said there would be special passenger rules for siblings.
The new legislation was prompted by Tim Mulcahy, whose son and two young 
friends died after their car plunged into a lake in Ontario this summer 
after they had been drinking.
Mulcahy started a petition and published a letter to McGuinty seeking to 
tighten the laws that regulate young drivers.
"We owe it to our kids to take the kinds of measures that ensure that 
they will grow up safe and sound and secure, and if that means a modest 
restriction on their freedoms until they reach the age of 22, then as a 
dad, I'm more than prepared to do that," McGuinty said.
The provincial police, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Canadian 
Automobile Association praised the legislation.
Studies show just one teenage passenger with a teen driver doubles the 
chances of an accident and that risk increases with the addition of 
every teenage passenger, according to the Insurance Institute for 
Highway Safety.
Licensing systems in the U.S. vary from state to state.
Some states, such as Virginia, restrict new drivers to no more than one 
passenger younger than 18 in the first 12 months of driving, while other 
states, such as Indiana, allow no passengers except for family in the 
first 90 days of driving, according to the Insurance Institute for 
Highway Safety based in Virginia.






http://msnpicturethis.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!F00981BA80032347!229.entry


Basque policemen control the perimeter near where pro- independence 
Basque supporters protest and hold banners saying ''We don't have 
Democracy'' against the visit to the Basque Country of the Spanish King 
Juan Carlos, November 19, 2008.
© Alvaro Barrientos/AP/PA Photos





http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2008/11/08/7349631-cp.html

Protests, barbs mark day four of Quebec election campaign
By Jessica Murphy, THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL - Protests and barbs marked day four of Quebec's provincial 
election campaign.

Meanwhile, about 100 people gathered in front of the Montreal offices 
Christine St-Pierre, provincial minister for the status of women, to ask 
the government not to appeal a recent judgment by Quebec's Superior 
Court that struck down a law preventing home daycare workers from 
unionizing.
And, police were called to another protest in front of PQ candidate 
Scott MacKay's nomination meeting.
About 30 people tried to block the entrance to the meeting in a Montreal 
suburb to protest the official nomination of MacKay, the former Quebec 
Green Party leader.
The protesters supported former PQ member Jean-Claude St-Andre, a 
hardline sovereigntist whose candidacy in the same riding was rejected 
by the party.
"We had a party convention last March," Marois said.
"We agreed on certain directions and Jean-Claude St-Andre didn't back 
them. So the party's executive committee decided they wouldn't accept 
his candidacy for this election."
St-Andre, who held the L' Assomption riding from 1996 to 2007, is 
appealing the decision






http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/29622/austrian-artist-withdraws-work-in-protest/

Austrian Artist Withdraws Work in Protest
Published: November 26, 2008

KLAGENFURT, Austria—The Viennese Actionist Günter Brus has withdrawn his 
artworks from an exhibition at the Kunstverein Kärnten in Klagenfurt in 
protest of the local government's cancellation of a performance by 
cabaret artists Dirk Stermann and Christoph Grissemann after the duo 
received death threats, reports Artforum via the Austrian Press Agency. 
Eckhard Küttler, president of the Kunstverein, read a statement from 
Brus at the exhibition's opening last week while another center official 
removed the works.

The Kunstverein took Brus's side. "We are decisively against every form 
of preventing freedom of speech and questioning the freedom of art," 
said Küttler.

The exhibition, "68/08," features works by Valie Export, Cornelius 
Kolig, Meina Schellander, Daniel Spoerri, Peter Krawagna, Franz Ringel, 
and the Munich artist collective King-Kong-Kunstkabinett. It runs 
through January 15.





http://www.thestar.com/Crime/article/540975

Pro-pot activists protest after coffee shop raid

Nov 21, 2008 04:30 AM
Henry Stancu
STAFF REPORTER

Toronto police raided a popular downtown coffee house frequented by 
medical marijuana users and other cannabis-smoking patrons.
More than a dozen officers converged on Kindred Cafe, on Breadabane St., 
near Yonge St. and Wellesley Ave., about 7 o'clock last night.
Two people were taken into custody and four others were issued summonses 
for trafficking and possession of marijuana before police began removing 
furniture, electronic equipment, coffee machines and paraphernalia used 
to smoke.
A group of activists gathered outside while police loaded a five-tonne 
truck and carted away much of the cafe's contents.
The three-storey building has a restaurant on the main floor, lounges on 
the second floor and a rooftop patio with propane heaters and a canopy 
where patrons can legally smoke outside. It has been in business since 
2000 and sells fair trade coffee beans and pastries, some allegedly 
laced with cannabis.
"They don't sell any cannabis in this establishment," said an angry Matt 
Mernaugh, an activist and registered medical marijuana user, who arrived 
as the police raid was underway. "This is just a place for people who 
use medical marijuana to socialize.''