MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

As Brighton Gears Up For Smash EDO Mayday Mayhem!

Things are hotting up ahead of Brighton’s promised Mayday Mayhem this long weekend - in fact it’s forecast for sun, sun, sun down in the City-by-the-Sea for ‘Bank Holiday’ Monday.

Eagerly grabbing onto the coat-tails of the media’s new-found obsession with police brutality, the Smash EDO campaign seems to have Brighton in a bit of a stir. Local rag the Evening Anus has had two EDO related front pages this week and Sussex Police have been reduced to pleading on Indymedia for organisers to come forward. The Telegraph sounded an alarmist note on Saturday with “Repeat of G20 violence feared as protesters plan to bring Brighton to a standstill.”

EDO have broken their five-year silence in an effort to undermine the campaign. According to Paul Hills, EDO’s M.D. “I strongly object to the use of emotive language such as calling us an ‘arms factory’ and a ‘bomb factory’. It’s very annoying and it’s simply not true.” In fact according to the suddenly talkative Paul, “We make things that ensure the safe carriage and release of weapons from aircraft.” Hmm. Here at SchNEWS we were puzzled about what was safe about the release of weapons from great heights on to populated areas...





The Latest info on May Day from Smash EDO

The meeting point will not be released until very shortly before the demo starts. For location and updates call the Mayday! Mayday! infoline 07506705509. A few more infoline numbers might be added in case they are needed so keep checking www.smashedo.org.uk/mayday-09.htm

If you want a text message giving you the meet point text 'update' to 07983084019 or email it to smashedo@riseup.net

Local Groups Coming to Mayday

These groups are arranging transport from around the country. Contact them if you’d like to travel with someone from your local area:

* Hereford - hereford@afed.org.uk
* Sheffield - sheffield@af-north.org
* Bath - bathactivistnet@yahoo.com
* Cardiff - cardiffanarchists@riseup.net
* London – see www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/428512.html

Accommodation

If you need accommodation for either Mayday or the Anti-Militarist Gathering email us at smashedo@riseup.net or call 07706 689722 (limited spaces available)

Fitwatch

The Forward Intelligence Team will, we’re sure, be at Mayday! To find out about FIT and how to sabotage their surveillance see www.fitwatch.blogspot.com Remember you’re under no obligation to comply with their filming.

Critical Mass

Critical Mass will be meeting at 11am at Brighton Station before the main Street Party... Bikes Not Bombs, Bring sound systems!

Smash EDO Radio

Broadcasting throughout the day on 101.4fm giving you vital info and a soundtrack to the street party. If you’ve got a radio or sound system with a tuner, blast out the broadcast.

Bike-ride from London

There will be a cycle caravan leaving from Brixton on Sunday (3rd), riding to Brighton for the demo. Meet 9am outside Ritzy Cinema, Brixton leaving at 9.30am. See www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/428512.html

Kids Block

There'll be a kid's block on the day, with parents and kids looking out for each other - email rubychard@riseup.net

Callout for Bands and DJs

If you are in a band or can DJ contact smashedo@riseup.net

Legal Support

If you or someone you know are arrested or assaulted by police and need legal support 07522024454. For emotional support call 07962 406940

Press Enquiries

Tel 07754 135290 or email smashedopress@riseup.net For latest press release see www.smashedo.org.uk/pressreleases.htm





Anti-Militarist Gathering

May 2nd-3rd is the Anti Militarist Network gathering in Brighton. This will be a chance for local anti-arms trade/anti-militarist groups to exchange ideas and to plan our response to the 2009 DSEI arms fair and the NATO summit in Edinburgh in November.

For more info see here http://antimilitaristnetwork.noflag.org.uk or call 07983084019