There was a large and heavy-handed police presence and the protest was penned, twice, into the car park after protesters refused to stay in the tiny designated area on the grounds of Sandford House. Protesters, however, broke off after a while and blockaded the road for about 2 hours. Two people were arrested, one also assaulted by an aggressive cop. They were released later on but only because their fellow protesters, in an empowering show of solidarity, refused to leave the site before they were released.
the designated protest area on the grounds of Sandford House
protesters penned into the car park entrance
banner and placards
cruel killer: Joseph Kabila
the 'thin, blue line'
more reinforcements arriving after some pushing
some women do a sit-down to prevent staff's cars from leaving..
but police clear the way and they leave
protesters start to break off and sit down in the middle of the road
taking the street
two violent and unnecessary arrests
arrestees taken to Solihull police station across the road from Sandford House
a 2-hour blockade of Homer Road
marching and dancing up and down the road
more reinforcements arriving..
to surround the protest and 'kettle' it
penned in again
the pen
the coach arrives but protesters won't leave until the 2 guys are release
which the police, facing all this determination and solidarity, eventually did!
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Mainstream press reports
13.04.2007 12:52
"Scuffles as deportation demo blocks road"
BBC Midlands today report about the demo with some background on the situation in the DRC.
You have to go to the mainpage and click the link 'Protest against deportation'
Or if you've got realplayer installed you can click this direct link:
birmingham noborders
Well done Birmingham - more reports from Nottingham and London
13.04.2007 14:04
*** No Borders has called a demonstration against the proposed new Detention Centre at Gatwick on Saturday 21st April 2007:
*** Tyneside Community Action for Refugees (TCAR) calls on all those opposed to the current attacks on asylum seekers to join us in a national day of action in defence of asylum rights on Saturday 19th May:
Keep fighting...
No Borders Nottingham
Homepage:
http://www.nobordersnottingham.org.uk/
Video and short report of London protest against deportations to DRC
13.04.2007 16:25
Oscar Beard