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This is what democracy looks like?

Richard Edkins and Karen Bristoll | 08.08.2005 23:34 | Repression | Birmingham | London

Video of arrests in Parliament Square and Interviews with Brian Haw, Spark, Gerry, Keith Shilson (Middlesex University Student Union President), and Kate.

Sunday 7th August 2005

These are worrying times when peaceful people are arrested for speaking out against a war that is carried out in their name.

We must keep up the protest and strive for a world that rejects all forms of terror both state terrorism and group terrorism.

Protest by right, not police permission

Richard Edkins and Karen Bristoll
- Homepage: http://whatushoutinbout.blogspot.com/

Comments

Hide the following 7 comments

Legal Action Is IMPERATIVE!!!

09.08.2005 01:38

What sorts of legal steps are being taken to challenge these "laws"?

It would be interesting to bring this before the courts, raising questions about not only these measures, but also the war, and the lack of evidence supporting the Government's Conspiracy Theories about the recent attacks.

All The Best


parliament protest blog

09.08.2005 09:01


I've blogged sunday including my time at parliament square -  http://paganarchy.net/blogs/sean.php

Sean


My 2 cents

09.08.2005 17:21

They are actually banning protests from 1 km from the House because they do not want to hear calls for an enquiry into the "Downing Street Memo".

Indeed there is in this memo some sentences that are worth reading and that could simply prove that high treason has been commited by the government.

The timing of the bombings is so convenient.

eidenk


BBC Still scared post Hutton?

09.08.2005 21:10

I wrote to the BBC because (for some niave) reason I was suprised that the arrests and law was not featured on BBC news on Monday. This is what they said, and my reply.

>From:  info@bbc.co.uk
>Subject: BBC Information
>Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2005 17:18:24 +0100 (BST)
>
>Dear Mr Edkins
>
>Thank you for your e-mail.
>
>I understand that you are unhappy with the coverage of the protest and arrests at Parliament Square on Sunday 7 August on BBC ONE's 'Breakfast' as you feel it was not sufficient.
>
>The choice of news stories to report in our programmes is frequently very difficult. Editorial staff always has more news reports than can be fitted into the time available.
>
>Their choice has to be selective and no matter how carefully such decisions are made, they are always aware that some people may disagree with them. Unlike newspapers, news programmes do not have the luxury of the inside pages or specialist sections that enable newspapers to carry a wide range of reports.
>
>Nevertheless I recognise your frustration and acknowledge any disappointment caused.
>
>Please be assured that your comments on this matter have been registered and added to a daily log that is made available to senior News editorial staff and programme makers.
>
>You may find this link interesting:
>
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4742589.stm
>
>Thank you again for contacting BBC Information.
>
>Regards
>
>Barry McElwee
>BBC Information
>__________________________________________________
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/ - World Wide Wonderland
>

Dear Barry McElwee

Thanks for your reply, although I'm guessing its a pretty standard reply.

I had seen this article on bbc.co.uk and understand that some reporting of Sundays arrests was on BBC TV on Sunday night, but every body I have spoken to does not know about this law, or indeed its implications.

However they are well informed on how to make the best slice of toast and are aware of the latest Hollywood TV programmes you have featured so heavily on 'Breakfast'.

Is the BBC still scared about questioning the Government post Hutton?

Regards

Richard Edkins

> >
> >
> >{Channel:} BBC One
> >{ProgrammeName:} Breakfast
> >{TransmissionDate:} 08/08/05
> >
> >{Comments:}
> >I was appalled that no coverage was given (at least between 8 and 9.15 am) on the BBC's main monday morning TV news programme (Breakfast) of the protest and arrests at Parliament Square on Sunday.
> >
> >Many are outraged about this threat to our freedom of speech and democratic rights.
> >
> >Parliament is often celebrated as the home of democracy.
> >
> >I feel its is vital that the public should see what is happening to our democracy and freedom to protest. I was appalled at this mornings show with its extensive entertainment coverage (Island) and overkill on the shuttle landing.
> >
> >Yes these should be covered but it is very worrying when our the BBC, our public broadcast voice is using its flagship morning TV news programme to advertise Hollywood Entertainment and totally ignore this important news on the threat to our right to protest.
> >
> >I await your explanation
>
>Richard Edkins

RichE


Thanks Tony

10.08.2005 19:59

Whilst reading the "downing street memo" at

 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1593607,00.html

This google ad popped up, which directs you to www.thankyoutony.com

???

RichE


great video..

11.08.2005 02:36

great video, especially for those of us who couldn't be there. Keep watching and thanks for keeping the videoing on the other side for a change.

rach