UK Repression Newswire Archive
Don't be social be solid
25-11-2010 01:01
Ok, the protests are over and the urge is to get online to check out the photos/videos, then upload your own and chat with your friends about the days events. However, please consider the following first...Ratcliffe Trial Day 3 - Prosecution case continues
24-11-2010 22:23
23 November 2010 Nottingham Crown Court
Barrister for the prosecution, Miss Felicity Gerry continued to outline their case.
Taking the jury further into the huge bundle of paper they'd been given to consider, she spent much time on the press release that had already been prepared ahead of the action intended.
She points out the press release notes describe the actions intended. They include element such as peaceful protest, trespass, the intent of climbing structures and securing access. Notes about the Ratcliffe power stations operations. Then there was another section drawing attention to the issues the then Energy Secretary Ed Milliband MP, who was considering an application for the construction of another coal-fired power station by E-on at that time.
Notes suggested that the protesters had researched issues for several months before their arrest to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others before engaging in the action. Further, to minimize power disruptions.
By reading out the press release, almost in its entirety to the court, I was struck in thinking that this was perhaps doing a lot of the defences work for them! I formed the impression of the great amount of care, consideration and research that had been put into the whole project. But i think the motive here is clearly to demonstrate the amount of premeditation and possible conspiracy that the prosecution aledge had taken place.
Miss Gerry continued onto the question & answers leaflet that had also be found at the school. She again seemed to me to be suggesting that the depth of research, thought-out consequences, again demonstrated the premeditation and a conspiracy.
Another leaflet was introduced titled: 'Important notice for people working at Ratcliffe Power Station' intended to provide an explanation to workers about the action. On then to a media contact list prepared with the contact and phone number of a number of TV and newspaper journalist and newsrooms.
Further into the bundle, she introduces an assortment of papers, some torn up and reassembled by the police, found within various rooms in the Iona School. A flip chart paper and a couple of other bits and bobs. All describing aspects of the proposed action, amounting in fact, to an operational plan.
Miss Gerry spent some time describing the operation of a flow chart. Its object was to lay out what to do on arrival at the plant if challenged by worker or security / or not challenged. The arrangement of people into 'task groups' and how to proceed when confronted with a variety of obstacles.
The presence of 'what to do if' and arrest advice papers suggested that they intended to engage in illegal activities. Another note discovered referred to a company called Veggies "Please supply high calorific high density durable foods" individually packed but sometimes would be available for sharing. Food bags were discovered with days of the week written on them.
Great emphasis was put of another leaflet titled: Ecological Show Stoppers. Street theatre, Sunday 12th April 2009 Iona School, Sneinton, Nottingham.
After lunch we continue with a oh so long listing of equipment. The back bench of the court has a large array of exhibits in plastic bags, all carefully presented by a court officer resplendent in blue sterile gloves. Unnecessary I thought, when holding ropes , bits of metals and wood which are all contained in plastic. But, me thinks, it all gives an air of crime, danger, presentation etc.
Although not absolutely everything seized, Miss Gerry tells the court that it is a sample to give a flavor of the materials involved. She has the court officer display to the jury:
D-locks
Cycle steel rope locks
Climbing ropes, clips and harnesses [a variety of all-sorts]
Hard hats, masks and ear-defenders
A roll-able metal climbing ladder
'Lock-on' tubes [constructed from fire extinguisher casings, a steel tubes encased in concrete
Police photographs then presented in the bundle showing:
A hired gas detector
Steel device with handles to block a door
Assortment of power tools inc. cutting equipment, drills etc
Miss Gerry suggests that all this equipment would enable the defendants to carry out their stated aims to shut down the power station for a week.
Banners of varying sizes including the words:
For climate justice
2000 tons of carbon saved
Coal = Climate Disaster
No more coal
A sketch was also found showing how to hang a banner with ropes and weighting down with sandbags.
Crumbs! Today was very much about lists. Lists of papers, equipment & kit, personal items, sleeping bags, bedding etc etc etc etc ..... we are now onto vehicle. Hired from a variety of companies and locations.
An assortment of receipts for kit, tools, fuel, maps and routes.
It then took a while for her to describe the number of mobile telephones and an assortment of sim cards. Also some radio equipment. They were found in various places about the school and on people present there. All were unregistered and recently purchased. Effort was made in then explaining some of suggested links between them and numbers that had called each other.
We all adjourn until 10.30am tomorrow.
the case continues etc ........
+++
Ratcliffe Trial Day 2 - Prosecution’s Opening
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/articles/702
Ratcliffe conspiracy to trespass trial opens today
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/articles/693
Ratcliffe Conspiracy Trial Begins [feature]
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/articles/701
http://ratcliffeontrial.org/blog
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email: tash@indymedia.org
Web: http://digitaljournalist.eu
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
___________________________________________
<ends>
Dutch AR Crackdown gahers ace
24-11-2010 10:55
On 24 and 25 November 2010, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations organises an international conference on animal rights extremism in the Netherlands.Fire extinguisher student pleads guilty
24-11-2010 10:47
Has entered plea of Guilty to violent disorderRatcliffe Conspiracy Trial Begins
23-11-2010 18:14
A year and a half after being pre-emptively arrested alongside more than 100 other people, 20 climate change activists began a month-long trial at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.
On the newswire: Ratcliffe conspiracy to trespass trial opens today | Ratcliffe on Trial - Day 1 - cheap pix | Defendants & Supporters outside Nottingham Crown Court ahead of the Ratcliffe Trial today | Ratcliffe on Trial - Day 1 - the trial begins
Supporters gathered outside Nottingham Crown Court holding signs which read, "I would stop emissions too".
Anyone in the Nottingham area who would like to meet the defendants or help out can come along to the SUMAC centre (NG7 6HX) each evening after the trial at 7pm for dinner at People's Kitchen.
The arrests were thought to be the biggest ever pre-emptive arrest of environmental activists. The defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Trespass for planning to safely shut down Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station for a week and in doing so stopping 150,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted. While they admit the intent, they maintain that they are not guilty of of a crime.
The defence will show that the activists acted out of necessity, to prevent death and serious injury. According to official sources, 300,000 people per year already lose their lives due to the effects of climate change and half a billion are at "extreme risk". (http://www.preventionweb.net/)
Rebecca Quinn, 32, who was one of those arrested in April but later had the charges dropped, said, "Climate Change is hitting those least responsible for it the hardest. Low-lying island nations are already seeing salt water encroach on their farm land, and in recent years we have seen an increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Coal is the dirtiest method of electricity generation, and must be stopped. To avoid a climate crisis, we must put people before profit. In the face of government apathy and the failure of the Copenhagen conference, it is ordinary people taking direct action who are desperately trying to avoid a bleak future of flooding, drought, crop failure and water shortages."
James Hansen, the high profile scientist who is the Head of NASA's Goddard Institute, is one of the many expert witnesses who will testify during the trial at Nottingham Crown Court. The leading climatologist will guide the jury through the complexities of climate science and explain how coal burning is jeopardizing the lives of millions.
Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party will give expert evidence about the failure to achieve action on climate change domestically and within the EU parliament through more conventional political means. It will be argued that the defendants had no alternative but to physically stop the power station emitting CO2, having exhausted other channels such as lobbying, campaigning, and attending marches.
The defendants are a diverse mix of people of varying ages from 21 to 45. Living across the UK, they work in teaching, science, computing, and many other areas. 114 people were originally arrested on 13th April 2009, but most subsequently had their charges dropped.
The Case of the Angola 3 --A review of the new film “In The Land of the Free...”
23-11-2010 10:20
Benefit for Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign this Saturday (27th).
22-11-2010 18:55
http://www.myspace.com/pressganguk It will be a benefit for the Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign:
http://www.iantomlinsonfamilycampaign.org.uk/ As its on a Saturday we'll have Micky Vespre spinning the decks with a couple more bands to be announced.
Ratcliffe conspiracy to trespass trial opens today
22-11-2010 17:23
18 months after 114 people were initially arrested at the Iona School in Sneinton, 20 climate change activists have begun a month-long trial today. They were originally arrested on 13th April 2009.
On Monday 22 November 2010, they have appeared to answer charge at Nottingham Crown Court: that they conspired together to cause aggrevated trespass at the Radcliffe Power Station. The trial is expected to last 4 weeks.
On Monday 22 November 2010, they have appeared to answer charge at Nottingham Crown Court: that they conspired together to cause aggrevated trespass at the Radcliffe Power Station. The trial is expected to last 4 weeks.
Mass Arrest of 114 Climate Activists in Raid in Nottingham
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/427471.html
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/427496.html
Today has largely been taken up with agreeing a timetable for the progress of the case. Arguement about whether legal representatives are to visit the Ratcliffe site. The defence would like to, to get a 'feel for the location'. The prosecution thinks this un-neccesary, since no one was arrested there. E-on didn't want to co-operate with this visit, health and safety implications etc ... The swearing in of the jury has also now been completed. Opening statement from counsel will begin tomorrow.
>> Statement from their blog:
Supporters gathered outside Nottingham Crown Court holding signs which read, "I would stop emissions too".
Anyone in the Nottingham area who would like to meet the defendants or help out can come along to the SUMAC centre (NG7 6HX) each evening after the trial at 7pm for dinner at People's Kitchen.
The arrests were thought to be the biggest ever pre-emptive arrest of environmental activists. The defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Trespass for planning to safely shut down Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station for a week and in doing so stopping 150,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted. While they admit the intent, they maintain that they are not guilty of of a crime.
The defence will show that the activists acted out of necessity, to prevent death and serious injury. According to official sources, 300,000 people per year already lose their lives due to the effects of climate change and half a billion are at "extreme risk". (http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/publications/v.php?id=9668)
Rebecca Quinn, 32, who was one of those arrested in April but later had the charges dropped, said, "Climate Change is hitting those least responsible for it the hardest. Low-lying island nations are already seeing salt water encroach on their farm land, and in recent years we have seen an increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Coal is the dirtiest method of electricity generation, and must be stopped. To avoid a climate crisis, we must put people before profit. In the face of government apathy and the failure of the Copenhagen conference, it is ordinary people taking direct action who are desperately trying to avoid a bleak future of flooding, drought, crop failure and water shortages."
James Hansen, the high profile scientist who is the Head of NASA's Goddard Institute, is one of the many expert witnesses who will testify during the trial at Nottingham Crown Court. The leading climatologist will guide the jury through the complexities of climate science and explain how coal burning is jeopardizing the lives of millions.
Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party will give expert evidence about the failure to achieve action on climate change domestically and within the EU parliament through more conventional political means. It will be argued that the defendants had no alternative but to physically stop the power station emitting CO2, having exhausted other channels such as lobbying, campaigning, and attending marches.
The defendants are a diverse mix of people of varying ages from 21 to 45. Living across the UK, they work in teaching, science, computing, and many other areas. 114 people were originally arrested on 13th April 2009, but most subsequently had their charges dropped.
For regular updates on the trial see http://ratcliffeontrial.org/blog
>>
Notes from the previous trial held at Nottingham Magistrates Court from 14 – 16th January 2008
Ratcliffe Power Station : Court Case Reporting
[addionally, this post contains some collected links to past coverage of the issues surrounding the Ratcliffe Power Station and concern about its operations]
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/zines/670
http://ratcliffeontrial.org
the trial continues etc.........
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email: tash@indymedia.org
Web: http://digitaljournalist.eu
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
___________________________________________
<ends>
american press freedom in tatters
22-11-2010 13:31
at a yearly rally outside the georgian 'school of the americas', photographers and film crews have been targeted by US police according to reports by mainstream film crews caught up and imprisoned by police.Help save the life of Asia Bibi sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan
21-11-2010 22:00
Millbank Fire: Lessons from Millbank: Leaflet for printing and giving out
20-11-2010 18:44
From Millbank (4 practical lessons to be learned and put into effect everywhere).
Please circulate through your networks, should you wish.
Israeli Apartheid – A talk by Ben White
19-11-2010 20:53
Jail is not the answer (by Carmelo Musumeci)
19-11-2010 19:13
Letter sent to the newspaper Liberazione by prisoner Carmelo Musumeci on 5th November 2010. Carmelo Musumeci is a 54-year old life sentencer originally imprisoned for Mafia crimes. He is a prolific writer and tireless anti-prison campaigner and activist. He’s currently imprisoned in Spoleto’s jail.Guantánamo detainee, acquitted on 284 of 285 charges, faces 20 years
19-11-2010 17:24
In a blow to the Obama administration’s effort to manipulate the civilian justice system to achieve guilty verdicts for alleged terrorists, a New York City jury on Wednesday unexpectedly acquitted a Guantánamo detainee, Ahmed Khaifan Ghailani, on 284 of 285 charges. The case was related to the 1998 terrorist attacks on US Embassy in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, which killed at least 11 people and injured another 85.Imprisonment
19-11-2010 15:53
This then, our penal system, constructed with one inherent major flaw.A dilemma unsuspected by most unless well versed in the law.
While serving the sentence and in prison cell pent,
Consider the incumbent’s situation – if truly innocent.
MI5 as deceitful broker: the case of Bisher al-Rawi & Jamil el-Banna
18-11-2010 14:28
An MI5 agent alleged to be associated with the conduct metered out on Binyam Mohammed will now not be prosecuted over claims he was complicit in Mr Mohammed's torture after the government settles out-of court to the tume of millions of pounds to 8 UK citizens and residents who were incarcerated in Guantánamo Bay with collusion from the UK authorities . However, we await the start of a broader independent inquiry into claims of British complicity in torture hopefully by the end of this year which will focus on the chain of command that may have allowed torture complicity by the British Security and Intelligence Services, and in so doing, will hopefully expose more about MI5's activities in relation to other individual cases such as Bisher al-Rawi and Jamil el-Banna and the dirty-double dealing and criminal actions of MI5 which led to their illegal detention in Guantánamo Bay for 4 years.Police currently on riot training excercise at RAF Fairford
18-11-2010 12:37
Police training to deal with riotsINTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY with the 14 anarchists kidnapped by the Chilean state
18-11-2010 03:19
Media Bury Documents Revealing Israel's Deliberate Policy of Near-Starvation for Gaza
17-11-2010 13:25
Israel has been forced to reveal what Palestinians and other observers on the ground have known for a long time: that the blockade of Gaza is state policy intended to inflict collective punishment, not to bolster Israeli “security”."We're Back" - http://www.fitwatch.org.uk back online
17-11-2010 02:14
Thanks to the metropolitan police for giving us such huge publicity and making us even stronger. See you on the streets..