Ravens Ait being evicted now!

It seems the old bill turned up at about 5am and are still in the process of evicting the islanders. Unconfirmed reports of people resisting the eviction on rooftops and tree houses.

HELP NEEDED

www.ravensait.org.uk

Okupa!

Additions

more info

01.05.2009 10:12

around 4.15am this morning around 100 commandos stormed Ravens Ait island

they arrived in 27 black zodiac inflatables

they were wearing helmets, balaclavas, and flackjackets, and carried sidearms

overhead a low flying helicopter used thermal imaging to locate the approximately 20 residents who were sleeping at the time

the commandos kicked down doors and took people outside and off the island

the entrance to the tunnel and treehouse were guarded and nobody was in them at the time

most people left peacefully, but a few resisted eviction and were arrested

the last resister climbed on top of the outdoor marquee and the police pulled it down to arrest him

by 7.30am all residents were off the island, but lots of their posessions are still on the island

at least 50 more regular Kingston police have since arrived and are currently on the island

the former residents and their supporters are currently on the Surbiton riverbank in good spirits enjoying the sunshine, and request more supporters to join them to show local and national news crews how much support they have for their eco community centre plans

http://www.ravensait.org.uk

Ravens Ait supporter
Homepage: http://www.ravensait.org.uk

pic + report : evicted

01.05.2009 10:12

Raven’s Ait Evicted

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/topstories/4335795.Update__Raven_s_Ait_squatters_evicted/

Think there was an alt media gathering scheduled there today - so maybe someone has film etc

meep

Comments

Hide the following 3 comments

Typical

01.05.2009 10:59

Really sad to hear this, the project was a logical use of the island and a positive step forward.
It's just bloody typical that the minions of a desperate dying system would rather use even MORE resources to evict in such a dramatic manner instead of working with people with great ideas and commitment.

Hope everyone from the island is well and in as good spirits as can be expected.
x

Badoni

Why dig and not use?

01.05.2009 13:46

I'm wondering why there was nobody in the tunnel/treehouse?

What's the point of having such defences if you aren't going to use them.

A massive wasted opportunity. :/

Lets just hope it gets re-occupied.

(A)

Why was there no resistance

02.05.2009 08:50

Cos they were all off somewhere else having a party, Thats why. Hippys, what can
you do with them? Still, a good effort and with the level of force directed against
them there would have been little they could do even if they had been there.

Deviant