Thousands of people from the No Border camp descended on Calais town, France, to get their point across about the situation facing increasing numbers of desperate asylum seekers stuck in the Calais area. Many asylum seekers face destitution in Calais as they struggle to complete their journey- for the most part away from war torn countries such as Afghanistan.
The white cliffs of Dover - the UK's entrance point for many asylum seekers.
Calais. Near the lighthouse, members of the 'No borders' network gather.
Calais. Riot police rush to the No Border demo as it moves through the town.
Calais. Members of the no borders network gather for the demo.
Calais. Party in the street as part of the No Borders demo.
Calais. Members of the Calais No Borders crew gather before the march.
Calais. The peaceful No Borders march leaves Calais town.
Calais. The front of the No Borders march. June 2009.
Calais. The front of the No Borders march. June 2009.
Outside Calais. The no borders march heads for Coquelles.
Outside Calais. The peaceful No Borders march nears Coquelles.
No borders march. The clowns start to tease the riot police en route.
No borders march. Clowns tease the riot police en route.
No borders march. Clowns play dead and tease the riot police.
No borders march. Great atmosphere on the peaceful march near Calais.
At the police station outside Calais. Clown faces water cannon truck.
Back in Calais, the march enters the main town again.
Back in Calais, the march enters the main town again.
Calais town. Reading speeches via loudhaler to locals and activists.
Calais. Sticker on the route to the ferry terminal. 'Immigration is not a crime'
The march followed the route taken by many asylum seekers every day from Calais to Coquelles, and back. It went off peacefully, despite the vast numbers of riot police dressed up like the Thuderbirds and seemingly hiding behind every lamp-post.
Apologies for the brief text. Lots has been said already.
For more info, drop me a line.
These images may be freely circulated in connection with this event. If anyone from the march would like hi-res, just let me know.
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Images copyright Billy Macrae 2009.
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