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April Fools day of disobedience in Manchester

imc | 02.04.2003 12:43

In Manchester, April Fools day saw a number of anti-war actions taking place around the city.

Occupation of News International office
Around 20 people occupied the News International office in Piccadilly to protest against the Times and Sun newspapers pro-war coverage of the war

Rusholme Against the War
A small group of 5 or 6 people from Rushome Against the War gathered in Platt fields. They were accompanied by nine vans of riot police and two cop cars. Glad to see our taxes aren't being wasted!
 http://www.rusholmeaction.4t.com/

Pedal for Peace Critical Mass
Around 40 cyclists took a tour of petrol stations around south Manchester. BP, Texaco and Shell garages were in turn blockaded before the group moved into town to join the All Saints demonstration. The action attempted to draw motorists attention to the link between oil companies and the war in Iraq. Though many motorists weren't happy with being slowed down others waved and beeped in solidarity and we generally had a lot of support.

March from All Saints
Around two hundred people gathered at All Saints Park but police turnout probably topped that - vans, cars, horses, surveilence teams, tactical support. The crowd eventually negotiated a route which was first cleared of traffic and general public by the police.

imc
- Homepage: http://www.blairsafool.org.uk/index.htm

Comments

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graffitti news international

02.04.2003 14:14

News International on Piccadilli. Isn't that the big white buiding opposite Malmaison on Piccaddilli?

What lovely white walls for some graffitii and the like.

spray can

News International

02.04.2003 15:23

There were more than 20 people at the news international occupation, more like 30-35 mainly comprised of students from Manchester University. They gained entrance perfectly legally (walked in through the door) and occupied the offices peacefully. Literature was handed out to staff, and a good mood prevailed - that is, until the police (scum/filth/cunts) turned up. Once informed that they had no legal basis to arrest or remove the occupying masses (perfectly true) they told the informee 'you're first', and when asked for their numbers, names and stations, told the questioner 'you're next', refusing to provide him with the information he was legally entitled to. As a premise to give the illegal removal of the occupiers some legitimaticy, the guy in charge informed the occupiers that he had been informed by a member of staff that some damage had been done to a door on the way in and that if they didn't move, people would be liable to arrest on 'suspicion of criminal damage'. This damage was a fabrication until a policeman was seen to damage a door, once the occupiers had been forcibly removed at great pain to many who had their limbs and heads twisted until they felt they'd snap, all highlighting the illegality of the police's actions.

Rather than be dismayed, it was extremely pleasing to see the police reduced to the status of petty criminals - even more pleasing to note that with all the riot vans on the streets they thought they had April 1st covered but obviously didn't as the successful actions of the occupiers showed.

Lessons learned - use your brains - plan ahead, and keep it secret!

Mr Nibbs

Murdoch makes a tasty target

03.04.2003 15:49

Nice to see someone targetting a real scum bastard like Murdoch, rather than the poor besieged BBC yet again. News International have got to be one of the nastiest of all the global propoganda specialists, and they do a good line in attacking trade unionists too. Nice action.

la la