There was a massive press build up to May Day this year.
The police threatened to use rubber bullets and to shoot
protesters, appeals were made by the police, the Mayor of London, the Home Secretary and Prime Minister for people to stay away, and 'zero tolerance' policing was imposed. Not surprisingly a total of 96 people have been arrested. 92 were arrested on May Day and 4 since, an indication that arrests may continue (see below). Of those arrested about half have been charged, some people are on police bail whilst the police try to gather evidence and some people have been told that there will be no further action. Some of those in court so far are charged with minor offences - possession of cannabis, possession of offensive weapons or bladed articles (particularly those leaving the squatted convergence centre who had to take all their belongings and those of others) and
refusal to unmask (including refusing to remove sunglasses and a baseball cap).

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES Did you see anyone being arrested or injured on Mayday? If so LDMG wants to hear from you, as this information may assist a persons defence or civil claim for damages. Please get in touch with the persons name or, if you do not know their name, an accurate time and location so that we can match it to a particular person. It is easier and
quicker for us if you send an e-mail in the first instance. Please include your phone number. Also if you know anyone who was arrested who has not contacted us, we would like to hear from them.

FURTHER ARRESTS??? We hope that there will be no further arrests, but the experience of J18, N30 and Mayday 2000 suggests otherwise. Already 'wanted' photos have appeared in at least one newspaper. Watch out for more in newspapers and on the net. If you see someone you know, let them know. If you are arrested then please remember you only have to give a
name and address. Say ìno commentî to all other questions and get a good solicitor, either one you have used before or those on the bust card - Richard Parry at Blavo & Co 07979 911082 or Moss & Co 020 8986 8336.
Don't panic & don't talk - you'll soon be out.

DROP THE CHARGES On 2nd May LDMG issued a press release criticising the policing of Mayday Monopoly and arguing that the Crown Prosecution Service should drop all the charges. This was only picked up on by Sky TV and, as none of us have a dish, we do not know if it was ever broadcast.

 ldmg@altavista.com