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Bristol - Gaza M&S solidarity action updates

Bristol Free Gaza | 10.01.2009 16:04 | Anti-militarism | Palestine | World

Not Just A Protest...












Around 30 people took part in a protest regarding Marks & Spencer's support of the Israeli State late this (saturday) morning.

As the rockets reign down on the Palestinian people, those of us who have been watching in horror and angry of the images and reports of the massacre of (predominantly) the civillian population, decided to take some action.

30 people entered the store and filled their trolleys with food, much of from "Israeli" (read occupied territories) origin. We then went to the check out, but instead of paying a few people started to inform the saturday shoppers loudly about the links between M&S and Israel and the on going bloodshed in Gaza.

What was supposed to be a relatively peaceful action, was nearly escalted by the aggressive and over zealous security, who had one ofthe ranters in a head lock (and was detained) and threw at least three of the protesters out by their arms and legs. Fortunately, we managed to stay reasonably calm, and the situation wasn't escalated further.

Shopping Aisles were closed as it took the combined forces of broadmead security and Avon & Somersets "finest" a while to eject all of the protesters, arresting one.

After this action, many people went on to join the ongoing Raytheon protest at Bristol Business Park. As I write this, one person is still in police custody at Trinity Road Police Station.

Bristol Free Gaza

Comments

Hide the following 5 comments

Fine work, Bristol buddies

10.01.2009 19:30

Well done you lot. Hope no-one got too badly hurt (those headlocks and chuckings out look painful). Love and solidarity x

anon


middle class outrage?

10.01.2009 20:08


Respect to those on the front line.

But if for any reason you can't be there but you still want to make your voice heard, cut your M&S Chargecard in two and send it to:

Sir Stuart Rose
Marks and Spencer Group plc,
Waterside House,
35 North Wharf Road,
London, W2 1NW

Enclose a note if you like, but if enough of us do it I think they'll get the message anyway...

shopper


assault

10.01.2009 21:11

i would defintly consider the securitys action as assault
head locks then physical assault
i would definly take legal action against m&s and there securty for assault

lovely secuity gaurd


CCTV footage

11.01.2009 00:47

If legal action to be taken try to obtain cctv under data protection act be quick. Stores have habit of erasing footage from video recorders or hard drives if modern system. The adress should be available from store or sometimes posted on cctv signs. good luck

ex m&s employee


Cut me M & S store card in two!?

12.01.2009 09:42

But I will only have me Harrods store card left!

Class War