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Police seize weapons at 'green' camp!

n | 31.08.2006 08:46 | Climate Camp 2006 | Climate Chaos | Ecology | Repression

Police are justifying draconian stop and search activity around the Camp for Climate Action by telling press that they have arrested people for posession of weapons....

Since imposing a section 60 order around the area of Drax power station and the squatted field containing the camp for climate action, police have been stopping and searching all vehicles and people entering or leaving the area. While claiming that this is about preventing weapons being taken on site, the reality of the situation is very different.

Legal obersevers are reporting incrediable abuse of police powers to seize property. In one incident a fork was taken from a tuperware box of food taken from a camper entering the site - appartently it was a weapon. In another example, a metal tracking mount for solar panels was taking on the basis that it might be used as a weapon. Even more outrageous, in another incident, police diassembled a mobile phone and when asked why they said it was because the phone might contain a gun!

Any knife found is being seized, regardless of the context. Bearing in mind that the campers are camping, it is not unreasonable for people to have folding pocket knifes etc but police have been any to justify their behavior by making a couple of arrests and issueing press statements about their alledges finds.



Nether-the-less, the arrests

n

Additions

Knives

31.08.2006 09:43

I hope all those deprived of lawfully held tools will be complaining to the IPCC and demanding compensation from the police force involved. Anyone may carry a folding pocket knife with a blade not more than 3 inches in length *without* needing lawful authority or reasonable excuse. In any event a camper would have reasonable excuse for any sensible knife in order to perform any necessary repairs to their tent.

Drax the Destroyer


Police seize weapons at 'green' camp!

31.08.2006 10:12

erm, surely that should read :Police seize 'weapons' at green camp!

sub-editor


legal rubbish and media spin

31.08.2006 20:59

The weapons line has been repeated across all tv news reports that I've seen today.

In this context it's illuminating to note the indymedia timeline entry for 2.23pm which details what the chief super said in the police press conference outside Drax, and which was broadcast in full on some digital news channels:

2.23 police spokesperson doing live TV interview reports 28 arrests so far ('those inside the power station and for possession of weapons', says he is disappointed about people having weapons), when pressed on this he admits only two people have been arrested for 'possession of weapons'

Sadly the assembled press didn't press him further on what kind of weapons the two people arrested had. The legal team from the camp late this afternoon reported one man released without charge, he had a screwdriver. Another person had a small penknife.

But that's all too late. Since much of the press simply reports "weapons" - which to my mind conjures up images of machetes, swords, guns, and large flick knives etc etc etc


pete


Comments

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ring the BBC!

31.08.2006 11:41

Yes, i have just rang the BBC complaints dept pointing out just this: that people need penknives, awls etc, because they are constructing and maintaining a sustainable 8 day camp. They are not really questioning the police's view of events. other people should contact the BBC as well.


btw, the camp is truly amazing

aggreieved


children's revolution

31.08.2006 22:12

congratulations on massive media coverage on all channels and all newspapers. thank you for the banner "the kids are revolting!" the children's revolution group (Angel's responsibility) would like to suggest that you hold an open day for all public and press and television on the site of the camp for climate action on saturday. invite everyone to meet all the campaigners and see for themselves what it is really all about. ask Raga the rainbow quaker to organise a children's revolution disco with the clandestine clowns and the rhythms of resistance and put out the message that it is all about saving future generations from extinction.you are welcome to use the slogan "can you save the human race?" on a banner if you like.
essential phone numbers for media invitation: Press Association 02079637000 Reuters UK 02072501122 BBC news 02086249001 ITN news 02078333000 SKY news 02077053232 Associated press TV 02074105200 Thank you and good luck. Nick, the earth aid environmental campaign. 07962599264

nick
mail e-mail: earthaidcampaign@yahoo.co.uk


to the IPCC

01.09.2006 13:26

yes i will be submitting a complaint to the IPCC - the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

complaint


Thugs

04.09.2006 09:43

I am not surprised. The Greens are known for their thuggery.

Stu