$Hell Blockade Belfast

In an action to highlight the connections between our economy hooked on oil & the war in Iraq the $Hell Petrol station on Great Victoria Street (the most central city petrol station) was blockaded for one and a half hours by 40 people during ‘rush/(snail) hour traffic. 8 activists using lock-ons blockaded the two entrances to the station as a ‘No Blood for Oil’ banner was dropped from the forecourt canopy.

Banners & subvertisement proclaimed ‘this petrol station is closed due to war’, ‘we apologise for the death of innocent civilians’; & many portrayed an Iraqi child with a petrol pump held to his head. Anti war messages were scrawled on the forecourt, around the petrol pumps and chalked out body outlines. Easter Bunnies against the war also made a special appearance.

There was quite a lot of support from passing traffic honking their horns in support, a siren blaring fire engine even honked as it whizzed by, (only 2 cars & a lorry tried to breach the blockade, one petrol addicted motorist threatening to drive over activists). Several passers by stopped to give support & joined in on the action.

Media turned out from BBC, GMTV, & local newspapers, & more importantly d.i.y. media in the form of Northern Visions 100.6 FM reported on the action.

The cops seemed a bit baffled by it all, only 5 in total turned out and they spent most of their time standing about talking to each other unsure of what to do. They remained pretty chilled out throughout the action in spite of getting increasingly frustrated by answers to the question of ‘who’s in charge here’.

Other Petrol Companies to follow………

Photos coming soon.

Earlier at 4pm group of about 40 people staged a protest at the US Consulate at Queen Street. Wasn’t there so can’t say too much about it.

On going anti war activity in Belfast since the outbreak of war in Iraq has included with shadow painting (body outlines), spray painting, stickering and postering subvertising throughout the city as well as the civil disobedience sit downs, die ins, marches and vigils reported elsewhere on Indymedia.

Tomorrow 5pm Bikes Not Bombs, Critical Mass Bike Rally for Peace Meet Front of City Hall.

‘Our Kitchen’ Monthly Gathering for people who want to change the world, an opportunity to network with individuals & groups involved in anarchism, environmentalism, peace activism & a whole host of other non hierarchal stuff, takes place at the earlier time of 7pm Wed 2nd April in the Resource Space downstairs at Giros (1-5 Donegal Lane/opposite the Front Page Bar close to Irish News Office). Come along & get involved in more actions.

This is followed by Peace Cabaret, music/poetry/circus/et al, money to anti war funds & humanitarian aid to Iraq. Adm £4 including food.