The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases' (CAAB) annual Independence From America demonstration at NSA Menwith Hill was the first where protestors were not allowed to circumnavigate the base due to a Section 12 order. There were two arrests, one for wearing a shirt with the word "fuck" on it and the second for arguing against the arrest. The rally at the start was addressed by Alan Bennett and Mark Steel and the marchers from Footprints for Peace [ 1 | 2 ]. A Declaration of Independence was read out, "we... do solemnly demand the return of the land, once within the boundaries of the ancient townships of Birstwith, Felliscliffe, Norwood and Menwith, now occupied by the United States National Security Agency and their military forces.". There was a heavy police presence, food was provided by Veggies and Yorkshire CND had a stall.
Report | Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Audio: 1 | 2 | 3 | 2006 Feature
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Reports of the day were all positive, except for the complaints about the heavy handed policing. They "surround[ed] the demo with cops, not letting people leave the demo when they wanted too, and generally using their power over people to make them feel controlled and disempowered." "There were far too many police present and they were a little rough to, begin I saw a bit of pushing and shoving". "Refusing access to public footpath, which nearly kicked off at the start of the march".
Police took the names and address of drivers as they arrived, filming car number plates and passengers. The woman guiding round the base "said (after the pushing/shouting incident), that the organisers of the demo had really tried to work with the police, and as the police were being so aggressive with people, maybe they shouldn’t work with them next time."
