ANTI-CAPITALIST PRISONER ON HUNGER STRIKE

Kastro Dakduk, a Syrian living in Greece for 18 years, was one of several people beaten up and arrested under false charges at protests against the EU conference in Thessaloiki Greece last June. Kastro is currently on remand in Greece and faces a long prison sentence. Even if acquitted, the Greek authorities plan to deport him back to Syria. If they succeed, Kastro' s life would be in danger as he was forced to leave Syria to escape persecution for his political beliefs and activities. His situation is so desperate that he had no choice but to go on hunger strike. Kastro started his hunger strike on 21st September. Simon Chapman, along with the Spanish comrades, Carlos and Fernando started their hunger strike on Sunday 5th October.

Kastro's hunger strike follows the two unsuccessful appeals that have been lodged on behalf of all 7 on remand. The first, on 1st July 2003 regarding a bail application, was refused by the Greek state. This was expected to fail. A second appeal was lodged on 11th September 2003. As of 28th September the news was that this appeal too has been rejected. This confirmation came from a phone call from Simon Chapman to a friend involved in the London based Thessaloniki support campaign. According to the lawyers this news is good! Apparently this means that the "interrogation Stage" of the prosecutions process is finished - i.e. the assessment of the case between police and prosecution has finished. It is good because it has 'only' taken three months. Some cases are taking over 2 years. Also the next appeal will be lodged to a council of judges and apparently this will be when a positive decision, if any, will take place.

Meanwhile in the UK the media has finally taken an interest in Simon Chapman's plight. An article from the BBC website appears below.

All the prisoners need all the support, publicity and solidarity he can get. Please write letters of support to: Kratoumeno [name of prisoner], Dikastikes Flylakes Diavation, T.K. 540 12, Thessaloniki, GREECE (be sure to included a return address on the back of the envelope). Register your protest with: Greek Ambassador to the UK Embassy of Greece, 1a Holland Park, London W11 3TP. The Thessaloniki Prisoner Support Campaign meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Autonomie Club, Upstairs at Freedom Bookshop, 84b Whitechapel High Street, London E1. For more information on Kastro and the other prisoners go to: www.enrager.net/simon

BBC REPORT ON SIMON CHAPMAN Were weapons planted on this protester? By Jon Silverman, Home affairs analyst An anti-capitalist Briton awaiting trial says Greek police planted Molotov cocktails and other weapons on him. Perhaps uniquely, there is video footage of the arrest which supports his case. The arrest of anti-capitalist demonstrators has become so much a part of the fabric of set piece events like the G8, World Trade Organisation or European Union summits that the media takes them for granted. But the tactics used by the police on such occasions, often with the support of politicians, deserve regular scrutiny because important civil liberties are at stake. The fact that a Briton and two Spaniards are in jail in Greece, facing sentences of up to 25 years, is a case in point. Simon Chapman, of Basildon in Essex, was one of many protesters at the most recent EU summit held at Thessaloniki in June. He was with what he calls the "anti-authoritarian/anarchist bloc" when the police decided to make arrests. They fired CS gas canisters and allegedly used their batons to beat Simon to the ground, where he was also kicked. His head injuries required stitches. At the point of arrest, he was wearing a rucksack, the main purpose of which, he says, was to carry his water bottle. But he was charged with possessing something much more sinister - a cluster of Molotov cocktails, an axe and a hammer. Hence the jail term he faces if convicted. Caught on camera many arrested people have sought to discredit the police by alleging the planting of evidence. It is particularly common in drugs cases. But Simon's allegations carry rather more weight because a cameraman from Greek television was recording the sequence of events. The shot of the arrest clearly shows Simon, as he says, with a rucksack coloured blue and purple. The lens then switches to the other side of the road where a police officer is displaying an open black rucksack containing the Molotov cocktails, and other weapons. Two police officers carry this bag across the road and dump it on the pavement next to Simon. The sequence ends with Simon surrounded by three black rucksacks. Meanwhile, the blue and purple one - his own - has disappeared. Simon's family is taking legal advice to see whether it is possible to compel the police to identify which officers were involved in the arrest. And they are urging the Greek authorities - through the ambassador in London - to examine the video footage which, they say, shows the evidence being planted. This was made available both to the judge and prosecutor but has not, so far, been admitted as part of the case. Questions raised The MP for Basildon, Angela Smith, is pressing both the Foreign Office and the Greek ambassador to ensure that any trial is conducted fairly. "There are big question marks over this evidence and if the Greek police are going to retain credibility they will have to deal with claims that the weapons were planted on Simon," she says. A spokesman for the Greek embassy in London says it is inappropriate to comment on the case because the matter is before the courts. The Chapman case is reinforced by allegations made by two Spaniards that the police in Thessaloniki told them they would plant Molotov cocktails on them. Thessaloniki was not the first summit at which allegations of planted evidence have been made. Italian police protecting the G8 leaders at the Genoa summit in 2001 were also accused of underhand tactics. On that occasion, a demonstrator was killed and a carabinieri officer stood trial for murder. After he was acquitted, he told a TV interviewer: "I've been used to cover-up the responsibility of others." The officer is now in hospital after a bad car crash which his lawyer has described as "suspicious". It is not just the anti-globalisation movement which smells conspiracies at work. source:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3136382.stm

DSEI BUSINESS Following the protests against the Defence Systems and Equipment international arms fair that took place in East London 147 people have been arrested. A number have been released without charge and others cautioned, but many face prosecution for offences including Obstruction, Assault, Public Order Act offences, Criminal Damage and obscure offences under the Railways Act (which carry long sentences).

Section 44 There was much criticism of police tactics, particularly the use of section 44 of the Terrorism Act. The police initially denied using s44 and Channel 4 news spent a whole day filming people being searched under it! The police then grudgingly admitted that „some officers‰ may have been using s44. When the Terrorism Act was progressing through Parliament, assurances were given that s44 would not be used against protestors, assurances that now appear worthless. Liberty has issued High Court proceedings to challenge the legality the use of s44 against protestors. Permission was been given for the judicial review and the case was being heard as we wrote this. This follows Liberty‚s criticism of the use of s44 during the war on Iraq. Liberty are collating information ˆ if you were searched then please complete the form at:  http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/issues/pdfs/44-search-monitoring.PDF Whilst the focus has been on s44, there were also all the usual police abuses. The police imposed cordons, but were unable to say what powers they were exercising. Legal Observers from LDMG witnessed police hitting people with fists and batons. Two people who were seriously assaulted are seeking to sue the police. One person was badly beaten up in custody and another was seriously injured when dragged off his bicycle at the banquet.

Witnesses Needed LDMG are urgently seeking witnesses to arrests. If you witnessed an arrest or if you have video or photos, please email or write to us. Please include as much detail as possible. We will pass information on to solicitors. If you were one of the people who promised to send footage and photos and you haven‚t yet got round to it, please send it today. Thanks.

Necessity Whilst protestors were being targeted, as the Daily Mirror reported, the police allegedly turned a blind eye to criminal offences being committed inside the exhibition, after Government pressure. This means that some of the protestors charged can run the defence that they were acting out of necessity to prevent illegal acts ˆ a defence which has worked in other cases involving the arms industry. This is a complex defence, which should be discussed with solicitors. The Mirror article appears below.

Obstruction of the Highway If you were one of the dozens arrested for Obstruction of the Highway at the DSEi arms fair protests, then you are strongly advised to plead NOT GUILTY and consult your solicitor or Moss & Co (020 8986 8336). Obstruction of the Highway is a complex offence, but recent case law is in favour of protestors. The main difficulty at this stage will be obtaining Legal Aid ˆ although people can and should apply - so it is likely that people will have to defend themselves with assistance from others. LDMG will arrange a workshop with a solicitor to explain the offence the defences and caselaw. This will be open to those arrested for Obstruction of the Highway only (plus one McKenzie‚s friend each). The workshop will be on Saturday 18th October at 2pm. For details please email LDMG. Anyone representing themselves in court is entitled to have a McKenzie‚s friend ˆ a person in court to help you. Obviously this cannot be one of your witnesses. If you don‚t have anyone who can do this, don‚t worry, LDMG will be able to help providing you let us know. A very useful guide for anyone representing themselves is „How to defend yourself in court‰ by Michael Randle (the CND member tried and acquitted for springing George Blake), ISBN 0 900137 41 price £5.99. LDMG will try to obtain copies for the workshop, but it appears it may be out of print.


DAILY MIRROR ARTICLE ON DSEi 12th September 2003

ARMS dealers are selling bombs, guns and tanks illegally at a controversial arms fair sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. Dozens of the 1,000 companies touting for business at the exhibition are unlicensed. Scotland Yard has issued a blistering rebuke to the Government and handed out warning letters to the illegal exhibitors. But the Government has ignored police concerns over security and insisted no action be taken against companies breaking the law. It means hundreds of arms dealers from around the world, including notoriously unscrupulous companies from unstable regions, have been allowed to ply their trade without even cursory checks on their credentials. And police have ignored the law being broken inside the Defence Systems and Equipment Inter- national exhibition in London's Docklands while outside they have arrested more than 130 anti-arms protesters. An incredible array of weapons is on display, from tanks and rocket launchers to missiles and machine guns. A senior Home Office source said: "It is staggering that at a time when a terrorist attack is considered inevitable, an unknown bunch of arms dealers can turn up and flog weapons without anyone knowing a thing about them. "Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein could be behind companies selling arms in London this week and we wouldn't have a clue." Police chiefs initially wanted to shut down the arms show, which is costing the taxpayer £1.5million. In a document leaked to the Daily Mirror, Chief Inspector Stephen Lee of the Metropolitan Police Firearms Enquiry Teams warned a Home Office official: "The integrity of the police force cannot be put in such an invidious position and as it stands, I will be asking Firearms Enquiry Team officers to enforce the law, either through prosecution or demanding the removal of the exhibits. "I do not relish the prospect of either of those two courses of action, knowing that the consequences of alleged 'heavy handedness' could bring adverse publicity to the exhibition organisers, HM Government and police but I am left with no alternative." But police were issued orders from "ministerial level" to ignore the law being broken." The source said: "The bottom line is that the Government has invited officials from a number of countries to the fair and feels it would be hugely embarrassing at this prestigious event - which the MoD helped organise - to have police going around arresting and charging people. "It is clear hypocrisy and double standards to have thousands of police stopping peaceful protests about the fair while allowing all manner of crimes to be committed inside." He admitted the Government was aware of the "considerable alarm" over companies dealing in prohibited weapons at the fair, which ends today. Less than 50 of the 1,000 firms from 28 countries applied for proper certification, and police estimate at least 300 are selling prohibited weapons. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon welcomed delegates at an opening ceremony on Tuesday as 20 firearms officers handed out "letters of warning" to 300 dealers with weapons on offer about the next exhibition in two years' time. The letters said: "It is clear that a significant number of exhibitors have committed such offences as those outlined above. A repetition of this in 2005 will not be tolerated." But no further action will be taken against those breaking the law after Scotland Yard was forced to back down. Martin Hogbin from the Campaign Against the Arms Trade called for Mr Hoon's resignation over the scandal. He added: "I was told by a police officer that it was politically important this arms fair continues." Outside the ExCel centre 2,600 private security guards and police have been drafted in over fears of a riot from anti-arms industry protesters. Campaigners accused the Labour Government of abandoning its 1997 pledge to clean up the industry and putting profits before ethics to pump arms into nations plagued by war and poverty. The fair is run by Spearhead Exhibitions, but taxpayers are picking up the £1million security bill and £500,000 to host delegates invited to browse. Under UK law prohibited weapons require Home Office authority under Section 5 of the Firearms Act and a Firearms Dealers Certificate from the police. A Section 5 licence requires special dispensation from the Home Secretary and is only granted under "extreme and special circumstances". Police first expressed concerns about the missing certification last year and warned the Home Office exhibitors had missed the last deadline to obtain a licence weeks before the show opened. Asked to issue a certificate for a South African firm bringing in arms and munitions, an officer wrote: "Owing to limited time before the opening the checks cannot be completed." While some of the giants of the arms world, including the UK's BAE Systems and America's Lockheed Martin, have obtained the proper documentation, most have ignored requests to do so. The MoD which organised the fair with Spearhead, said: "The event is run by the company and not by the MoD. "In putting together their list of invitees the company is expected to take into account embargoes and other restrictions on defence exports." Spearhead was unavailable for comment. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "A written warning has been given to the exhibitors who have not complied with UK licensing laws." Scotland Yard later claimed only 47 of the 1,000 arms firms were dealing in weapons and that 27 did not have the proper certification. It said temporary licences were issued for the duration of the fair. The Metropolitan Police said the Crown Prosecution Service was consulted but decided no action should be taken. The Home Office said last night: "We are investigating our position."

ANTI-WAR PROTESTS On 4th September we reported on the heavy sentences handed down to anti-war protestors at Horseferry Road Magistrates Court. The good news is that the cops failed to attend to give evidence at the trial on 8th September 2003 and the protester was acquitted. There was further good news at the end of the week when Matt McDonald (who had been sent down for 6 weeks for s4) had his conviction overturned on appeal and was immediately released. There are two more trials due in November.

THE FUTURE OF LDMG? The Legal Defence & Monitoring Group was reformed (on a one-off basis!) for J18 and has continued to provide Legal Observers, a newsletter, website, do workshops, support prisoners etc. since. We are now considering the future of LDMG. Do Legal Observers help or hinder direct action? Doesn‚t it lead to an unhealthy specialism? Shouldn‚t we all be legal observers on actions? We are holding a meeting at the Anarchist Bookfair on Saturday, 25th October, 2003 to discuss this. Please come and join the discussion. The meeting will be in room 2B at 1pm at ULU, Malet Street, London. For more details see:  http://www.anarchistbookfair.org/

MORE COPS THAN EVER Britain is one of the most policed countries in the western world. Police numbers have now reached a record high of 136,386 officers. Figures that include other related services - community support officers, traffic wardens and other police staff - show there are now more than 200,000 people employed in policing England and Wales.

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