UK Indymedia - UK Newswire Archive

Lib- Dem apologists

26-09-2012 20:55

Calais: Evictions, mass arrests and a mass road blockade

26-09-2012 19:02

URGENT APPEAL: blankets, sleeping bags, tents, waterproofs, warm clothes etc. desperately needed as the police keep destroying everything. The manhunt continues, under the pouring rain. Complete list of materials needed and contacts below.

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ABC Prisoner Art Tour Arrives In London

26-09-2012 18:55

A Prisoner Art Exhibition, collected and co-ordinated by Anarchist Black Cross (ABC) groups and allies, has now arrived at Colorama #2 (or C2), South London, as it begins a year-long tour visiting over a dozen venues across England, Wales and Ireland.

Opposite the old Colorama Cinema, C2 is fast becoming a hub of activity as residents transform the office block and ground level warehouse into an anarchist social centre, while hosting the start of the ABC art tour for approximately 10 days. It will then move onto Britain's largest anarchist bookshop Freedom Press, in Whitechapel, before being displayed at the London Anarchist Bookfair in the University of London on October 27th.

Featuring 32 pieces from seven current and past prisoners, including well-known artist Lucy Edkins and Phil Africa from the MOVE family, the exhibition shows the artistic talent of those behind bars, as well as highlighting the political cases of the prisoners themselves.

From collaboration between Bristol & London ABC, the art exhibition aims to be an extension of solidarity to those behind bars, as part of the many ways to support prisoners. The Anarchist Black Cross has been a banner name for prison abolition for over a century, with groups in the UK re-forming in the 1960's, and now a global network of anarchist prisoner support groups.

Commenting on the art exhibition in July 2012, Ben Gunn a recently released lifer who spent 33 years inside said; "In attempting to see into the darkest corners of the states activities, we are privileged to have the spotlight provided by prison artists... Struggling to obtain their bare tools for creativity they tower above their captivity to reveal their unique perspective - I hope that their art invites you to think - and be moved to ACT."

Full tour details to come very soon, watch this space!

Now - October 6th: COLORAMA #2, 44-58 Lancaster Street, Southwark, SE1 0RP (Viewings 2-6pm)*
October 7th - 26th: FREEDOM BOOKSHOP, Angel Alley, 84b Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX (Mon-Sat: 12-6pm, Sun: 12-4pm)
October 27th: LONDON ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS (Open from 10am until 6pm)

*the building with the double doors, ring the string bell round the left of the entrance

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Letter from American Under arrest in Israel asking for Solidarity

26-09-2012 17:18

Asking for Solidarity and Support

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G4S vehicle's sabotaged

26-09-2012 16:55

In the early hours of this morning in South Nottingham two G4S vehicles came a cropper. We slashed their tires, stripped their paint, and snapped off their exgaust pipes.

Why would we do this? Out of disgust for the ways in which G4S are encroaching on our lives, as they profit from this prison world.

From the prisons and detention centres they run, which they endlessly seek to expand into our day to day existance. They now run accomodation for refugees and asylum seekers in Nottingham and the East of England, meaning that those that have been kidnapped, tortured and imprisoned by G4S now have G4S as their landlords.

We know that this will not be the end of this G4S will come after all social housing, as they dutifully obey the rules of this society of control. Where the goals are too have the working class monitored, categorised and punished at all times. G4S are not the reason for this, they are merely a vehicle for capitalists to make their profit from. But they are a mercenary bunch of thugs who should be challenged at every front by those of us whose lives they wish to seize. Fuck them, because they try to hurt us. Fuck them for attacking our communities. Fuck them for the devastation they have caused. Fuck them we will fight back, us petty vandals, us angry fools, us untamed vagrants.

This one goes out to the kids, the ones who kick back against authoirty at every turn. This one goes out to our sisters and brothers who are locked away, we don't forget you, we never will.

Til every cage is empty, and we're beating the capitalist bosses with the metal bars.

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September 26, General Strike in Greece

26-09-2012 15:31

Timeline:

http://en.contrainfo.espiv.net/2012/09/26/greece-september-26th-general-strike-constant-updates/

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Wet but successful picket against gun dealers H&K

26-09-2012 14:55

On the morning of September 26th, half a dozen activists braved the steady downpour to inform people attending the Council's "Good Health in Hard Times?" event (at Trent Vineyard) that next door was a gun dealer - Heckler & Koch.

The weather was miserable, but it was one of the best and most successful pickets so far, with many, many leaflets given out to people attending the conference.

As sure as eggs are eggs, Trent Vineyard staff came out and asked us to move from where we were, directly outside the building, to the main gate entrance. Not only were we on - horror of horrors - private property, but we were also "disrupting" their "business". Yes, you read it right, their business. Interesting a church calling itself a business. Many of us old-time activists and lefties have long since thought that is exactly what they are, it's just the first time we've heard a church representative say so. Another reason they gave was that we were causing a traffic hold-up at the car park entrance, thus putting ourselves at risk. We weren't of course. Traffic flow was very steady and continual but in dribs and drabs, hardly of M1 proportions.

Anyway, in a neat two-way action, some of our group stood at the main gate entrance on Lenton Lane and the rest stayed at the entrance to the car park. Banners were displayed alongside the people handing out leaflets. Initially, some of the 'security' tried standing in our way as we handed out flyers but, bless 'em, they really didn't have the heart for it and soon dropped that in favour of directing cars into parking spaces. They were non-confrontational, far different to the reaction you usually get from regular security staff in other places, and far, far different to how the cops always are.

The group standing by the main gate had the most success, with almost every car stopping to take a leaflet or two. In fact, there was sometimes a short tailback onto Lenton Lane. As is usually the case when people learn of the filthy business conducted by Heckler & Koch on this 'quiet little industrial estate', most expressed shock and surprise at not knowing what was going on there and were clearly disturbed to find out.

However, the most gratifying aspect of the whole picket came just as we were about to leave. A taxi driver fella parked at the side of the road next to us, praising us for doing what we are doing, expressing his shock and disgust on learning of a gun factory being there, and saying things like 'There is far too much killing in the world as it is, and these people are selling more guns from here?', and 'I'm glad you people are here telling others about this, it's all wrong, it's all wrong'. Before he left us he took a handful of flyers to hand around people he knew. As he drove away he was still shaking his head in disbelief.

This is why we carry on picketing. When there are just a couple or so of us on the regular monthly picket it can be a bit disheartening at times, but that fella alone showed why we have to carry on doing it. While the majority of the citizens of Nottingham know nothing about the existence of gun dealers and merchants of death and destruction on their doorstep, we must carry on doing it and bringing it to the attention of as many folks as possible.

Finally, we noticed on the way out that some very naughty person has spray-painted 'H & K, Guns for Sale' on the blank space by Unit 3 on the big sign at the entrance to the site. It was a bit runny and smudgy and certainly not of professional sign-writing standard, but then it was probably done in a hurry - but is no less effective for that.

Heckler and Koch, merchants of death, are at Unit 3, Easter Park, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2PX. They are the world's second largest manufacturer of handguns, assault rifles, submachine guns, machine guns and grenade launchers.

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#25s and #volvemos26s at Spanish Embassy London

26-09-2012 14:55

15M London Assembly convened to mobilize on September 25 in front of the Spanish Embassy in London, in support of the protests held in Madrid on the same day and other cities.

We conducted solidarity a moment of silence and discussion (content, action, coordination). Following events and decisions in Madrid we are back today:

Wednesday September 26.... See you back in front of the Spanish Embassy in London (SW1X 8SB)

We will be from 6 pm.

Here you can find information on how to get: http://www.15mlondon.org/actions/25-de-septiembre-estaremos-frente-a-la-embajada

Also the facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/162469157210125/

https://twitter.com/15mlondon

www.15MLondon.org

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Everyone to the Stacks! Some Contradictions of the Squatted Library

26-09-2012 14:22

Some thoughts occasioned by the occupation of the Friern Barnet library and the ways in which volunteer-run projects could end up supporting the Tories' 'Big Society'.

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Scottish Census case against Barbara Dowling adjourned again

26-09-2012 14:20

The case against peace activist Barbara Dowling on a criminal charge of failing to comply with the 2011 Census was scheduled for Tuesday 25 September but has now been adjourned again until 19 Feb 2013, 10am, at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

In Scotland, a large contract for the census was awarded to CACI Ltd, British subsidiary of a US-based defence contractor implicated in serious human rights violations at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq for which it faces no criminal sanctions although some former Abu Ghraib prisoners are bringing a civil lawsuit against the company in the US. Nearly 200,000 households in Scotland failed to return the 2011 Census questionnaire as required by law, many in protest at CACI's involvement, but just five prosecutions have been brought.

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Drilling for Co2 under the towers of San Gimignano !!

26-09-2012 12:58

San Gimignano- Certaldo . Tuscany Italy
Local people are incredulous that their Town council should approve such a project which totally goes against the policies being implemented by the rest of Europe where Governments and local authorities are making strenuous efforts to reduce the amount of CO2 by, for example, burying it under the ground.

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Census case against Jane Howarth dismissed

26-09-2012 10:08

In August, the case against Jane Howarth by the Crown Prosecution Service on behalf of the Office for National Statistics over the 2011 Census was dismissed by District Judge Gray on the first day of a two day long trial at Exeter Magistrates Court after a number of pretrial hearings and adjournments in this case that had been ongoing since the beginning of the year. Evidence contained in the prosecution witness statements didn't support the summons and in court the witnesses lied as well as contradicting their own statements.

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6-13 October: Drones Week of Action Events

26-09-2012 08:42

The Drone Campaign Network's Week of Action is part of International Keep Space for Peace Week. Here is a list of events: to let us know of an event not listed here please email us.

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27 Sep: Veterans for Peace Protest Drones at Gen. Atomics in San Diego & London

26-09-2012 07:32

General Atomics is the manufacturer of the Reaper UAV in service with the US and UK military. The Reaper has been used in numerous attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and other countries. People targeted by these weapons have been killed from above without warning and without due legal process. Numerous entirely innocent people including women and children have been killed by these weapon systems.

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3 British Citizens & 1 American Beaten by Army and Imprisoned in Israel

26-09-2012 06:46

Four international volunteers were captured by the Israeli army during a protest in the Occupied Palestinian Territories on Friday. Two of the activists, which include one American and three British nationals, were kicked and choked by soldiers. A third sustained injuries to her arms while being arrested in the West Bank village of Kufr Qeddoum.

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Debt Forgiveness Or Death!

26-09-2012 04:36

These are the only two choices for the global elite as history does not lie.

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#25s Madrid: We are not afraid - All must go!

26-09-2012 02:55

[With several london folks out in Madrid filming today's 25s protest, here's a quick roundup of what happened]

Despite attempts to criminalise and repress the movement ahead of the 25s 'surround the parliament' protest, thousands of people followed the call and marched from different points to blockade the Madrid congress for several hours, chanting "we are not afraid". After some pulled at the security cordon fences riot police attacked the crowd with batons and later rubber bullets. Clashes continued with many people injured and thousands driven from the square, however some managed to stay with many resisting and sitting down until midnight and resolved to return at 7pm tomorrow (26s). Clashes also occurred elsewhere with police beatings and arrests. Estimates put arrests at 26 and around 60 treated for injuries with 30 or so taken to hospital. Further protests took place in Barcelona and other cities.

Diaganol Timeline | Web fotos [2] Another timeline | El Pais liveblog

See also: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/sep/25/spain-public-financial-coup

PHOTOS: http://www.20minutos.es/galeria/8908/0/0/25-S/manifestacion/rodea-congreso/
http://fotos.lainformacion.com/asuntos-sociales/en-directo-fotos-desde-las-manifestaciones-del-25s_F_X6YTL3xFswIV5jYs3iEQm2/
http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2012/09/25/album/1348574023_950325.html#1348574023_950325_1348584395
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.447142025328291.95596.258039744238521&type=3
http://www.rtve.es/mediateca/fotos/20120925/25-s-marchas-para-rodear-congreso/101558.shtml

TIMELINE:

9:00 Masive polie opperation throughout Madrid's city center with a very high cost of public money. Report from eldiario.es: http://www.eldiario.es/politica/despliegue-policial-costara-personal-euros_0_51095375.html

9:00 The buses from Barcelona, Zaragoza and Motril (confirmed ones) have been stopped and the police registered the passengers.
Images:http://elventano.blogspot.com.es/2012/09/la-policia-retiene-autobuses-del-25-s.html
http://motrildigital.blogia.com/2012/092501--el-autobus-de-los-indignados-de-motril-desviado-por-los-geos-a-getafe-para-iden.php
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FynZhIVd7l4&feature=youtu.be

10:00 The Conselleria de Eduació de la Generalitat (Catalan government's education ministery) has been occupied by high school students.

11:48 A bus from Barcelona retained at 10km from Zaragoza. The police them is confiscating Anonymous masks, banners and a camera.- 20 Minutes in vivo@20mdirecto "in Zaragoza, the police has detained a bus of the #25S and have identified and caching to those who traveled", comments @PepePazYdesarmehttp://elventano.blogspot.com.es/2012/09/la-policia-retiene-autobuses-del-25-s.html

11:53 1,500 police surrounding the congress.

12:09 The police returned the only confiscated banner and let the bus continue. Images:htt p ://pic.twitter.com/R5skLQK6

12:18 Bus from Valencia arrived well.

12:31 First performance in Plaza España, there's a lot of police in the place. https://twitter.com/fgarrobo/status/250543073157849089/photo/1
https://twitter.com/al_segundo/status/250542321496633344/photo/1

12:33 Large crowd is gathering at the Cuesta de Moyano, Atocha, paseo del prado:http://msilvestre.tumblr.com/post/32254207111/hoyes25s?og=1&amp A lot of police at Neptuno (w/ a unit of dogs) press and some people: http://twitter.yfrog.com/oe7v1boej

12:50 Photo: Policeman with HK G36 assault rifle, 5,56mm in top of Reina Sofia museum
https://twitter.com/alexgutiperez/status/250547935228592128/photo/1/large

13:04 Police is asking for identification to the all the people near the Congress.

13:40 https://twitter.com/afrilun/status/250559324303273985/photo/1

13:50 The police stopped some buses from Valladolid, Malaga and Salamanca
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=392156&l=5b83292a19&id=164073917059555

14:00 Police document of the seizure of a Guy Fawkes mask:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=525158394177476&set=a.224513557575296.74632.222880381071947&type=1&relevant_count=1

15:22 People continues gathering, everything is calm https://twitter.com/fgarrobo/status/250554749181652992/photo/1

16:00Empiezan las asambleas informativas previstas en Plaza de españa España:
http://bambuser.com/v/3008435
Prado: http://bambuser.com/v/3008445

https://twitter.com/apuente/status/250578902290948097

16:36 One arrested in Neptuno square, near Prado.
http s://twitter.com/El_Diagonal/status/250610187419926529
He was shouting against the infiltrator policemen. Infiltrators: https://twitter.com/Enidal/status/250586915487760384/photo/1

17:15 People is gathering in front og the Andalucia's parliament.
https://twitter.com/Artatxo/status/250613793208532992/photo/1

17:16 Marches are ready to go, Plaza España just started. They'll meet in Congreso.

17:28 Demonstrators block the Gran Via avenue.
https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250619955484188673/photo/1
http://twitter.yfrog.com/h3yledwj https://twitter.com/JordiAros/status/250619970625630208/photo/1
http://twitter.yfrog.com/kge1lgzj

17:37 The bus from Basque Country just arrived. https://twitter.com/DRYmadrid/status/250618214298554371

17:39 The march from Prado is surrounding the police line blocking the Congress
https://twitter.com/Nitsuga000/status/250619557742518272 And people is still arriving
https://twitter.com/Nitsuga000/status/250620021745782785/photo/1

17:41 The police arrested a person who jumped over the fence.
https://twitter.com/Nitsuga000/status/250620970845478912/photo/1

17:46 Neptuno square taken by the people
https://twitter.com/Nitsuga000/status/250622463782838274/photo/1
https://twitter.com/Nitsuga000/status/250621599949139968/photo/1
https://twitter.com/Nitsuga000/status/250624073556709377
https://twitter.com/juanlusanchez/status/250624534879813633/photo/1
https://twitter.com/Cafeinomania/status/250626575354187776/photo/1

18:05 The police cuts Canalejas st. and blocks the march to Plaza España.

18:13Última hora #25Sbcn imagenes de como esta el parlamento:
https://twitter.com/Acampadabcn/status/250627187990986752/photo/1/large
Parlament: https://twitter.com/Eldaoron/status/250632055526916096/photo/1

Many people gatering in Barcelona. Rumours: Many police controls in Barcelona, seems like they're only daily routine.The police asked for identification to people near Ciutadella.
https://twitter.com/Eldaoron/status/250632055526916096/photo/1

18:17 Released a video from Düsseldorf in solidarity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCmKm3D6r6A

18:23Más gente se reune en el parlamento andaluz.
Imagenes https://twitter.com/DRYmadrid/status/250633374396473344

Even more people gathering in front of the Andalucia's parliament.
Images https://twitter.com/DRYmadrid/status/250633374396473344

In Madrid the police hides the guns because of the pressure of the people.
https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250631588184989697

18:28 The march from Plaza España reaches Sol sq and it's headed to the Congress by the other side, where there are already demonstrators.http://bambuser.com/v/3008927 http://twitter.yfrog.com/kkynjclj

18:34 The march from Plaza España leaves Sol and goes to the Congress.https://twitter.com/Vaneveo/status/250633378645291008/photo/1
http://twitter.yfrog.com/kkynjclj
https://twitter.com/El_Plural/status/250628799400660993/photo/1
Images from Barcelona arrived:https://twitter.com/Acampadabcn/status/250632795163078657/photo/1/large

18:35 Tension in Sevilla, the police showed some rubber bullet guns to charge
https://twitter.com/Artatxo/status/250633106141347840/photo/1
More people arrives to Barcelona:https://twitter.com/SantsTV/status/250633632849489921/photo/1
The police cuts Preciados st. and the march goes by Alcalá st.
https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250635943491555329/photo/1

18:36 The police is blocking the way between Canalejas and the Congress, they blocked 100 to 200 demonstrators inside.The Congreso right now: https://twitter.com/Fgarea/status/250634842457378816/photo/1

18:45 In Barcelona demnstrators yell at the deputeeshttp://bambuser.com/v/3008987

18:47 "Here they're are with armor on, and on the other corner they're not." - translation of streamer

18:52 Some politicians just broke the kettling and went into the demo
https://twitter.com/carlosbardem/status/250638222386925568

18:53 More people in Neptuno sq.http://pic.twitter.com/gOCIckJH

18:56 The politicians that broke the kettling are now inside the kettling
https://twitter.com/antoniombeltran/status/250633585059590145/photo/1

19:00 Barricades are broken down by crowd, one officer beating protesters with their hands up in the air.Charges in Neptuno sq.The police went out of the line and a group went isolated.

19:04 First arrested people by police in Madrid
http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20120925/congreso-amanece-blindado-policia-protesta-del-25s/564903

19:05 Extreme brutality by the police. People being dragged on the floor, batons, many arrested.https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250642916660346880/photo/1/large

19:07 In Canalejas st. the police took out their identifications, looks like a charge.

19:09 The people sits with the hands up, the police goes back.
https://twitter.com/search/%23SinMiedo25s/slideshow/photos?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitpic.com%2Fay9z66

19:12 The police is breaking the demonstration with vans and brutality.
https://twitter.com/tiro_t2000/status/250642969944809473/photo/1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTQVAw3Is30
https://twitter.com/Igualitarista/status/250644127241363458/photo/1
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246792_383595425046095_1165582562_n.jpg

19:14un hombre mayor con la cabeza abierta herido por la policia ayuda a calmar los ánimos
https://twitter.com/Igualitarista/status/250644127241363458/photo/1/large
Cada vez llega mas gente https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250664377546584064/photo/1

19:19 The ambulance is taking people in stretchers.
https://twitter.com/cgttelemadrid/status/250646596956602368

19:21 The police split the demonstration in 2 in front of fences. Crowd is one mass behind them.
http://instagram.com/p/QAaviOJgV4/

19:25 Neptuno sq. after the nonsense charges for create tension
https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250647728252678144/photo/1

19:38 Discongreso frisbe action underway see:https://yovoy25s.wordpress.com/discongreso/

19:55 Human chain to avoid the reinforcement vans pass through.
https://twitter.com/isaachacksimov/status/250653798417174528/photo/1
https://twitter.com/isaachacksimov/status/250653237659705344/photo/1

20:02 Human chain reaches Sol sq.
https://twitter.com/isaachacksimov/status/250656298847330305/photo/1/large

20:03 Some little charges. The people sits down and resist.

20:04Seguimiento del #25s en una pantalla situada en el Pilar de Zaragoza, apoyando a lxs compañerxs en lucha en Madrid http://pic.twitter.com/HAmiGpj0
https://twitter.com/acampadazgz/status/250655245867290624/photo/1/large

20:12 Released the entire video of the charges:
http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20120925/congreso-amanece-blindado-policia-protesta-del-25s/564903.shtml

20:12 (Fuente: http://www.publico.es/espana/442909/el-25s-en-directo-nueva-carga-policial-en-neptuno-con-varios-detenidos - Some sources confirmed to Publico that right now there are 9 people arrested. EFE said there are nine injured.

20:13 The human chain reaches the ministery of education.http://twitpic.com/ayadw4

20:17 Some journalists were forced to be inside the perimeter "for safety" http://pic.twitter.com/llr4J2fx

20:18 The human chain extends itself to all the streets in downtownhttp://pic.twitter.com/Dw7XHfQa

20:19 Charges in Hotel Palace, journalists on the floor. Solfónica group is starts the show in Cerarcos st.
https://twitter.com/Arganda15m/status/250660721887703040/photo/1

20:26 Streaming #Barcelona: http://bambuser.com/v/3008987 #25sBcn | Streaming #Sevilla: http://bambuser.com/v/3009206 #Sevilla25s | #SinMiedo25s Una persona más arrestada.

20:26 One more person arrested.

20:27 The government, says Europa Press, talks about 15 people arrested in total.

20:30 The police is chaging again in Sol. Seems not hard. Police broke a camera.

20:30 Mucha gente en Plaza del Sol (http://t.co/xZd0uRoh)
(Fuente: https://twitter.com/radiocable/status/250666199355125761)

20:39 The human chain still grows https://twitter.com/eldiarioes/status/250665728984883200/photo/1
https://twitter.com/m_domenech/status/250664566147653633/photo/1
20.42 FOTO aérea: Miles de personas siguen concentradas en Neptuno, absolutamente lleno.
http://pic.twitter.com/To4LARVC

20:43 Published the image of the fences pulled http://skp00.epimg.net/Imagenes/5E/71/1348598234-e5d663375112818e92adc2bef28f240e.jpg

20:50 The human chain is complete surounding the Congress.

20:51 One person injured and arested by the police.

20:53 (Tiene tiempo por la luz) Policía agarrando a una chica

20:54 Charges, the police goes on in Neptuno. A group of people prepare shields in front of the police, some people ask for calm. More brutal charges and arrested people. Rubber bullets, people goes back. Some people injured a policeman caught charging into crowd too

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Transition Yourself

26-09-2012 02:54

Ideas from America on starting a Transition Town. Ruah Wennerfelt, Steve Chase & host Mark Helpsmeet in live stage conversation. Plus Greg Pahl, author of "Power from the People, How to Organize, Finance, and Launch Local Energy Projects." Max Keiser & Stacy Herbert on corporate corruption.

Full article | 1 comment

Veggies in the woods

25-09-2012 22:55

This weekend just passed, Nottingham based vegan catering campaign 'Veggies' was at Elvaston Country Park as part of a two day Woodland Festival event. Their ethical and delicious food, alongside a vibrant display of campaigning literature, ensured that there was a buzz around the stall throughout the weekend, with many members of the public choosing them in favour of other meat options at the festival. There were many appreciative comments about the fantastic veggie burgers, breakfast baps and cakes made by the Veggies team of dedicated volunteers.

A sunny Saturday was followed by a much colder and wetter Sunday, but this didn't stop the team's service with a smile and they kept the hot food and drinks flowing!

Alongside the food trailer, campaigners were busy raising awareness of important environmental and animal rights issues. Firstly, they were highlighting the benefits of a plant based diet for the sake of the animals, human health and the planet. There have been numerous undercover investigations into the UK farming industry and slaughterhouses, which have shown not only horrendous animal rights abuses, but also revealed the dangers to human health that comes from intensive factory farming. Furthermore, according to the United Nations, breeding and killing animals for food is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than is produced by the entire transport sector worldwide. Therefore, choosing a plant based diet is one of the best ethical decisions that a person can make. Campaigners were on hand to give out free vegan recipe booklets and information about making the steps to a more compassionate and ethical diet. Detailed information can be found on the Viva!, Animal Aid and Vegan Society websites, amongst others.

Another important focus of the campaigning on the day was to raise awareness of the imminent badger cull due to take place in parts of southern England. This cull has been given the green light despite massive amounts of public opposition and the fact that the science is not in favour of a cull. It is described as 'a trial' and a precursor to a nationwide cull of badgers in the near future. A far more 'science-based' cull was carried out a few years ago where badgers were trapped, shot and tested for TB in six different regions in England. Lord Krebbs and the Independent Scientific Group ran this trial and issued a report at the end of it. After 10 years’ work they concluded in 2007 that ‘badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain’. It even went farther to state that in some cases the cull could even make bovine TB worse. This was evident with the early suspension of the trial when cases of TB actually increased in the cull zones.

Alas, our beloved badger is being made into a political scapegoat to hide the true problem, which is that increasingly intensive farming methods are leading to outbreaks of disease, amongst animals and humans. Animal agriculture is simply unsustainable and unless people switch to a more plant based diet we will see increased incidences of things like E.coli, Salmonella and superbugs, and of course bovine TB amongst cattle.

Join Nottingham demonstrators for a peaceful protest on Thursday 27th September at Tesco's on Angel Row (opposite the Central Library) at 1pm, in opposition to Tesco purchasing milk from the cull zone. If you're not able to make this date then you can do your part by getting in touch with any of the supermarkets promoting the cull and telling them that you're boycotting their dairy products. Better still, have a more lasting impact by ditching the dairy altogether and trying a vegan lifestyle!

If you'd like to volunteer some time to Veggies at any of their upcoming events then this would also be much appreciated by them. Get in touch via their website: www.veggies.org.uk

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Direct Action in Belarus

25-09-2012 22:20

Anarchists in Belarus are getting ready to rumble with the regime again.