Once You COP You Just Can't Stop

What's been going on so far?

The 50,000 strong 'wave' protest in Trafalgar Square on the 5th has continued into its first week as Climate Camp organisers pledge to remain there for the rest of the conference. For those that can't make it to the continent, the place to be is central London with your warm clothes, sleeping bag and tent. And all yer mates of course.

Over the choppy North Sea, successful demos have already been held, although police have been carrying out raids on several of the key locations within the community set up to deal with the influx of global demonstrators. Convergence centres and sleeping spaces have been hit, but reports coming through are of firm, but not aggressive, police throwing their weight around (and we're all used to that) and seizing a few tools (because cordless power drills are obviously dangerous weapons of the revolution). No arrests have been made as yet, and police have been keeping their batons to themselves.

What should I bring?

Firstly, enough clothes to wrap up warm. Snow is forecast for the beginning of next week with temperatures dropping just below freezing at night, with so-called highs of 1 or 2°c during the day. Thus a good sleeping bag and plenty of blankets are a must. Finally, a good mood and plenty of colourful clothes to brighten up the chilly Danish weather are the only other requirements! Kitchens and workshops are already fully equipped, but obviously if you have special dietary requirements beyond mere veganism, bring yer own tucker to make sure you can protest with a full belly. No one likes a hungry anarchist.

Should I be scared of the border checks?

No. Until now the potential 48hr detention for people crossing the border has not been used by immigration officers, and all they've been doing is checking passports and luggage thoroughly. Advice is to NOT bring anything to give them an excuse to detain you, i.e. tools, stuff that can be directly linked to use in actions (like bike locks, surface-to-air missiles etc.), clothing specifically designed for covering the face, or anything sharp. Six Swedish students and a teacher were refused entry on the Sweden-Denmark border today (10th) 'cos one of the group had been previously arrested for a minor offence which had not yet gone to trial. However, others passing into the country that way have encountered no problems since.

OK, I've got through the border, I've arrived in Copenhagen, now what?

Go to one of the many info points set up across the city to get your activists handbook and find out where to rest your weary head. Sleeping spaces have been set up with basic facilities (heating, toilets etc.) and there is a suggested donation to help cover the costs. In your handbook you should find all the info you need to know including numbers for legal advice, medic centres and how to get fully involved.

So what happens if I get busted?

Although mass arrests at protests are quite normal for Denmark, people are rarely charged with anything, the usual procedure is just to be detained. Foreigners can be held for up to 12 hours on suspicion, 72 hours if you were caught in the act. In both cases they must tell you what you are being detained for, and after the time is up they must put you in front of a judge and charge you, or let you go. The only thing that might cause you a bit more trouble is masking up, which is illegal. Maximum penalty for this is a fine. If arrested, you MUST tell the police your name, birthday, and address and that's it. You have the right to:

• know your charge and time of arrest
• remain silent
• not sign anything or stand to your charge
• make necessary phone calls (although police can make these on your behalf)
• have access to medical care, medicine and legal advice

Anything else?

Have a good time! Stay safe and sensible, and don't forget what this is all about. Fire-bombing delegates. No seriously, time for this planet is running out, and those idiots in power need a big urgent shove in the right direction...

For more info about locations of info points etc. see: www.schnews.or.uk/archive/news700.php