Among other things, the SOCPA bans the use of a loudspeaker except by people ‘in a position of authority’, and bans demonstrations without previous authorisation within one kilometre of the Houses of Parliament. And this is supposed to be the mother of ‘democracy’! It bans demonstrations without six days previous notice outside the Prime Ministers home, 10 Downing Street and many ministerial and royal seats of power. It aims to stop the kind of spontaneous demonstrations which have taken place immediately when news came out that the bombing of Afghanistan and Iraq had started, or in response to Israeli slaughter of Palestinians. Even ‘authorised’ demonstrations are to be kept quite.
Last Saturday on the annual demonstration organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, a respectable campaign group in Britain, a comrade from FRFI was violently arrested, and others assaulted by police as marchers reached Trafalgar Square where the march ended.
Following his arrest an impromptu demonstration was held outside the police station until our comrade was released on bail and summonsed to appear in court later this week. He was charged with using a loudspeaker ‘for the purpose of encouraging the crowd to chant pro-Palestinian and anti-government remarks’! Anyone could be mistaken in thinking that we living racist Israel. We call for all witnesses to contact FRFI on: 020 7837 1688 or 07815617746 or email London@rcgfrfi.plus.com
FRFI will join a challenge already launched by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign against the legality of the SOCPA. Whatever the harassment by police, FRFI and other activists against war, racism and imperialism will remain active on streets of London. Please contact us for details and to get involved or come show your support at court.
Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!
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