Ahmed Menguini has been arrested during a demo for free movement of the Strasbourg bordercamp on July 24th, and is since in solitary confinement, only allowed to see his lawyer. He is accused of insulting a policeman and breaking his hand shortly after having been teargassed. He denies the accusations. His trial is on Wednesday, the 21st.

Concerned about him, we wanted to show our support. Best place would have been the French embassy, but since we all seem to be in daytime jobs, we had to find another place, which would be open in the evening. The French Institute seemed the most appropriate location - an official institution of the French Government, sponsored by Air France and Eurostar (both involved in immigration policies).

Well, the French Institute had been secretly evacuated due to summer-holidays (no mention of THAT on their phone or website!).
So the anglo-french panel picnic had to take place outside the building. We raised our wine glasses for a toast to freedom of expression in France which was a bit difficult because our mouths were gagged :-(
But the real toast goes to Ahmed and all those who were charged during the Strasbourg noborder camp, along with a promise to the embassy that we will turn up there if he is not released tomorrow.

Picnic-subsection of the London Noborder Group