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police endanger Iceland dam protestors

frekya | 26.07.2005 16:54 | Ecology | Globalisation | Repression | World

Lock-on blockade at Karahnjukar. Icelandic police tell drivers to start machinery risking protestors' lives.

A statement from the protestor at Kárahnjúkar in Iceland, Tuesday 26th of July

A group of 24 protestors entered the Kárahnjúkar dam site and stopped work for
five hours early this morning. The protest involved a blockade by several
activists who locked onto machinery by their necks.

The protest was peaceful and relations with the workers were friendly until
the police arrived at about 3 AM. The police ordered the drivers of the
vehicles that people were locked on to, to start their engines. This order
created an incredibly dangerous situation as the drivers and the police didn’t
share a common language.

The police refused to talk to the protestors and started to forcibly remove
people from the site.
The protesters pleaded for a dialogue, but were ignored by
authorities.

The police allegedly sexually assaulted one woman while another protestor was assaulted by
security personal while being held by police. Three people are being held on
fabricated assault charges

This type of police behaviour will not stop the protestors from resisting heavy
industry in Iceland.

A great responsibility lies with the Icelandic authorities to ensure their law
enforcement does not escalate or create situations at the dam that will
endanger lives.

frekya

Comments

Hide the following 3 comments

Way brave

26.07.2005 17:42


Am on the legal case, and writing, and will report back when I get hold of the lawyer (he has been away, which is why it is taking ages). Thinking of you all, hope this is getting out in Iceland.

corporate watcher

Don't let the bastards grind u down!

27.07.2005 23:03

Don't let this abuse intimidate you - keep at 'em, the stuff going on in Iceland seems excellent! Make a fuss about it, and keep going. We're supporting you!

Bob!

Opposition to the Karahnjukar Dam continues.

31.07.2005 14:09

Icelands first ever blockade......but not the last!
Icelands first ever blockade......but not the last!

The original Karahnujukar dam protest camp that was established in June has now been evicted. Pressure from the companies involved in the dam and their overt intimidating security people along with Police being flown in from all parts of Iceland made it dificult for the land owners to continue to support the international camp. Despite threats of deportation and physical violence experienced by protestors during a blockade action the night before, protestors left the camp under their own volition. People from all over Europe have now rebuilt the camp a short distance away and it continues in its opposition to the industrialisation of Icelands natural resources being forced through by blind govermental decisions influenced by US dollars. (An all too common world wide theme) Protest and direct action continue in many forms, and the camp welcomes all support. You can get involved and support the camp via www.savingiceland.org and by phone on 003546945708. or contact us at nodamyou2005(at)go4.it Smyrill Line currently has cheap ferry deals until the end of August about £50 return.
There will be workshops and talks including footage from the summers protests, touring the UK in the autumn.

Mark