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27th June: Calais No Border march -pictures

Billy Macrae | 30.06.2009 23:25 | Migration | Social Struggles | Terror War | South Coast | World

Images from the Calais No Border march, which took place on Saturday 27th June.
Thousands of people from the No Border camp descended on Calais town, France, to get their point across about the situation facing increasing numbers of desperate asylum seekers stuck in the Calais area. Many asylum seekers face destitution in Calais as they struggle to complete their journey- for the most part away from war torn countries such as Afghanistan.

The white cliffs of Dover - the UK's entrance point for many asylum seekers.
The white cliffs of Dover - the UK's entrance point for many asylum seekers.

Calais. Near the lighthouse, members of the 'No borders' network gather.
Calais. Near the lighthouse, members of the 'No borders' network gather.

Calais. Riot police rush to the No Border demo as it moves through the town.
Calais. Riot police rush to the No Border demo as it moves through the town.

Calais. Members of the no borders network gather for the demo.
Calais. Members of the no borders network gather for the demo.

Calais. Party in the street as part of the No Borders demo.
Calais. Party in the street as part of the No Borders demo.

Calais. Members of the Calais No Borders crew gather before the march.
Calais. Members of the Calais No Borders crew gather before the march.

Calais. The peaceful No Borders march leaves Calais town.
Calais. The peaceful No Borders march leaves Calais town.

Calais. The front of the No Borders march. June 2009.
Calais. The front of the No Borders march. June 2009.

Calais. The front of the No Borders march. June 2009.
Calais. The front of the No Borders march. June 2009.

Outside Calais. The no borders march heads for Coquelles.
Outside Calais. The no borders march heads for Coquelles.

Outside Calais. The peaceful No Borders march nears Coquelles.
Outside Calais. The peaceful No Borders march nears Coquelles.

No borders march. The clowns start to tease the riot police en route.
No borders march. The clowns start to tease the riot police en route.

No borders march. Clowns tease the riot police en route.
No borders march. Clowns tease the riot police en route.

No borders march. Clowns play dead and tease the riot police.
No borders march. Clowns play dead and tease the riot police.

No borders march. Great atmosphere on the peaceful march near Calais.
No borders march. Great atmosphere on the peaceful march near Calais.

At the police station outside Calais. Clown faces water cannon truck.
At the police station outside Calais. Clown faces water cannon truck.

Back in Calais, the march enters the main town again.
Back in Calais, the march enters the main town again.

Back in Calais, the march enters the main town again.
Back in Calais, the march enters the main town again.

Calais town. Reading speeches via loudhaler to locals and activists.
Calais town. Reading speeches via loudhaler to locals and activists.

Calais. Sticker on the route to the ferry terminal. 'Immigration is not a crime'
Calais. Sticker on the route to the ferry terminal. 'Immigration is not a crime'


This demo went off in style with several thousand people in attendance and a great atmosphere of peace and positivity. Loads of local people were amazed by the event and watched and listened with utter curiosity. On the way local farmers supplied the activists with water because of the hot weather. What a wicked vibe.

The march followed the route taken by many asylum seekers every day from Calais to Coquelles, and back. It went off peacefully, despite the vast numbers of riot police dressed up like the Thuderbirds and seemingly hiding behind every lamp-post.

Apologies for the brief text. Lots has been said already.
For more info, drop me a line.

These images may be freely circulated in connection with this event. If anyone from the march would like hi-res, just let me know.

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Images copyright Billy Macrae 2009.

Billy Macrae
- e-mail: billy.macrae.online@gmail.com
- Homepage: http://www.billymacrae.blogspot.com