Home | 28th July 1995 | Issue 33

Justice? Brighton's Campaign in Defiance of the Criminal Injustice Act

SchNEWS

GRID-LOCKED!

AS PROTESTERS PARTY IN THE STREETS

"The Department of Transport (DoT) forecast there will be 130 percent more cars in the next two decades. It would take a motorway 257 lanes wide running from London to Edinburgh to park them all."

Flushed with the success of May's anti-car capers when Camden High Street was closed for the afternoon by 500 revellers, last Sundays action by Reclaim The Streets was a much bigger risk - that paid off. The police were totally outfoxed and one of London's busiest roads was transformed into a carnival. Most of the papers played on the 'trouble' at the end. SchNEWS was there to tell you what happened - and why.

CARS CAN'T DANCE

"We need to move away from our dependence on the car. But local and national government make token gestures in an attempt to encourage alternatives. The only real solution to this is to abandon the car and move towards cycling walking, or rail - 90% of car journeys are under 5 miles so they could easily be substituted by other modes of transport."

It was a military-style operation. One minute traffic thundered round the Angel Islington tube station, one of London's busiest junctions. Then suddenly someone sounded a foghorn, demonstrators - some dressed in school lollipop uniforms - walked into the street stopping traffic. People wearing climbing equipment scaled more than a dozen lamp-posts unfurling banners calling for an end to the "tyranny of the motor car". A tank with sound system crawled into the now car-free zone and begin playing Jimi Hendrix's "All Along The Watchtower". Sand was poured from bags and kids began making castles. Food and drink was dished out. Bands began to play.

By the time the police arrived a couple of thousand people had reclaimed the street - Street Party II was in full effect giving us a glimpse what our towns and cities could be like without the motorcar.

"We're here to show that life is a lot pleasanter without cars. We want to see car access to cities restricted and more pedestrianised areas within them. We also want a co-ordinated transport policy with the emphasis on cycling, walking, trains and buses. In short we want to make driving as socially unacceptable as smoking and wearing fur coats."

PARTY POOPED?

As the party came to a close a line of at least 100 riot police began violently pushing people down the road, with periodic bouts of charging. They were randomly hitting people, strangling some, and even twisting one guy's nipples. They tried to kick my feet out from under me as I was walking.

I left that demo with mixed feelings about the day... Obviously I was euphoric that we had held the street for the whole day, but I was angry about the police's tactics. I have seen worse police violence before, but never have I seen such unnecessary acts of provocation, and childish shows of force.

The crowd was no threat, and was gradually dispersing, but this didn't seem to be good enough for the police, and they wanted to show us who was boss after being shown to be ineffective for the whole day. It does make you wonder if they have any sense at all, as the only effect of violence will be to harden people's resolve and increase their hatred of police. If peaceful protesters are baton charged by riot police, they are more likely to turn up to the next demos more prepared and equipped to fight back if attacked.

RAVERS REVENGE

Police in Huddersfield were pelted with ottles and bricks by a gang of around 30 youths who were turned away from a warehouse where an illegal rave party was planned. Some shops and police car windows were smashed and a copper injured. 3 people were arrested under Public Order offences.

SOS FROM KENT

On Friday 21st July squat High Point in Whitstable, Kent, was evicted. Seven people locked onto to resist the eviction and about 10 fellow protestors supported them outside the building.THAT WAS NOT ENOUGH! We've been contacting people all over the country, told them when the eviction was going to be and asked them for support and people. No-one showed up.

What happened to this DiY Culture? We've been fighting against this road for three months now, with about 30 people and 46 CJA arrests. We've seen trees chopped down and our house being destroyed TODAY, and no-one came over to help us! We really feel like we're fighting on our own, like the rest of the country has just ignored us.

We are still fighting against the Blue Route and we're not going to give up BUT WE NEED SUPPORT! This is an SOS 01227 275404

MASS TRESPASS AND FULL MOON PARTY THURSDAY AUGUST 10th

GOING DOWN!

"The startling affirmation is made that not only is the recovery not happening but it may well now never arrive. The downward spiral will just go on and on, leading to eventual economic collapse" Business in Brief Apr 1995

A respected business journal has forewarned of "Economic Apocalypse" in Britain at a time when the welfare net is being systematically stripped, while indicators from a known report circulating at the UN World Labour Organisation points to 98% of labour being replaceable by new hybrids of technology by the year 2020.

Transnational Corporations (TNCs) - huge money machines which cut across political boundaries - are streamlining and downsizing in preparation for the Doomsday scenario. Pressed by the TNCs, Governments are responding with the creation of a dual economy to keep the profits at the top.

Firstly, wage slavery without the wages by encouraging the 'third sector' (voluntary work/ Employment Training schemes). Secondly attacking individual freedom by suspending benefits to anyone who does not meet 'labour market conditions' with the Job Seekers' Allowance due in April '96.

Indeed, Labour wants to go further and demand "moral conditions." The suppressed text of a speech by Tony Bleurgh to the Commons Press Gallery last week stated "The right to benefit must be matched by a responsibility to seek work and respect the system - or risk real punishment."

Last month the government abolished the Department of Employment, now dissolved into the Dept of Education and Employment. And, according to a leaked White Paper, 'Job Seekers' will soon have to produce - and pay £5 for - an official certificate stating whether they have a criminal offence. This will be checked against a new privatised Criminal Justice Record System, known as Phoenix. Employers will also be able to read police intelligence files containing information which has not been tested in court.

Meanwhile, assaults on the flack-catchers at Job Centres have tripled in the last three years to over 800, according to figures published this week by Labour MP Stephen Byers. Personal alarms, close circuit TV and training in handling aggressive people are to be given to staff who carry the can for this governments obsession for penalising unemployed people. Ninety one assaults were violent, including one in Rotherhithe job centre when staff were forced to run for their lives after a man rampaged through offices brandishing a two-foot spiked medieval battle-axe. "That elusive quality of confidence persists in refusing to show itself," comments the journal Business in Brief. It concludes: "Extrapolate all this into the next century and you have no business, no jobs, no economy at all". Burn, Babylon, Bum!

BRIGHTON FESTIVAL OF FREEDOM

ozric tentacles* astalasia* citizen fish * tofu love frogs + 2 band stages dance tent * circus acts * stalls
@ Wild Park on A27 just before Falmer nr Brighton Tel: 01273 692456

INSIDE SchNEWS

JIM CHAMBERS and STUART EDWARDS were sentenced to 18 months each last week for alleged criminal damage to a road construction site. Jim has already served nearly 5 months inside on remand. Write to Jim PV2504 and Stuart PB 1864 at HMP Pentonville, Caledonian Rd., London, N7 8TT.

GRAEME LEWIS (Quolobollox?) has been given six weeks for allegedly kicking a policeman at the demonstrations outside the Shell AGM in May. He's already been inside before for breaking a Twyford Down injunction. FH1809, Brixton Prison, Jebb Ave., London, SW2 5WF.

MOVE is a radical, mainly black, no compromise, ecological, strict vegetarian, communal living group, who reject and actively fight against all oppression in whatever form it takes. In 1982 MUMIA ABU-JAMAL a supporter of MOVE and former Black Panther, witnessed a racist cop beating a brother. As Mumia went to help, a third person (whose identity remains unknown to this day) shot the cop dropped their gun and ran off. Mumia was also hit, but when other police arrived on the murder scene they accused Mumia of murder and started to beat him. In 1983 he was found guilty and has been on death row ever since. He is due to be executed on 17th August. Write to Governor Thomas Ridge and ask for a re-trial: Main Capitol Building, Room 225, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.

Non-stop picket outside American Embassy, Grosvenor Square, London from 1st August. Info 0171 485 1396

SchNEWS IN BRIEF

The High Court ruled yesterday that Sussex police were acting unlawfully by restricting animal exports through Shoreham because they could not afford to police them. The export company, ITV, quashed the restrictions but are unlikely to move the trade back to Shoreham, as Dover is more convenient for them but they may be able to claim thousands in costs for having to transfer to Dover. A Dover Defence Union has now been set up Contact 01342 303166.
Other live export news - the people of Brightlingsea were told the live export contract was only for six months, but the six months is now over and the trade continues. They are holding a non-violent mass sit down on Aug 18th and want at least 100 people to pledge to be arrested. If you can help and need more info. ring Jimmy Johns 01245 420178.
*** Travellers on a disused quarry near Chepstow are being ordered off the land - even tho' they own it! The travellers were fooled into believing the site had planning permission. However Forest of Dean District Council turned down the planning application and have threatened eviction after the school holidays. Government advice for travellers to apply for private site permission is proving to be a joke - 90% of travellers planning applications are being rejected. There's a new leaflet out for travellers with advice on what to do if police try to evict you from a site. Contact Telephone Legal Advice Service for Travellers 01222 874097
*** Youth-CND have asked us not to be happy shoppers when it comes to French produced food. After Chirac's decision to restart nuclear testing this September, they are showing their disapproval by boycotting French goods and letting shops (preferably large supermarkets) know why. There are now weekly protests outside the French embassy on Tuesday evenings between 5 -7.30 p.m. 0171 607 3616 Talking of Nukes, British Nuclear Fuels have been fined £1,600 for five breaches of safety rules while transporting uranium rods across site. As well as not following procedure, foremen and managers ignored alarms and lied in court. A spokesman for BNFL said "even if a fire had occurred there would have been no risk to the public." Yeah right.
*** Those wonderful men at the DoT have been attacked by MP's and others, for refusing to give compensation to residents who have been severely effected by the Channel tunnel Rail Link. One family who were desperate to move, because their son had committed suicide in the house, were unable to sell it because of the rail link but didn't qualify for compulsory purchase!
*** Trials begin on the M3 near Hampshire in an experiment that could lead to motorists paying motorway tolls by the year 2000, the DoT have announced.
*** In Manchester there is a regular Sunday picnic from 1pm at the protest camp set up by those fighting the extension of the M66 Contact 0161 628 47270
*** the 2nd anniversary of Joy Gardeners death, Paul Condon, the Chief Constable of the Met. is meeting with community leaders to talk about why blacks are more prone to muggings. Excellent timing.***

Party and Protest

MON 31st Save Oxleas Wood! 0426 921900
31- 9th AUG Unicorn Camp Sancreed, Cornwall 01256893369
4 -13th AUG Rainbow 2000 Camp 'Dance & Spirit' 01568 613598
4-5th Traquair Fayre 01896 830323
4 -11th Sidmouth Folk Festival 01206 433669
4 - 7th Shut Sellafield Camp 01706 371387
SAT 5th Tan Hill Fayre Nr Avebury, Wiltshire 0935 863349
SAT 5th Glen Uig Free Festival nr. Mallaig, West Coast of Scotland.

5 - 12th AUGUST WEEK OF ACTION AGAINST THE CJA IN FULL
7th SQUASH Action 0171 226 8938
8/9th Action to mark 50th anniversary of the A-bomb blitz of Nagasaki at Faslane Peace Camp, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. 01436 820901 / CND 0171 700 2393
10th Prisoners Justice Day 01715019253
10th Mass trespass and full moon party against Blue Route in Kent 012272 75404
11 - 14th Reclaim The Land! Solsbury Hill, Bath 01225 448556
12th Hunt Sabs National Day of Action against 'Glorious Twelfth' Grouse shooting 01159 590357
13th Smokey Bears Picnic 2pm Southsea Common, Portsmouth

Freedom Network Action Line 01715019253 Every Mon & Fri, live and Direct Action against the M 11 Link. more info: 0181 518 822

and Finally

Tim Smale, founder of reACTion, Lewes' campaign against the CJA, died tragically on Sunday 23rd July, a few days before his 17th birthday. He was much loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed. His spirit will live on in all we do. Tim's funeral takes place on 1st August at St. Pancras Church, Lewes. 2pm.

DISCLAIMER

The SchNEWS warns all readers not to attend any illegal gatherings or take part in any criminal activities. Always stay within the law. In fact please just sit in, watch TV and go on endless shopping sprees filling your home and lives with endless consumer crap. you will then feel content. Honest.

To subscribe to SchNEWS send 1st class stamps/donations (payable to Justice?) SchNEWS c/o on-the-fiddle PO Box 2600 Brighton East Sussex. Tel: (81273) 685913. Or pick one up @ Peace Centre, Gardener St, Brighton and around town

Justice? meet at the new kensington, kensington gardens, every Wed @ 7pm

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Dedicated to Tim - "Alright Groovers"

SchNEWS, PO Box 2600, Brighton, BN2 0EF, England
Phone: +44 (0)1273 685913
email: schnews@brighton.co.uk

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