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Sambatastic at DSEi hotel Dinner

steve | 12.09.2003 09:40 | DSEi 2003 | Anti-militarism | Sheffield

The Samba band were fantastic at the DSEi protest last night

Last night a select group of DSEi arms dealers were treated to a special dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel at Lancaster Gate on the north side of Hyde Park.

Protests started at around 6.30ish in the evening for the dinner which was scheduled for 7pm. Around the same time a group of 25 cyclists made their way up Park Lane and then turned right at Marble Arch down Bayswater road toward the hotel. Though few in number this itself caused a huge traffic build up and hopefully would have delayed some of the delegates arrival.

They arrived at the hotel which is situated in the middle a huge traffic island and proceeded to do laps around this one way system. After a while the Samba Band dressed in pink and black marched out to join them and stopped right outside the front entrance. This was a mixture of Sheffield and London people I think. People danced and the atmosphere was great.

Then without any warning a line of black clad police charged the band and dancers ramming them up against the barriers they'd erected on the pavement. The cops were unhappy because the band was not in the designated protest area. This all seemed very unnecessary, not least because the road where the band played remainded closed.

The policing was very obviously aggressive. Talking to cops you could tell they weren't happy. Police photographers pointed cameras at everyone all evening to scare and intimidate people. What other point could there be to take photos of the same people over and over again. And then the government get all upset when people wear masks.

In the most violent incident I heard a woman on a bicycle was hit by batton and had to go to hospital with a probable broken arm.

All around the area van loads of cops clad in black obviously looking for a fight. Attempts to just talk to them were often met with pushing and shoving and general aggressive attitudes. I imagine this might have something to do with the massive success of yesterday with so few numbers - somewhat humilating for the police. After spending 2 million on policing (according to a local Newham paper) arms dealers were delayed, paint bombed and the East side of London was gridlocked for a while from the 'street party' if one could call it that. In addition the London Evening Standard's headline was something like 'massive security breach' which referred to around 8 activists who had got into the arms fair with fake passes. Very cool.

They've also been under attack from Liberty and others for invoking the Terrorism laws to search protesters. Ironic to say the least when one considers what the protests are about.

But despite the cops aggro-attitude the crowd remained non-violent throughout. At the attempts to scare and intimidate didn't work. Despite being outnumbered by the mammoth police presence the crowd remained calm and joyous.

I have to say the Samba band was absolutely great and played some great tunes keeping the atmophere really lively and happy. The band really shone out like a beacon of light and completely foiled the cops attempts to create a scary, dark and oppressive atmosphere.

What was perhaps most amazing last night was what can be achieved with so few numbers. We were around 350 at the most then dwindling to perhaps 150 later on.

By about 11pm everyone was ready to go and the cops did their usual trick of penning everyone in. It was a somewhat pointless - I guess they were worried we might go on huge riot or something. People were let out in dribs and drabs pretty quickly though with no searches and or photographing this time.

All in all a great evening that shows that some music and a defiant, unafraid attitude is more important than just pure numbers.

steve

Comments

Hide the following 12 comments

Sambatastic is Humongous! Defend the Sambatists.

12.09.2003 10:10

We need to look after our beautiful Sambatists. The peelers attacked them many times over the DESi week, using batons to beat them on the legs sometimes.

Next time you see a peeler do that, arrest the bastard using the minimum force necessary. It is perfectly legal to do this if you see a cop assaulting someone, by making a citizens arrest, but you must then take them to a police station for processing.

I would suggest if you are unable to take them to the local cop shop just cuff them, and call 999 report them and where they are by giving their number. The peelers themselves have shown us what the 'use of minimum force' means, so just follow their example.

The important point is that we need to have groups to defend the Samba girls (and boys), although they are tough as old boots, but the police carry and use lethal weapons and criminally assault defenceless people, so we can a samba defence units be formed. Just let them know you are going to be protecting them on the next action/ demo. I am sure they will be glad to receive the help.

Hamlet


I agree

12.09.2003 10:19

I assume that the citizens arrest point was tongue-in-cheek (!) but I agree with the samba defence point. I was amongst the band while it was being charged last night, and to be honest I didn't know exactly what the samba band wanted me to do. I tried to help by opening up a path through the police barriers, but I didn't really want to get in the way of whatever processes they have for defending themselves....I'd be happy to sit down and be briefed on what the consensus from the samba band about defence is, and then help them out.

Matt

Matt S


Tongue in Cheek

12.09.2003 10:40


Thanks for your constructive response Mat.

It may appear to be a mad idea to arrest a copper, but it is perfectly legal. It depends whether one can be arsed or what can be achieved by it.

Perhaps just slapping the bastard - by using the minimum force and in a defensive way of course - so he wont do again would be better. If he does it again then we send him to his bedroom and lock the door.

I would suggest that if you want to help stop the cops assaulting the Samba players, and uphold the law of the land, then just let the bad know you are there to do it. You can also use your own common sense to see what has to be done, but perhaps some simple guidelines can be given to those that are willing to help.

Anyway, this isn't down to me. It's for the Sambatatics to decide. I am just another actor on the anti-capitalist world stage.

Another possibility is to form your own Samba band, or tribal drum band, then you can lay down your own rules and your modus operandi. Get a bunch of enthusiastic novices, then find a music teacher and you will have your own Samba band in next to no time.

But be quick the state may out-law Samba in its next criminal justice bill. (Tongue placed in cheek!)


Hamlet


Great idea

12.09.2003 11:32

I will always consider this in future. Search for "citizen's arrest" on google for lots of info.

James Thorne


Road Stars and Riot Gloves

12.09.2003 11:55

I read the following on another forum:

"I was reading up on just why the ****er riot police appear so hyped in their riot gloves...  http://gear4locks.com/Defense/selfdefense.html

Its because their gloves have... "8 ounces of Fine Steel Shot Packed Into the Knuckles" ...

Anyway, appart from the other more worry items for sale are "Road Stars", whose catchy slogan is "Have a portable roadblock at your command", 8 for $19.99 sounds good.

Perhaps "Road Stars" might be a nice unmanned method of preventing certain vanloads of hyped up young men applying their 8 ounce boxing gloves to civilian protestors' faces. I would guess that tactically they would be distributed by very fast cyclists just in front of riot vans when they are unmanned and not travelling...or at junctions, and directly under parked riot van vehicles wheels. A wonderful prelude to a banned event. Looking for wholesale supplier."

This is not something I am advocating, of course. Apart from anything else, if these items were applied liberally throughout all city centres - we would achieve cleaner air within minutes, something we all want. These items are extremely clever, using the weight of the vehicle to puncture its own tyre, rather than applying force - an important safety consideration.

UK All Stars


BIG thanks from a sambista...and some handy hints!

12.09.2003 15:49

Whoops...hope I dont post this twice by accident apologies if I have.

As part of the London samba contingent I'd like to say thanks for the fantastic support shown on this thread and on the street.

There are a couple of things I can think of that would help sambistas exercising their legal right to protest :-) No doubt other sambistas have other ideas too.

One thing we're keen on is people to act as 'space creators' - peeps who can facilitate our movement through crowds or confined areas. Each situation is different but generally its about maintaining adiquate space. You can offer yourself to the 'mestre' (conductor) or anyone really at quiet points or before the start of an action, and they'll suggest what could be helpful. Basically the more easily we can move through a crowd the safer everyone is and the more effective we can be in mobilising that crowd.

Those with large drums always appreciate a bit of help with carrying them, but dont be hurt if you offer help and this help is turned down, it will be for a good reason and probably that person will need help later on, so keep an eye out for them.

And when the cops get rough...

Help with getting everyone especially those with large drums into a safer space - ensuring that people dont run into or through us, cos you can end up trampled on top of a drum, very very painful! Drummers can bring others down like dominos if they are pushed over. And if fighting on both sides starts we need to get out straightaway. Nothing's worse than being stuck between a riotcop and a young'un who fancies having a go, especially if you're attatched to something the size of a coffee table! CALM persistent de arresting is appreciated, I've been de arrested twice during the DSEI protests and was very greatful too.

Given the amount of violence directed at us weve been lucky that our injuries havent been worse - one dislocated knee, fingers bent backwards and punches to face and kidneys as well as several pointless arrests and personal harrassments. Our good luck has been a lot to do with people helping us out - lifting us bodily over crash barriers and helping struggling drummers to run with their drums. Thanks so much to everyone whos helped us over the last few days, weve kept the heavies on their toes and not let them intimidate us, everyones been looking after each other and that solidarity is something they can't prevent or control and makes us stronger than them.



phatpat
- Homepage: http://rhythmsofresistance.co.uk sheffieldsambaband.co.uk


Keep On Sambing!!

12.09.2003 18:23

Yep I agree with the first posting here; the samba band yesterday was absolutely fantastic, super strong and determined ... and to top it up playing great rhythms ... specially the drum'n'bass/ragga beats ... fantastic!!

Well done yesterday, and well done during the rest of the week!
An yes, lets make sure next time the samba is protected by a group of conductors - volunteers as the sambista above mentions.
Here's a volunteer :)
Saaaaammmba!

maquinavaja


Love to you all

12.09.2003 20:28

you see light against the darkness does work
well done and don't give up,get together and plan more suprise unexpected protests,don't announce liase insecret they watch all these sights form menwith hill that's how the police always pre empt protestors,but don't be afraid and lets put our loving headfs together to thwart these psycopaths like bush and balir and the child raping ewnglish ropyal family dont' bel;ieve check out www.trance-formation.com and buy ther book and see what bush likes for sex asnd trhe english royals and check out www.davidicke.coma dn buy "revelations of a mother goddess" and see what the english royal family really eat and oh er you'll need a sick bag

Bollockschops


just to caution

12.09.2003 20:29

i tried to perform a citizens arrest once (on a police inspector though i didn't know at the time). i drew the fact of my arresting this dude to the six coppers present, who then arrested me. which proved rather confusing!!!

nobody in particular


Training can be arranged

13.09.2003 09:03

I'm sure these samba folks woud arrange training sessions for anyone interested in being in their tactical support group...TSG ha ha!!

BCN mike


Update on Police attack

13.09.2003 09:06

Since writing the above I've since found out that the 'woman on a bicycle' was in fact a man. The arm was not broken but the blow caused nerve damage that was so serious that an operation will be performed - today I think.

It's interesting how if a police person sustained such an injury like this it would be headline news everywhere. But when it's one of us nothing happens. I guess we can't do anything about the bias of mainstream media but we're probably at least partially responsible for not pushing stuff like this in the mainstream a bit.

steve


we are all sambistas

13.09.2003 16:24

nice to hear such great comments about samba!
yes we are sometimes vulnerable and for people to be aware of that is always important. we have picked up a few (too many) injuries this last week, as well as arrests with various charges... we desperately need sorted people to act as "spotters" and "space creators", and generally act protectively...
those big drums especially are really awkward and heavy to move with, also when drummers are concentrating on playing, keeping an eye on the mestre (conductor type), sometimes they don't always have full attention on what bods in uniform might be doing. (by the way, good ways to get a message to the band include: talking to dancers, talking to drummers who are not drumming at that moment, talking to the mestre when they are on a break...)
but also don't forget you could actually join as a drummer/dancer too... i've been an activist for years but having recently joined the band am having a great time being part of this wonderful crew. its just another dimension to my activism. it also doesn't stop me doing other stuff whenever i choose, it just adds options... and believe me, i've got NO special musical talents :)
as well as generally looking out for us, helping folk carry big drums, wiggling your butts and waving your limbs about in spontaneous ways, if people want to get regularly involved, practise/plan stuff with us, check out the rhythmsofresistance website or come say hello next time you see us about.
anyone who's ever wriggled, jumped, banged, clapped, smiled, or in any way moved with us or been moved by us - you already are a sambista!

erik
mail e-mail: blah@rhythmsofresistance.co.uk