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Demo in Support Of John Bowden

Friends Of John Bowden | 09.05.2007 16:09 | Repression | World

HANDS OFF JOHN BOWDEN!
STOP THE HARRASSMENT
Demo outside The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Friday May 25th 2.00pm



John Bowden is a long-term prisoner who, until very recently, after 25 years in jail, was in an open prison at Castle Huntly. John has spent two years working unsupervised in the outside community as a volunteer on projects for the mentally ill and socially vulnerable, and had qualified as a literacy tutor for people with learning difficulties. For almost a year he had also been allowed frequent home leaves, he was not regarded as any form of risk to the public.

All this has recently changed though after a right-wing American social-worker accused John Bowden of having links with a ‘paramilitary’ and ‘terrorist’ organisation. This is a base and easily refuted lie. WE are the so-called ‘terrorists’, John’s friends and supporters within the Anarchist Black Cross, an entirely legitimate and perfectly legal prisoner support organisation which can trace its history back to Tsarist Russia.

John Bowden is now being punished for challenging these lies. He has been moved to ‘closed conditions’ at HMP Glenochil, and damaging allegations hang over him, which we believe are specifically designed to prejudice the parole board and prevent his release.

The Scottish Prison Service has to take responsibility for this matter, with the eyes of the world watching, it cannot continue to cover it up and bury John Bowden in maximum-security conditions. We demand a full and swift investigation and an apology for the lies that have been told.

Please come and join us outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh on Friday 25th May at 2.00pm. Bring placards and banners.

HANDS OFF JOHN BOWDEN!
NO VILIFICATION OF THE ABC

Friends Of John Bowden
- e-mail: handsoffjohn@reborn.com
- Homepage: http://www.myspace.com/friendsofjohnbowden


Comments

Hide the following 8 comments

Not a moment too soon

09.05.2007 18:37

My first thought upon reading your call for a demo was 'Maybe this is too soon, too few folk will turn up'. I was judging from my own perspective since I only heard of John from your posts last week. From his perspective though I guess it is not too soon. A lot of people here are quoting his current internment as being 25 years. That may be my fault, after reading an old article on him. He has actually been inside since 1980. 27 years inside is about a thousand years in normal time. Even for the older IM readers, even if you have done time, it must be mind-blowing to imagine 27 years inside. And what is he currently being held for ? For refusing to condemn anarchists as terrorists.

So I'll be there, and I'll try to get others to attend too. I'll copy some of Johns own words from the ABC networks and pass them around the usual haunts in Edinburgh. I'll try and persaude some mainstream groups to attend. I hope some of the ex-prisoners who have met John and posted in support of him take the time to turn up too.

Danny


Solidarity

09.05.2007 22:22

I'll look forward to seeing you there Danny.

Mark B


Solidarity ?!

10.05.2007 00:37

I hate that word, it has been so abused. To me it sounds so like "Fuck You". Still, you personally can kip at my parents house Mark. Anyone else can kip in their garden or in nicer surroundings, I can provide digs and lifts if need be, first come, first served.

I had sworn I'd never approach Faslane again, for personal reasons but I will offer them a lift for John's sake. I'll approach the local Women In Black, the local SNP to see if I can drum up any mainstream support, but they don't normally respond so don't hold your breathe. Even my own enemies, the PGW crew who I've warned off approaching me, I'll give those lot a freebie this time for this event as I don't want to sink John by participating on his side Just don't talk to me if you do attend and we can be sweet.

Digs or lifts, email criticalmess at riseup.net .

I hope some of you outsiders take up this offer, because this is the sharpest end of anarchy under attack, and John is a non-anarchist suffering simply for refusing to condemn his anarchist prisoner-support as terrorists. By all accounts a 'staunch' guy who could doubtless do more good on the outside. Staunch is a better word than solidarity once it's been earned.

Well, I have been kissing a lot of babies recently, so to speak. I will try to do the same on Johns behalf in appropriate places. It may just be me and you Mark though unless anyone else here pays attention. It is still worth doing imo. I hope some IMCista thinks this is worth promoting.

Danny


...

10.05.2007 08:53

I don't need any special accomodation thanks Danny (of course a few prison governors have disagreed!)

'Solidarity!' is usually how John signs off his letters.

I don't think it'll be just me and you!

Mark


One of the silly children from Libcon?

10.05.2007 14:12

But you don't really know fuck all do you 'Don', been listening to playground tittle-tattle again?

Anarchist


A suggestion

10.05.2007 18:33

Maybe the organisers could consider arranging for everyone to carry severed heads in protest instead of the usual placards?

Helpful


An offer?

10.05.2007 21:34

Perhaps you'd like to donate yours?

Why don't you go back to the playground fool?

Black N Red


Interview with Joe Black - Brighton ABC

13.05.2007 13:37

Joe reveals more about the social worker who wrote the report

ftp


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