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2008 Days Of Action For Autonomous Spaces

A week-end of initiatives and actions in defense of squats and autonomous spaces throughout the world. See: april2008.squat.net for more info.

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Days of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces

15-04-2008 19:37

Audacious space - banner

Following an international meeting at 'Les Tanneries' in Dijon last year, there was a call out for decentralised actions in defence of free spaces on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April. The aim is to develop interconnections and solidarity between autonomous spaces and help create more visibility for them as a political movement.

In Copenhagen things kicked off early with an huge demo in support of creating a new Ungdomshuset (Youth House). 5000 people took part followed by a massive street party. Since then all parties have agreed a deal on a new building. Last month, after a long struggle, there was similar good news for the campaign to save the Kopi in Berlin.

In the UK, new squats have opened in Bristol, Leeds, Brimingham, Nottingham [ 1 | 2 | 3 ], and London [ 1 | 2 ]. In Reading, the Common Ground Squatted Community Garden was reopened, in Manchester multiple spaces were invaded; the new space in Nottingham hosted workshops, films, discussion, zines, and free jumble stalls; London distributed events at different spaces, with a squatters estate agency and a program of workshops, films, discussion and art plus a benefit gig for the Advisory Service For Squatters. A squat themed spoof news paper was also been distributed in participating cities. Actions also took place against dodgy landlords exploiting asylum seekers.

Regional features: Bristol | London | Nottingham [1] [2]

All IMC coverage [RSS] : Birmingham (Freespace Brum - Temporary Autonomous Zone) | Leeds (Angel Group targetted) (A success in every way! Audacious Space Leeds) | London (Hackney hostel residents march) (Shoreditch New Squat Pics) (News from Londons autonomous spaces...) (Days Of Action Follow Up for London's Autonomous Spaces) (Putting people into London's empties) | Manchester (video) (A tale of 4 squats in Manchester) (Demonstration of squatters turns into mass occupation) (Pics of demo and mass action) (Space Invaded, and Evicted?) | Nottingham | Reading (Squatted Community Garden Reopened) | Brighton (video)

International Reports: Amsterdam Pics and Video| tour de squat Rotterdam | Reclaim the Streets in Wellington | days of action summary... | Brutal eviction of Squat in Vienna

Other April2008 links: mobilisation website | wiki | zine | plans | latest news | action reports

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Struggle and Repression for Social Centres and Autonomous Spaces

16-06-2008 14:31

The damage of the previous attack had just been repaired...

Mill Road, a new squatted social centre in Cambridge, lost against Tescos in court last week but are confident about holding onto the place a while longer yet. They have however been experiencing violent attacks from anonymous cowards. There have been many reports of attacks on autonomous spaces recently. In Greece there have been heavy police repression and fascist arson attacks against autonomous space [more]. In Amsterdam, the Citex squat was attacked and illegally evicted by Police. Just a few days ago in Rome, fascists were caught planting a bomb in the front yard of Loa Acrobax. The tide turned briefly when hundreds of people from Berlin and elsewhere went on the offensive and instigated six days of diverse and often militant action in Berlin. In a city which has one of the harshest anti-squatting policies in Europe people showed they were undaunted and defiant [more].

London has seen the eviction of two squatted social centres recently (1, 2) but last week there was a report of a new space opening in Nunhead. Also in south London, the Spike is raising its profile as a community resource as part of a strategy to hang onto the site. At the heart of London's city fringe expansion, Bowl Court social centre lost a courtroom battle against property giant Hammerson and is now considering next moves [background]. Meanwhile, the long running rampART social centre in East London marked it's 4th anniversary but is considering voluntary closure as it has been suffering from neglect, theft and lack of energy since the owners were granted a possession order way back in January.

Gutter press followed the Tory party in inciting hatred towards squatters while squatters in Brighton enjoyed somewhat better press coverage relating to the occupation of a church on London Road in Brighton. In an attempt to promote autonomous spaces, a booklet called 'What's this Place' [PDF] has been produced by the UK Social Centres Network which will probably be having it's next gathering at the newly refurbished Kebele in Bristol, 14th Sept. Also being planned for late summer is a follow up to last months international 'interspace' gathering near Berlin which followed the April2008 mobilisations [more].

Websites of mentioned spaces: Bowl Court, rampART, Nunhead Chapel, The Spike, Mill Road,88 London Road, Kebele, Loa Acrobax

Portal sites : Squat.net | UK Social Centres Network website | Autonomous London

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Squat Manchester - an uprising of autonomous activity

23-04-2008 23:14

squat manchester
This weekend saw an uprising of unauthorised squat related activities, including a squatting film night, banner drops, a new squatted social centre, public family fun day, a No Borders March, the occupation of Jacksons Wharf and a busted 'free' party. Check out this summary of the weekends' events.

Up to 200 squatters and supporters followed a call for an unauthorised demonstration in the city centre from Manchester's No Borders group. Accompanied by a samba band (Rhythms of Resistance) and two soundsystems mounted on bike trailers. "With the cops not bothering to show up, we marched undisturbed from Victoria Station into the Northern Quarter, along Market Street and Kings Street , through Spinningfields into Castlefields."

The lead banner read FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT FOR ALL - DEFEND AUTONOMOUS SPACES. Hundreds of copies of the Mesho were given out to passers by. The Mesho was a squat themed spoof news paper was also distributed in other participating cities.

The aim of the widespread action was is to develop interconnections and solidarity between autonomous spaces and help create more visibility for them as a political movement. In the UK the scale of the actions were extensive. Fuller coverage is here.

(A summary of the weekend ) (Demonstration of squatters turns into mass occupation) (Pics of demo and mass action | Video of demo Stream or Download Mpeg1

Also on the subject of immigration and fighting gentrification Check this upcoming event.
Movement for Justice in El Barrio is a grass roots organisation of immigrant communities fighting against gentrification in El Barrio (East Harlem) 7.30 pm Thursday 8th May 2008 at the Town Hall Tavern, Manchester - more info

Full article | 5 comments

Nottingham's Old County Hall Occupied

11-04-2008 12:11

Nottinghams Old County Hall, also known as the Judge's residence is now occupied

Since a few days, a group of people have occupied the Old County Hall on High Pavement as part of the international days of action for free culture and autonomous spaces. Also see feature article. The building, also known as 'the Judges' Lodgings' has both a fascinating history and is a building of outstanding beauty. So what is its history? Who's been living there over the years? And why has been sitting empty for so many years?

"For many years it was used as the Judge's Lodgings, and behind it is a really charming garden which forms an oasis of greenery which it is very difficult to see from anywhere else than the windows of the schoolrooms of Halifax Place Chapel. It is a 17th century house which was greatly altered about 1833, about which time it was purchased from the Fellows family, who had removed thither from a smaller house a little to the west. Before their time it was occupied by Lady Hutchinson, the mother of Colonel Hutchinson." That's an extract from an article on Notts History, an online collection of copyleft articles on Nottinghamshire's vibrant history. Reading through articles about the history of the Judge's Lodgings, one thing is certain. And that is that some very high ranked individuals have lived here over the centuries.

Photos: New Squat Occupied: opp. Galleries of Justice [1] | [2]

Links: Nottinghamshire History | Announcing The New Squat: Location (Nottingham) | Nottingham Braced For Squat Actions (feature) | Days of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces

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Side stepping the property ladder in London

11-04-2008 11:35

Squatters Estate Agents, putting people places
Coinciding with the Europe-wide days of action in defence of free spaces a new squat was opened in Shoreditch and a series of events took place in autonomous spaces around London.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a social meetup and info night with fils and cafe at the rampART social centre and acoustic bands and performances at the NOID gallery.

On saturday, the newly opened social centre opened it's doors with an art-exhibition, films, workshops and discussions. It also hosted a free shop and very popular squatters estate agency. Also during the day there was a demo at a homeless hostel in London.

Saturday evening saw several hundred people partying at the Hackney Social Centre at a benefit gig for the Advisory Service for Squatters with Headjam, Skints, Ras Simeon Judah, 52 Commerical Rd and Pinstickers. Another benefit took place at the Wominspace.

Also see international days of action summary.

London followup @ Bowl Court Squat, Sat 19th

Full article

Nottingham Braced For Squat Actions

09-04-2008 20:25

Location announced: Old County Hall, 23 High Pavement, NG1, See article for more details.

Activists across Europe and beyond have dubbed April 11th and 12th as days of action for squats and autonomous spaces. This weekend, in Nottingham, a group of people have vowed to open up a new squatted space and put on various events. In an article published on Notts Indymedia they say: "By visibly taking a space in the city centre, we intend to raise awareness of squatting and so contribute to a future of squatting in Nottingham with more long-term squats elsewhere in the city."

One goal for the weekend of action is to "inspire and empower people" who have previously been unfamiliar with squatting. Discussing campaigns and sharing knowledge and skills we can support one another and be empowered ourselves, as well as drawing in new people by creating a vibrant and exciting place to be.

Get involved! The location of the venue has been announced and a full program of events has already been confirmed. See program here.

Photos: New Squat Occupied: opp. Galleries of Justice [1] | [2]

Audio: Riseup! Radio #3 The April Show

On the newswire: Events schedule - Squatting days of action | Leaflets for Nottingham squat days of action this weekend | Bookbinding & Juggling Workshops - 12th April | Action for squats and autonomous spaces in Nottingham | Notts Indymedia Free Spaces Topic Page

Previous squatting related features: End of the Road for ASBO | J B Spray Building Occupied / Evicted / Reoccupied | YES, we're open ! | Abandoned for over 7 years... | New Squatting Project in Nottingham

Links: Days of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces

XML UK 2008 Days Of Action For Autonomous Spaces Feature Archive

Text CSA: The Greek Riots - Anarchist Subcultures, Consensus, Affinity Groups, etc.
05-01-2009 17:56 | 5 comments

Text BRISTOL SQUAT RESISTANCE 87 Ashley Road (Unity Home) The occupation continues
18-11-2008 01:07 | 2 comments

Text Eviction resistance in Bristol
12-11-2008 17:49 | 1 comment

Text Bristol Squatter Speaks Out About Eviction Resistance
04-11-2008 01:22 | 3 comments

Text Riots and 20 arrests at ESF Malmo
19-09-2008 23:01 | 3 additions

Image Common Ground Community Garden Celebrates Success with Party!
26-08-2008 17:58 | 3 comments

Text Sanction By The International AIDS Society To Brigada Callejera For Protest Duri
20-08-2008 00:52

Image Announcing a people's parliamentary Jubilee Bill for the redistribution of land
19-08-2008 01:00 | 2 comments

Text bowl court evicted!?
07-08-2008 19:41 | 1 addition

Text Bowl Court Evicted This Morning - Call Out For Help
07-08-2008 09:06 | 2 additions | 1 comment

Image 600 million of pounds burned last night at the Hackney Planning Committe
26-07-2008 14:16 | 1 addition

Text Our homes should cost £1.00 a week
21-07-2008 23:20 | 1 comment

Text 88 London Road Social Centre Eviction
03-07-2008 21:21 | 1 comment

Text Squatted social centre eviction
03-07-2008 09:05 | 1 comment

Image Bowl Court Social Centre Days Are Numbered
12-06-2008 16:18

Text Raytheon 9 Acquited in Belfast!
12-06-2008 05:13 | 4 comments

Image Battlelines drawn in city squat eviction
03-06-2008 22:24 | 2 comments

Text Newsletter Number Two from East Oxford Community Centre Action Group
31-05-2008 18:56 | 1 addition | 1 comment

Image Bowl Court social centre under threat
21-05-2008 17:15

Text New Name, New Website, Old Threat
20-05-2008 15:55 | 1 addition

Text TONIGHT !!! Interspace / LONDON preparation meeting
15-05-2008 13:46 | 1 comment

Image Earth First! Action Update: May 2008
10-05-2008 23:31

Audio Dialect: Codex Alimentarius dumbing down our food & the death of Dr. David Kelly
04-05-2008 22:16

Image Amsterdam International Day of Autonomous spaces + RTS
24-04-2008 18:23

Image Hackney Social Centre - Morning report
21-04-2008 13:58 | 1 addition | 3 comments

Text Space Invaded, and Evicted? - Squat manchester a summary
20-04-2008 20:06

Image Freespace Brum - Temporary Autonomous Zone 11-13th April
20-04-2008 11:47 | 1 addition | 1 comment

Text Request - Photos from the weekend of Autonomous Actions
20-04-2008 10:29

Image Meet-up details
19-04-2008 23:21 | 1 comment

Image Hackney Social Centre Under Threat of Eviction!
19-04-2008 17:59 | 2 comments

Image No Borders demo and mass action
17-04-2008 18:30 | 6 comments

Text Demonstration of squatters turns into mass occupation
15-04-2008 15:53 | 1 comment

Image Putting people into London's empties
15-04-2008 14:02 | 1 addition | 13 comments

Image Days Of Action Follow Up for London's Autonomous Spaces
15-04-2008 12:12 | 1 comment

Image News from Londons autonomous spaces...
15-04-2008 11:33 | 2 additions

Text Brutal eviction of Squat in Vienna (Spitalgasse 11)
14-04-2008 21:28

Image A success in every way! Audacious Space Leeds
14-04-2008 21:16

Image London's Shoreditch New Squat Pics
14-04-2008 20:27 | 2 comments

Image Squatted Community Garden Reopened in Reading as Part of Days of Action!
14-04-2008 20:01 | 1 addition | 2 comments

Text A tale of 4 squats in Manchester
14-04-2008 20:00 | 1 comment

Image Hackney hostel residents march to demand better conditions
14-04-2008 12:07 | 2 comments

Image Squat days of action summary...
14-04-2008 11:48 | 1 comment

Text Action report-Angel Group targetted
14-04-2008 10:52 | 1 addition | 7 comments

Image Reclaim the Streets - Defending autonomous space in Wellington
14-04-2008 01:57

Video Day of Action for Squating and Autonomous Spaces, Brighton, 12/04/08.
13-04-2008 13:50 | 1 comment

Text [april2008] tour de squat rotterdam
12-04-2008 22:46 | 1 addition

Image Squatters In Tabloid Paper Shocker
12-04-2008 11:14 | 3 comments

Image Nottingham New Squat Occupied: Day 2
12-04-2008 00:18

Text Audacious Space Cinema
11-04-2008 16:40 | 1 addition | 1 comment

Text Infoshop now open in Leeds City centre
11-04-2008 15:48 | 1 addition

Image Nottingham New Squat Occupied: opp. Galleries of Justice
11-04-2008 13:28 | 1 addition | 3 comments

Image Nottingham's Old County Hall Occupied
11-04-2008 12:21

Text Bristolians take part in International homelessness/squatters action day
11-04-2008 10:24

Image Announcing The New Squat: Location (Nottingham)
11-04-2008 08:30

Text Birmingham Free Space - Building occupied!
10-04-2008 17:19 | 1 addition | 33 comments

Image Squatters Estate Agents Opens In London
10-04-2008 17:07 | 1 addition | 7 comments

Text Women's and Poly-Trans Benefit Party and Workshops at Wominspace
10-04-2008 15:28

Text Space Is The Place @ rampART Friday
10-04-2008 13:39

Image New squatted space openned in London
10-04-2008 13:15 | 3 additions

Image Manchester Space Invaders...Landing Tonight!
10-04-2008 12:12

Text Timetable for Free Social Space Weekend, 11th-13th April
09-04-2008 22:32

Image Events schedule - Squatting days of action
09-04-2008 14:32 | 1 comment

Image Free Spaces London Events Listing for this weekend
08-04-2008 15:15 | 4 additions

Text the Audacious Space free cafe & info-shop - Leeds City Centre 11-12 April
08-04-2008 13:21 | 3 additions | 5 comments

Text Autonomous Space Events in Reading! Common Ground to be Reopened!
08-04-2008 12:55

Image This Saturday: Demo / Street Party for Autonomous Spaces, Manchester
07-04-2008 23:13

Image Leaflets for Nottingham squat days of action this weekend
06-04-2008 23:11

Text Days of Action For Squats and Autonomous Spaces
06-04-2008 22:37 | 2 additions | 1 comment

Text Codename 'Two Point Two'
05-04-2008 12:08 | 1 addition

Text Reading: Common Ground, squatted community garden, to re-open 12 April!
04-04-2008 12:20 | 1 comment

Text Stop Selling Off Our City! Demonstration in Birmingham, Friday 11th April
01-04-2008 20:23

Text Free Social Space weekend of events in Birmingham, April 11th to 13th 2008
01-04-2008 20:05

Text Gigs, Gardens & Grub! Action for Squats & Autonomous Spaces - Events in Reading!
01-04-2008 18:22

Text New social centred hatched over easter weekend
24-03-2008 18:17 | 1 addition | 1 comment

Image ASS Benefit & More 11th -13th April
21-03-2008 11:58 | 1 addition

Image Autonomous action/Space Invaders Line Up
21-03-2008 10:59 | 1 comment

Image Action for squats and autonomous spaces in Nottingham
19-03-2008 17:28

Image Demo Callout: April 12th Manchester: Freedom of Movement and Autonomous Spaces
18-03-2008 14:41 | 1 comment

Text April2008: one struggle - one fight
13-03-2008 14:14 | 1 addition

Text Manchester Space Invaders.....Taking Over the City
11-03-2008 13:22

Text Notes from the UK Squatters' Meeting 9/10 February 2008
07-03-2008 17:27 | 3 comments

Image Photo Essay - Londons Secret Social Centre
29-02-2008 10:30 | 4 additions | 3 comments

Text Manchester Space Invaders Landing April
26-02-2008 12:10 | 1 comment

Text Decentralised Day of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces
11-02-2008 13:32

Text National Squatters Meeting 9-10 February 2008 Leeds
14-12-2007 11:57 | 9 comments

Image Call For International Days Of Action For Squats & Autonomous Spaces - April 08
16-11-2007 23:43

XML UK 2008 Days Of Action For Autonomous Spaces Newswire Archive