Freedom Not Fear 2008 Oct 11

A broad movement of campaigners and organizations is calling on everybody to
join action against excessive surveillance by governments and businesses. On 11
October 2008, concerned people in many countries will take to the streets, the
motto being "Freedom not fear 2008". Peaceful and creative action,
from protest marches to parties, will take place in many capital cities.
-----------------

Assemble 1pm at New Scotland Yard and at other police stations with pans and
other stuff to make noise!!!!

----------------
Surveillance mania is spreading. Governments and businesses register, monitor
and control our behaviour ever more thoroughly. No matter what we do, who we
phone and talk to, where we go, whom we are friends with, what our interests
are, which groups we participate in - "big brother" government and
"little brothers" in business know it more and more thoroughly. The
resulting lack of privacy and confidentiality is putting at risk the freedom of
confession, the freedom of speech as well as the work of doctors, helplines,
lawyers and journalists.
The manifold agenda of security sector reform encompasses the convergence of
police, intelligence agencies and the military, threatening to melt down the
division and balance of powers. Using methods of mass surveillance, the
borderless cooperation of the military, intelligence services and police
authorities is leading towards the construction of "Fortresses" in
Europe and on other continents, directed against refugees and different-looking
people but also affecting, for example, political activists, the poor and
under-priviledged, and sports fans.
People who constantly feel watched and under surveillance cannot freely and
courageously stand up for their rights and for a just society. Mass surveillance
is thereby threatening the fabric of a democratic and open society. Mass
surveillance is also endangering the work and commitment of civil society
organizations.
Surveillance, distrust and fear are gradually transforming our society into one
of uncritical consumers who have "nothing to hide" and - in a vain
attempt to achieve total security - are prepared to give up their freedoms. We
do not want to live in such a society!
We believe the respect for our privacy to be an important part of our human
dignity. A free and open society cannot exist without unconditionally private
spaces and communications.
The increasing electronic registration and surveillance of the entire
population does not make us any safer from crime, costs millions of Euros and
puts the privacy of innocent citizens at risk. Under the reign of fear and blind
actionism, targeted and sustained security measures fall by the wayside, as well
as tackling peoples' actual daily problems such as unemployment and poverty.

In order to protest against security mania and excessive surveillance we will
take to the streets in capital cities in many countries on 11 October 2008. We
call on everybody to join our peaceful protest. Politicians are to see that we
are willing to take to the streets for the protection of our liberties!

 http://www.ecln.org