Over the past week there have been yet more raids at the various squats in Calais, but we feel that the presence of activists is having a real effect. The police are having to wait until activists leave the squats in order to attack; they drive past while we’re there and do nothing. In response we have been extending the hours of our patrols. Our continued presence is also helping build up relationships with local migrants.

Tuesday: 9 am – police enter the Pashtun jungle and arrest 15-20 people. 4 Eritreans also arrested. We make contact with migrants at the detention centre the next day and find out the Eritreans have been released.

Wednesday: 9:45 am – Police arrest three Afghans at Pashtun jungle and pepper-spray water point again after we finish our patrols.

Thursday: 10 am Hazara jungle destroyed. This happened after the No Borders activists had finished the patrol for the morning (another example of how the police are having to modify their routine in response to increased monitoring by activists). Unknown individuals wearing gasmasks and dressed in white uniforms, tore apart shelters and sprayed an irritant chemical over belongings. They claimed to be disinfecting the area as part of a programme to treat scabies, despite the fact that the operation was officially cancelled by the French government. They also arrested 6 people, all while police in CRS vans looked on. The police warned the Hazaras that they would destroy the camp again if they set up new shelters.

By the end of the day, No Borders activists, charities (Salam and Secours Catholique), and the Hazaras had set up camp again with new supplies (which is why we need more funds).

On the way back from the Hazara camp, we spotted a CRS van pulling up at the Eritrean squat. Police officers poured out and started chasing after migrants. We got out of our vehicle, and ran after the police, with cameras and a camcorder. The police were heard crying out ‘No Border!’ before climbing back into their van and driving off without any arrestees. Sweet! This incident indicates how arbitrary the policing is.

4 Ethiopians were also arrested in park, 1 beaten.

Friday: Midday - Police raid Pashtun jungle via the back of the camp soon after activists leave.

8 15 pm - 5 CRS vans make an unknown number of arrests at Pashtun jungle. Activists monitor scene, threatened with arrest, searched, ID’d. When the CRS were informed that it was not a criminal offence to photograph the police, the activists were threatened with arrest for insulting the police.

While we were having a drink at the Ethiopians’, racists drove by and threw potatoes at them. This is a regular occurrence.

Saturday: Not a single police officer was spotted around Calais. It has been suggested by those in the know that the CRS are doing another massive shift change. It’s also the first day of Ramadan.

2pm Rally against police repression is held outside Coquelles Detention Center. Received some local media coverage.

Thank you to those who have sent medical supplies. However, we still need more people. We no longer have a vehicle to use, so please bring more bikes, or a car if you can.