Mark Thomas: Laws have chilling effect on activism
mazey | 12.06.2007 11:25 | Culture | Terror War
British comedian and political activist, Mark Thomas, made stark a warning at the annual conference of the GMB union in Brighton, last week, about a draconian British law prohibiting protests outside Parliament without prior police permission.
By Mick Meaney
RINF Alternative News
British comedian and political activist, Mark Thomas, made stark a warning at the annual conference of the GMB union in Brighton, last week, about a draconian British law prohibiting protests outside Parliament without prior police permission.
The ban exists within half a mile radius of the House of Commons that severely damages civil rights in the United Kingdom, in which the government overruled the Human Rights Act - that was meant to guarantee freedom of speech. The legislation came into effect back in August 1, 2005 and signalled the ushering in of a British police state.
The law means anyone gathering to demonstrate within the designated area is committing a criminal offence. Many campaigners, including Brian Haw, expect the ban radius to grow over time and eventually outlaw all forms of protest against government policies in the UK.
“I even had to get permission to wear a red nose in Parliament Square on Red Nose Day. The police are having an internal debate about this law because it’s just not worth it,” said Mark Thomas.
“The effect of these laws is to curtail our rights. They are having a chilling effect on campaigning and activism.”
RINF Alternative News
British comedian and political activist, Mark Thomas, made stark a warning at the annual conference of the GMB union in Brighton, last week, about a draconian British law prohibiting protests outside Parliament without prior police permission.
The ban exists within half a mile radius of the House of Commons that severely damages civil rights in the United Kingdom, in which the government overruled the Human Rights Act - that was meant to guarantee freedom of speech. The legislation came into effect back in August 1, 2005 and signalled the ushering in of a British police state.
The law means anyone gathering to demonstrate within the designated area is committing a criminal offence. Many campaigners, including Brian Haw, expect the ban radius to grow over time and eventually outlaw all forms of protest against government policies in the UK.
“I even had to get permission to wear a red nose in Parliament Square on Red Nose Day. The police are having an internal debate about this law because it’s just not worth it,” said Mark Thomas.
“The effect of these laws is to curtail our rights. They are having a chilling effect on campaigning and activism.”
mazey
Additions
SOCPA - THE MOVIE Premiere
13.06.2007 01:03
SOCPA - THE MOVIE
World Premiere
For nearly two years, 'indymedia rikki' has been closely following the
events and battles around the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act
Section 132, which criminalised "unauthorised" demonstrations around
Parliament. The hour-long film documentary will be premiered at the
Renoir cinema on Sunday June 17th, followed by a panel discussion.
"An important new film about the legislation which was passed in order
to get rid of Brian Haw, the lone protestor who has camped outside
Parliament for more than 6 years. His ever-increasing display of
powerful and artistic banners challenged the politicians who voted for
the invasion of Iraq. Last year police swooped and unlawfully removed
most of his display, but he has continued his successful battle to
remain outside Westminster.
This hour-long documentary shows the enormous creativity and tenacity
of Brian and other
campaigners appalled at the idea that we have to ask for permission to
protest near Parliament.
Featuring an original music soundtrack and contributions from all the
main players who have challenged this law, this film is at times
frightening, funny, shocking and deeply moving.
It will be followed by a panel discussion with film-maker Indymedia
Rikki, Brian Haw, and others."
The event at the Renoir Cinema is entitled:
"Docdays: Brian Haw and the erasure of democracy" and features the
SOCPA premiere, another short film, and a panel discussion with Brian
Haw, film-maker Rikki, and other invited guests.
Screen one, Renoir cinema, Brunswick Square, London WC1
Noon Sunday 17th June
Book now: www.curzoncinemas.com/whats_on/events/renoir_cinema/docdays_brian_haw_and_the_erasure_of_democracy/screenings
or phone 0870 850 6927
World Premiere
For nearly two years, 'indymedia rikki' has been closely following the
events and battles around the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act
Section 132, which criminalised "unauthorised" demonstrations around
Parliament. The hour-long film documentary will be premiered at the
Renoir cinema on Sunday June 17th, followed by a panel discussion.
"An important new film about the legislation which was passed in order
to get rid of Brian Haw, the lone protestor who has camped outside
Parliament for more than 6 years. His ever-increasing display of
powerful and artistic banners challenged the politicians who voted for
the invasion of Iraq. Last year police swooped and unlawfully removed
most of his display, but he has continued his successful battle to
remain outside Westminster.
This hour-long documentary shows the enormous creativity and tenacity
of Brian and other
campaigners appalled at the idea that we have to ask for permission to
protest near Parliament.
Featuring an original music soundtrack and contributions from all the
main players who have challenged this law, this film is at times
frightening, funny, shocking and deeply moving.
It will be followed by a panel discussion with film-maker Indymedia
Rikki, Brian Haw, and others."
The event at the Renoir Cinema is entitled:
"Docdays: Brian Haw and the erasure of democracy" and features the
SOCPA premiere, another short film, and a panel discussion with Brian
Haw, film-maker Rikki, and other invited guests.
Screen one, Renoir cinema, Brunswick Square, London WC1
Noon Sunday 17th June
Book now: www.curzoncinemas.com/whats_on/events/renoir_cinema/docdays_brian_haw_and_the_erasure_of_democracy/screenings
or phone 0870 850 6927
rikki
e-mail:
rikkiindymedia@googlemail.com
Comments
Hide the following 3 comments
Police internal debate?
12.06.2007 15:01
Itsme
The suppression of free speech
12.06.2007 15:21
Lenny
YES, BUT "MINDERBINDER WARBUX" PR OPINION INFLUENCERS
14.06.2007 14:53
Those people
LEAVE ME COLDER. . . . DISCUSS?