stwc/mab demo opposite downing street
police bikers hassle flag-bearers
you are causing an obstruction
police reinforcements arrive
discussing thier options
debating class - i think the flag supporters won!
reinforcements retreat
bikers drive off sheepishly
the palestinian flag prevails
coffin demo procession arrives in whitehall
two police motorbikers stopped and started hassling the flag bearers and asking them to move to the official pen. they claimed they were not part of the official protest and were exercising their right to freedom of expression and free assembly by waving a flag outside downing street.
the police attention caused photgraphers, videographers, and some supporters to cross from the main demo and soon a small crowd formed. as police reinforcements arrived, various debates ensued, and while police claimed an obstruction of the highway was occuring, the supporters said this was only because the police were there and that if they left the flaggers alone, the crowd would disperse.
after much debate, some threats of arrest, solidarity from the small crowd, and the resolution to stand firm from the flag-bearers, the police realised that it would not be a good look to be seen dragging these young palestinian supporters away into vans, and they all retreated sheepishly leaving the palestinian flag and small group alone.
meanwhile, a street theatre group arrived dressed in black with a coffin that they paraded passed the war memorial and downing street, and the STWC/MAB demo carried on with the speeches and chanting that characterises they're totally supine and non-confrontational approach to dissent.
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