UK Newswire Archive
Democracy Village Eviction, London - Pictures
23-07-2010 15:45
Ian Tomlinson death: police will not face charges
23-07-2010 15:22
The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that the police officer who was caught on video striking Ian Tomlinson during the G20 protests last year who later died will not face criminal charges.
London Class war have called for people to gather outside the offices of Keir Starmer the DPP next Friday 30th July from 12-2pm. Ian Cameron of the George Davis Defence Campaign will be speaking there.
It will come to no surprise to many of you that it appears that the Police are able to do exactly as they please without any real repercussions for their actions, even when that includes assaulting an innocent man such as Ian Tomlinson who happened to walk past the police.
It now appears that the police are completely unaccountable for their actions ( I know they never been anyway), but this case is so unjust in so many ways. Firstly the officer blatantly assaulted Ian Tomlinson and this has shown to be the case to the whole UK population and wider, yet no charge is being bought because it’s over 6 months (interesting law that sure it would not apply if I attacked a police officer lied low for 6 months and then someone handed in the footage to the police, got a feeling I would be charged). Secondly the cause of death of Ian Tomlinson is still not certain, although it is likely it is linked to the assault, regardless of the cause of death the incident should be properly investigated and some conclusion come to, but it seems the police are immune to this. Thirdly the CPS are obviously spineless showmen setup to appease a corrupt system in order to show a public face of accountability. Their conclusions to this case are so weak and unacceptable it beggars belief.
Also there is no mention of the fact that members of the police force lied about Ian Tomlinson’s death early on, which is effectively perjury and hindering an investigation, yet none of this has been addressed. Also officers were without numbers on their uniforms on the day this happened including the officer who assaulted Ian Tomlinson, yet this is not addressed.
So in general this send out the message of don’t fuck with us as you know what will happen. We don’t care if you catch us doing it on video as we will get away with it anyway, even if you show the whole UK population we will still get away with it.
Also if you are going to come out and demonstrate against the elites viewpoint then you can watch out as we will concoct stories, assault you, take off our ID numbers and do what we want.
What does this mean for people who wish to protest against issues in the future, particularly those not so popular with the state?
But it does appear as we enter these time of massive cuts to our public services and dismantling of services that the general public are becoming more hostile to these lies and deceit of the police, government and big business. The guardian website has 1033 comment s on the story of which 99% are appalled at this decision, shows there is a large amount of public disquiet around this decision. Whether this will translate into action, we shall have to see.
Spread the word; 12 – 2pm next Friday DPP offices, Justice for Ian Tomlinson
23-07-2010 15:19
‘YOU GET BACK TO YOUR MILLION POUND HOUSE’ – PAUL KING TO THE DPPJB Spray needs your help
23-07-2010 14:24
The JB Spray squat in Radford, Nottingham is under threat of eviction. The occupiers, who have been in the building since May 2009, have been served with notice of a court date for 2nd August. The landlord is intending to gain a possession order and make homeless the many people who have been living in the building for over a year. The occupiers have stated that they intend to resist any attempts to evict them and are asking people to support them.
The former lace factory, which was empty and unused for many years, has been occupied and used for social and community purposes a number of times in the past. On previous occasions squatters were evicted quickly. This is the first time that people have been able to settle and make a proper home in the building.
Those wanting to help with resistance to the closure of this free space should contact a current resident or if known to the occupants come on round to discuss any help you would like to offer. Alternatively please email jbspray[at]hotmail.com
Please see also: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2010/05/452196.html?c=on#c250967
Flotilla Eye Witness
23-07-2010 13:28
NORWICH Vigil For Ian Tomlinson: Police Who Kill Should Be Prosecuted!
23-07-2010 13:21
Norwich Police Station,Bethel Street, Norwich,
NR2 1NN
Saturday 24th July 12 noon.
Ian Tomlinsons Death - Whats does it mean for Bristol Demonstrators
23-07-2010 11:22
It will come to no surprise to many of you that it appears that the Police are able to do exactly as they please without any real repercussions for their actions, even when that includes assaulting an innocent man such as Ian Tomlinson who happened to walk past the police. This is a worrying precedent for people involved in campaigns of any sort in Bristol and the UK. I have personally seen police act like this many times with the only difference being that a person actually died.It now appears that the police are completely unaccountable for their actions ( I know they never been anyway), but this case is so unjust in so many ways. Firstly the officer blatantly assaulted Ian Tomlinson and this has shown to be the case to the whole UK population and wider, yet no charge is being bought because it’s over 6 months (interesting law that sure it would not apply if I attacked a police officer lied low for 6 months and then someone handed in the footage to the police, got a feeling I would be charged). Secondly the cause of death of Ian Tomlinson is still not certain, although it is likely it is linked to the assault, regardless of the cause of death the incident should be properly investigated and some conclusion come to, but it seems the police are immune to this. Thirdly the CPS are obviously spineless showmen setup to appease a corrupt system in order to show a public face of accountability. Their conclusions to this case are so weak and unacceptable it beggars belief.
Also there is no mention of the fact that members of the police force lied about Ian Tomlinson’s death early on, which is effectively perjury and hindering an investigation, yet none of this has been addressed. Also officers were without numbers on their uniforms on the day this happened including the officer who assaulted Ian Tomlinson, yet this is not addressed.
So in general this send out the message of don’t fuck with us as you know what will happen. We don’t care if you catch us doing it on video as we will get away with it anyway, even if you show the whole UK population we will still get away with it.
Also if you are going to come out and demonstrate against the elites viewpoint then you can watch out as we will concoct stories, assault you, take off our ID numbers and do what we want.
What does this mean for people who wish to protest against issues in the future, particularly those not so popular with the state?
But it does appear as we enter these time of massive cuts to our public services and dismantling of services that the general public are becoming more hostile to these lies and deceit of the police, government and big business. The guardian website has 1033 comment s on the story of which 99% are appalled at this decision, shows there is a large amount of public disquiet around this decision. Whether this will translate into action, we shall have to see.
Well people still need to video record events whenever possible, as this has proved useful recently in Bristol where it has helped demonstrators convicted of crimes by the police, it also provides any record of police brutality towards individuals. Although as this case highlights that even doing this does mean that any justice will be served. Furthermore any demonstrations attended we should always make notes of police officers not wearing identification and report this and provide evidence and make it public. Also we need to look after each other when on demos and stand together as one to prevent the police from acting unlawfully.
Good luck out their people and watch your backs.
I know this probably won’t much affect, but here is a draft letter culled from the internet that you can send to our local MP, which is Stephen Williams. http://www.bristolwest-libdems.org.uk/
Dear ,
I write to express my dismay and frustration at today's decision by the CPS to bring no charges in the death of Ian Tomlinson. A clearer case of misconduct by a police officer would be difficult to find. The video evidence clearly shows an assault by a police officer on a member of the public who posed no threat and was committing no crime.
The case is compounded by attempts by other police officers to cover-up the events surrounding Mr Tomlinson's death. Again, the video evidence is clear and there can be no conclusion other than that the police deliberately lied in an attempt to cover-up the actual events. This case, along with that of Jean Charles de Menezes suggests that the police can commit such acts of misconduct with impunity.
I urge you to raise the matter in parliament and to consider possibilities for legislation to provide greater protection to public from such occurrences in future. I would also ask you to do what you can to ensure that there is at least disciplinary action taken against the officer who committed the assault and all those involved in attempting to cover-up the events.
Yours sincerely,
etc.
Ivor Dembina at Manchester Peace Festival
23-07-2010 11:20
Tickets for anti-Zionist Jewish comic Ivor Dembina's show 'This is Not a Subject for Comedy', running in Manchester for one night only as part of Manchester Peace Festival, are now on sale. The show will be on Wednesday September 22nd at 7.30pm.Peoples Assembly anti-war rally, Sat, 1pm to 6pm central London.
23-07-2010 10:28
The Peoples Assembly organised by members of the democracy village of Parliament Square will be holding an anti-war rally at Victoria Tower Gardens,right next door to Parliament, alongside the river, on Saturday the 24th of July from 1pm to 6pm.
Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign Launch of Campaign Fighting Fund
23-07-2010 09:41
Many, many thanks for the hundreds of e-mails and messages of support sent to the campaign yesterday. We can't possibly respond to them individually but it is really important to Ian's family to know that they have so many people supporting them.RSA Crises of Capitalism Talk Animated
23-07-2010 09:24
A close reading of the text of Karl Marx’s Capital, Volume I.
Brilliantly animated in depth analysis by David Harvey.
Is a boycott of Israel an effective tactic?
23-07-2010 09:22
This discussion came from a comment by @rchie on another thread and also from the post below despairing with BindymediaI would like to start a discussion here with quite a specific focus. I am NOT wanting to start a discussion about Israel's policy in the occupied territories. I am NOT wanting to start a discussion on anti-semitism. I am NOT wanting to start a discussion on the failings of the Left, how stupid I am, or how naieve.
I started this discussion so i think i have the right to limit what it is about. if you want to talk about these other things, please do it elsewhere. In that spirit, i would ask that poster ignore any comments that do not respect that, and for mods to remove anything not specifically about this discussion as 'not relevant to discussion'.
Here's a comment on the Jonny Rotten thread that @rchie made on the 20th July:
"I really think that the cultural boycott is a mistaken use of energy in the struggle against Zionism, and would value a serious discussion on this from my fellow Bristolians If we can wade through the dross.
I'm aware that some of the calls are coming from Palestinian groups but that dose not make them the right thing to do out of hand. As our friends at FOI are very quick to point out some Palestinians make all sorts of requests, some quite wacky, it dose not mean that we should respond with out thinking.
My main reason for thinking its a bad idea is that it smacks of collective punishment and ultimately will worst effect those Israelis who need some hope in their struggle from within the Zionist state.
If you have the slightest belief that both a peace and a lasting freedom for all in this region is achievable then encouraging sedition in Israel is clearly a key strategy more than denying them the chance to hear the Pixies or whoever."
I would like to discuss this more. Is a boycott an effective strategy that gets the goods, or is the collective punishment of a whole state counter-productive? Did anyone here campaign for the South African boycott and what are their thoughts on lessons learned or similarities? Does anyone have any input from 'anti-occupation' Israelis on how they feel about it?
Rotten Picket In Bristol
23-07-2010 09:22
PRESS REPORT for Tuesday 20th July 2010Twenty to thirty Palestine supporters maintained a vigorous picket throughout the evening outside the O2 Academy, in Bristol on Tuesday 20th July.
Chanting “Johnny Rotten, Johnny Rotten, Gaza must not be forgotten” they waved flags and placards.
They spoke to fans attending the gig and handed out fliers and cards.
Accompanying the picket were two eight-foot high stilt-walkers.
These were dressed as Johnny Rotten in his punk-rock era garb of union-jack jacket and spiked hair, plus a machine-gun armed Israeli Soldier.
Chanting “Johnny Rotten, Johnny Rotten, Gaza must not be forgotten” they waved flags and placards. They spoke to fans attending the gig and handed out fliers and cards. Accompanying the picket were two eight-foot high stilt-walkers. These were dressed as Johnny Rotten in his punk-rock era garb of union-jack jacket and spiked hair, plus a machine-gun armed Israeli Soldier.
About a eight hundred to thousand fans attended the gig from all across the South West. A few weren’t interested in talking to the protesters, and some obviously misunderstood the issues. One fan said “Johnny Rotten is an anarchist - so he’s not interested in politics!” But many others were very interested to engage and were keen to explain they were Palestine sympathisers. Comments like “I really support what you’re doing, Johnny Lydon needs to reconsider his Tel Aviv gig” Or “I really agree with you, I’m totally on the side of the Palestinians” One fan asked advice from protesters about ways to visit Palestine to help with the olive harvest! Another fan donated a spare ticket so one of the protesters could go in and shout slogans during the performance.
Full Story | Rotten Row Kicks Off in Bristol
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The event was organised by the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign www.bristolpsc.info.
A spokesperson said “We are delighted by the turnout this evening. Bristol has very special links with Palestine and local people are very aware of what’s happening there. We’re glad that Johnny Rotten played his first gig here so we could organise a really vigorous picket. We hope we’ve shown that everywhere he plays on his tour there will be a protest until he listens properly to the issues”
Campaigners are encouraging fans to contact Johnny Lydon to express their views on the following email addresses:-
Johnny’s website: sfs@johnlydon.com
His agent: adam.cotton@outside-org.co.uk
His company: info@pilofficial.com
They can also join the Facebook page “Johnny Rotten you ain’t no human being if u play the Israeli fascist regime” which is already attracting hundreds of members see http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=137938606218216
There is now a growing national campaign seeking to dissuade artists from supporting Israel.
Artists who have already cancelled gigs in Israel include:- Carlos Santana, Elvis Costello, The Pixies, The Klaxons, The Gorillas, and Gil Scott-Heron.
Dustin Hoffman & Meg Ryan are boycotting the Israeli film festival.
Last week Pink Floyd reunited for a Palestine awareness benefit concert in Oxfordshire to raise money for young Palestinians.
An open letter from students and academics in Gaza released on Monday appealed to John Lydon to “Rise against Racism”
See http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?...16146
It points out that John Lydon and his band PIL recorded a song in the 1980’s in support of the anti-apartheid campaign against the regime in South Africa
Palestine campaigners say “We would like to think that John Lydon hasn’t forgotten his principles of that era. Does he know that South Africans say that the Palestinians are now suffering a worse form of apartheid than even they did in the eighties? Hasn’t John heard of the Wall, the brutal carve-up of the West Bank, the war crimes against Lebanon and Gaza, or the Mavi Marmara? ”
A spokesperson for Bristol-Palestine Solidarity Campaign said
“Come on Johnny, don’t be rotten, don’t play Israel!
Why are you supporting an apartheid state?
Don’t you know about more than forty years of illegal occupation, the Wall, or the war-crimes in Gaza?
We’re calling on you’re fans to tell you loud and clear – don’t support Israel.
Cancel your Tel Aviv gig and heed the Palestinian call for boycott.
Actions are being planned across the country. See tour details at: http://www.johnlydon.com/tourdates.html
Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign are planning to picket Rotten’s gig. They have also set up a Facebook page which is already attracting hundreds of posts from fans see http://www.leedsmusicforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=32013
Protests are planned in Liverpool, and Scotland and throughout the country
See http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/jul/20/palestine-p...s-gig
See also excellent article by David Cronin in the Guardian on Wednesday 21st July
“John Lydon’s rotten poltics”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jul/21/joh...nians
ENDS
Tatchell dedicates his honorary doctorate to Mansoor Osanloo
23-07-2010 09:18
The prominent Iranian labour activist Mansour Osanloo has been serving time in Prison under poor health conditions for a long timewhat happened to ~ the world we are trying to create
23-07-2010 08:22
its getting worse ~ not betterbristol needs something better than the current bindymedia that actually works ~ the notice-board and calender is still useful ~ but the comments section is worse than boring ~ more belligerant bellowing than real debate ~ what happened to the world we are trying to create?
in the beginning: ~ all that positive energy from lots of good people ~ and all those fine words and feelings years ago when bindymedia started ~ remember that first ~ public meeting ~ upstairs in the hatchet?
but now ~ where are the bindymedia vols ~ why have they allowed bindymedia to be dragged into the gutter by one or two reactionary old capitalists with too much free time on their hands ~ what happened to the banning of anyone who gets 5 posts hidden in one month ~ why is the name-shifting prolific poster still getting away with trashing every thread ~ how does it get away with taking every thread off topic ~ easier for the volunteers to hide this than to deal with causes perhaps? ~ bristol activists and the planet itself needs something that works better than bindymedia currently does ~ is it goodbye bristol indymedia ~ it used to be valuable ~ useful and important ~ full of potential ~ now the comments section is mostly boring and effectively useless ~ the planet is in deep man-made shit, we have lots of work to do ~ plenty of people in brizzle working for positive and sustainable future ~ but bindymedia comments section has become almost an irrelevance to any serious activist ~ any so-called discussion is superficial and moves nothing forward ~ :)
The Hunger Striker of Parliament Square
23-07-2010 06:32
Len Miskulin on hunger strike in Parliament Square since 26 June 2010. He has been campaigning for fathers and children’s rights and is a founder member of 'Live Beat Dads UK'.
http://www.demotiximages.com/news/393634/hunger-striker-parliament-square-2010
Full article | 2 additions | 13 comments
Stop the English Defence Leaguein Blackpool next week!
23-07-2010 06:21
Mr Ian Tomlinson you will never be and must not be forgotten
23-07-2010 05:09
The other day at an important London wide organising meeting, just 5 people. Then at the Colin Ward memorial ( and i was a fan so I am not knocking Ward) over 200! I utterly fail to comprehend people who profess any sort of revolutinary or radical politics and then do not do anything, or fuck all, about it. whats the point? No doubt they can all qouteLegalise Cannabis 2010
23-07-2010 02:31
Join Glasgow's annual march and rally calling for the legalisation of cannabis and the end of the pointless and unwinnable "War on Drugs".
Only months ago, the government proved once again that drugs policy in the UK is based on media lies rather than scientific evidence and harm reduction.
Nick Griffin humiliated in confrontation with Peter Tatchell
23-07-2010 01:25
Have you seen the footage of Peter Tatchell confronting Nasty Nick Griffin this week?Courageous nonviolent action exposes BNP as cowards and fools.