The latest legislation which will be used to repress protest is the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act which comes into full force on 1 August 2005. This Act amends previous harrassment and trespass legislation as well as banning all unauthorised protests for about a half a mile around Parliament, requiring that organisers of a protest request permission from the Metropolitan Commissioner 6 days in advance (or 24 hours in not 'reasonably practicable') and allowing him to place potentially stifling restrictions on protests.
Sections 132-138 of SOCP Act were brought in to remove Brian Haw from his continuous peace protest opposite the Houses of Parliament. Brian Haw has been demonstrating against the suffering caused by this government's foreign policy towards Iraq - economic sanctions, invasion and occupation - since June 2001.
Ironically, a High Court hearing on 29 July 2005 found that the law did not apply to Brian because prior authorisations is only necessary for demonstrations that 'start' after 1 August. But this law still affects everyone else who may want to protest in Whitehall, opposite Parliament, or in a large area of Westminster. Even the London Eye is part of the 'designated area'. The weekly anti-war community picket [leaflet] is likely to be quickly targeted.
This new law amounts to the police making political decisions as to who may protest - and how - near Parliament. Campaigners will be openly and peacefully defying the Act in a series of demonstrations at the beginning of August. [Photos and Reports 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 ]
There will be a Mass Act of Defiance for the Right to Protest on Sunday 7 August at 12 noon in Parliament Square. Apparently other people may be in the area in a non demonstrating capacity.
Sunday: Reports and Photos [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] | Arrests | Video
Website coordinating the protests with loads of useful info about the new law. Other Legal Notes.
Restrictions that can be imposed include where and when the protest may take place, how long it can last and how many people can attend, how much noise can be made and the number and size of banners or placards used.
A network of activists are organising a Freedom to Protest Conference on 23 October 2005 in London.
Comments
Hide the following 15 comments
parliament square permission to demonstrate granted
05.08.2005 16:32
My placard says
Sharon blair bush have done
Twin Towers crime to launch
their War on Terror.
I accuse Tony Blair of TREASON
I want Blair to answer TREASON
at Bow Street Court of Law.
paul pawlowski
Violation of human rights?
06.08.2005 10:26
Thom Brown
themoreitchangesthemoreitstaysthesame
07.08.2005 19:46
"a fascist state does not come over night, but piece by piece"
George Orwell
cynicalbarstool
placards
08.08.2005 14:00
The fuzz stole all the other placards that weren't being waved. Every time one was waved, it was conviscated and the few people (5) who didn't want to surrender their placards were lifted.
It appeared nice and sunny, but really it was dark and gloomy.
Sean
The 21st Century
09.08.2005 11:02
Plain Joe Schmo
fuzz
09.08.2005 12:54
I'm over from a small town in Australia and aren't as super cool with the new slang and lingo as I might wish. Sorry if I've ruined your day. Hey, maybe you could ban foreign languages from being spoken here too?
Sean
Sean
09.08.2005 14:00
However, perhaps if the countries where some of these languages originated were visited by yourself Sean, I have no doubt they would see that their particular regimes of political, social, religious and sexual repression were wrong and take your guidance. But then again why pick easy targets when this country has got it all so wrong and they have the path of enlightement. Better still, take a partner of either sexual orientation and really see the path of tolerance.
Plain Joe Schmo
Crazy Maker Alert
09.08.2005 14:59
I'm not really sure what you're talking about but you've addressed your post to me??? You attack my slang, then my travel habits? an now my sexual orientation? What business is it of yours?
The topic here is the right to protest. Staying on topic helps.
cheers,
sean
Sean
Plain Joe Schmo
09.08.2005 18:23
Surely as an anarchist you support the indiviudual's right to define their own identity beyond the parameters of authritarian proscriptions? (i.e. shut it!)
Anyway, thanks sean & co. I wish I was back in London to take part! And will do when I have enough dosh to get over there.
There's nothing stupid/stereotypical about this protest: an undemoctratic twat trying to diminish hard-won democratic rights.
Sounds like the constabulary (how's that Joe? Overdeucated midlle-class enuff innit?) don't really have their hearts in it? I wonder if the Met'll even have the guts to press charges or if they'll just keep it on the boil as a dispersal measure?
paul pawlowski: are you serious?
magoo
Just a thought...
09.08.2005 18:39
magoo
A Reply from 'The Crazy Maker'
09.08.2005 18:52
As to attacking you travel habits, slang and sexual orientation I have studied my writing carefully and cannot for the life of me see any evidence of any of this. However, that is, of course, your perception of what I have written and you are free to have it. As typical of one who berates his lack of civil liberties from the 'fuzz' I notice you make no attempt to reply to the issues I have muted. As the saying goes 'there are none so blind...etc'.
I would suggest if you find the thread of this debate too deep, stop making untrue allegations from text that anyone can access. It kinda makes your case a little weak. Or alternatively you could stop making comments on the draconian measures the police used on you without having the neccesary nous to debate your view.
Regards
Joe
Plain Joe Schmo
More Videos from Sunday
10.08.2005 18:26
There's more video from Sunday at:
and
RichE
Homepage:
http://whatushoutinbout.blogspot.com/
Come and Protest
15.08.2005 11:51
Matthew
Matthew Butcher
e-mail:
matthew1butcher@hotmail.com
Homepage:
http://www.parliamentprotest.org.uk
photos/videos needed
15.08.2005 13:53
We are trying to collect as many images etc as possible.
Please could anyone who has images etc of that action and the arrests please to send them to :
Prashan Tashan,
e:
He is one of the arrested and is also the designated collecter for the Dossier/Archive/Collection.
madame zero
We shall not be silent!
18.08.2005 17:07
Last Sunday a group of people united by their passion for Free Speech met up for a picnic at Parliament Square. Some were protesting, but most of us were simply there for the food.
Despite the obious delights of cucumber sandwiches, cupcakes, tea, and Pimms, consumed in the shadow of Big Ben, on a Sunday afternoon, local law enforcement seemed unable to believe that we were not all there together as part of an organised protest. After 2 hours, and much head scratching, the confused police on the scene decided that the picnic was indeed illegal and threatend all present with arrest, which leads me to wonder: "how exactly can this law can be applied?" If a police(wo)man overhears one saying, for example "Tony Blair is a sodding %$£@$!", while strolling past the Millenium Eye, will he be able to arrest you?
Anywho, the important thing is that a great time was had by all, and the "Mad Hatters Tea Party" will go on this Sunday, next Sunday, and every Sunday, until this Facist law is repealed.
So whatever your grievance, your politics, or your dress sense: come one, come all, just come on!
12 noon, Parliament Square, every Sunday!
Sebastian
For more info or to add your voice check out our Wiki (editable web page):
Or for other related info:
Sebastian Bird
e-mail:
musological@gmail.com