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held for 24 hours by police for flag-waving

rikki | 04.06.2009 22:28 | Anti-militarism | Repression | Terror War

police detained maria gallestegui (from peacestrike.org) for 24 hours after her arrest yesterday evening for waving the tamil eelam homeland flag at parliament square

maria has finally just been released from belgravia police station after being held for 24 hours for waving a flag that a week ago we were categorically told on film was not proscribed and so she couldn't be 'processed' or arrested.

this marks a serious turn in a farcical story that has been developing since last week. (full report at  http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/1479)

police have failed to provide a clear statement on the legality of the red tamil homeland flag (which is similar to but quite separate from the outlawed tamil tiger emblem).

when asked about the film of officers confirming that SO15 (counter terrorism unit) were happy that the flag was NOT proscribed, emma stroud from the met police press bureau said "the officer was probably confused".

check out the film yourself and see if you think he might be confused.
 http://london.indymedia.org.uk/videos/1478

during maria's 24 hour detention, she was photographed from every angle, had her dna, her fingerprints, her handprints, and her footprints taken. she is no doubt on some terrorist database now.

this is truly INSANE.

rikki
- e-mail: rikkiindymedia[@t]gmail(d0t)com
- Homepage: http://www.socpa-movie.blogspot.com

Comments

Hide the following 7 comments

because symbols and understanding matter.

04.06.2009 23:39

This is a great film and an important story. Thank you.

Claire


Unlawful detention compensation

05.06.2009 02:41

If this is as would seem later deemed an unlawful arrest, either by no charges being brought against Maria or being aquitted in court, Maria will be within grounds to sue the police and get compensation for her false detention. Talk to your lawyer (if they are a half decend one) about this, If they are a crap lawyer they may mislead or just be ignorant to justification to do this. Please pursue it though as this definitely sounds like an unlawful arrest and so it is your right to sue for false imprisonment.

Please see...  http://www.ldmg.org.uk &  http://www.ldmg.org.uk/files/SUING_THE_POLICE.pdf

Pig ignorant


Where to obtain a flag

05.06.2009 10:06

Please let me know if she was charged?
If so what the charge was?

Also where can I get a flag?

Passenger


Flags and footprints

05.06.2009 17:16

I would like to know where to buy 100 of these flags?

I have never heard of footprints being taken. Can you confirm that Maria's footprints were taken?

Mr Musthaveaflaglikethat
mail e-mail: mrmusthaveaflaglikethat@mrmusthaveaflaglikethat.com
- Homepage: http://www.mrmusthaveaflatlikethat.com


Flags and footprints

05.06.2009 17:19

Can you confirm that Maria had her footprints taken?

Where is it possible to buy 100 flags?

m


Flag stall

05.06.2009 20:13

Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday at Brick Lane market.
Just north of the overhead railway -- flogging flags I got hold of.
Tenner.

Passenger


more info

05.06.2009 20:52

i can categorically confirm maria had footprints taken

she was NOT charged

she was given a letter purporting to be from SO15 (counter terrorism command unit)

the letter stated that the crown prosecution service (cps) did not think a prosecution would serve the public interest (no shit, sherlock!), but that maria's actions on the 1st and 3rd (arrests leading to first 8 hours and then 24 hours detention) would be taken into account if she continued to act in ways likely to "arouse suspicion" that she may be in support of a proscribed terrorist organisation. if so, the cps "may" consider prosecuting in the future.

the letter was not dated, not signed, and no address or phone number was given

maria will be seeking legal advice

i think if you ask around at the square, one of the tamils will no doubt advise where one can buy the (perfectly legal) tamil eelam flags.

rikki
mail e-mail: rikkiindymedia[AT]gmail(d0t)com
- Homepage: http://www.socpa-movie.blogspot.com