HOUSE DEMOLITION

FURTHER REPRESSION AS MIGRANTS SQUAT IN CALAIS IS DEMOLISHED

A police-escorted bulldozer razed the inside of migrant squat Africa House in Calais last Thursday (31st).

In the early afternoon, large numbers of police descended on the site, home to tens of African migrants since the first Africa House was demolished last June (see SchNEWS 727). They immediately set about evicting the premises to clear the way for the bulldozer. Activists attempted to block the path but were collared by police. Several were arrested before police decided to assume a position behind the barricade.

The bulldozer reduced the inside of the two main buildings to rubble while leaving the structures untouched. The demolition took the people who live in Africa House by surprise and left many without their belongings, including ID and papers.

The authorities stated that the demolition was carried out to stop people accessing the ‘dangerous’ roof. In the past year people have only been injured on the roof in police raids.

Migrants responded by building enormous barricades at the front and back of the site out of the debris and other material, which doubled up as a handy route onto the roof. This didn’t deter the PAF (border police) though, and they launched an early morning raid, arresting ten people.

Harassment by the PAF and the ever-evil CRS continues to be relentless at both the African and Palestinian squats. Activists maintain a watch to warn migrants of police raids with whistles, which has led them into confrontation with police. They are subjected to constant ID checks and have been threatened with arrest if they are found on ‘private property’. One activist who refused to show their ID was cuffed and hauled off to the cop shop.

* See http://calaismigrantsolidarity.wordpress.com

 

RICH PICKINGS

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so they say. Hot on the heels of the anti-cuts march on the 26th, London is to host the pro-cuts “Rally Against Debt” on May 14th.

The “polite demonstration” is being engineered by the likes of the Tory-funded Taxpayers Alliance, the Countryside Alliance, ex-UKIP advisers and supported by far-right elements. In other words, expect a combination of Nazi nutters and the kind of rich, right-wing retrogrades you can imagine spending their time shooting pheasants and breaking into Rule Britannia when they’ve had one too many G&Ts.

To call such a demonstration a rally “against debt” is in itself manipulative: supportive of the ConDems blatantly ideological motivations for destroying the welfare state, the march would more accurately be described as a “Rally for public sector decimation and corporate greed”. The Taxpayers Alliance has links to the super-republican Tea Party movement in the US. Along with various right-wing think-tanks, they’ve been itching to see a UK version blossom - and will be hoping that the 14th becomes its birthday.

Of course there will be a counter-demo - watch this space.

* For comedy value see http://rallyagainstdebt.org and their Facebook page.

 

SICK TO THE GILLS

Last Friday (1st), the death of a 27-year-old Belgian man after a brutal police attack a week before sparked rioting across the small city of Gilly, near Charleroi. The cops’ violent outburst took place in broad daylight in the middle of the street, and was all because the man, called Sandro, was thought to have taken a Coke from a shop.

Anti-police tensions reached boiling point in both Gilly and Charleroi, culminating in the local cop shop getting molotoved, and masked protesters throwing stones at police cars and the personal vehicles of police parked outside the station. On the night of Saturday (2nd), more angry youngsters fought with police for several hours.

The cops resorted to calling the Federal Police reinforcements and using a water cannon to try and restore order. In nearby neighbourhood Lodinsart the police station was also attacked with stones and metal bars, cars were set on fire in supermarket car parks and shop windows were smashed. Sunday (3rd) saw bins across the city set alight and more car burning.

Few people have been arrested for the riots, which were characterised by small groups appearing then nimbly disappearing again. Those that were nicked were all released shortly after.

* See http://sysiphus-angrynewsfromaroundtheworld.blogspot.com

 

CAUGHT OFF GARD

Two Gardai are under investigation this week in Ireland after they were recorded making rape ‘jokes’ in a conversation about two female Rossport protesters who they had, apparently unlawfully, arrested.

The recording was made with a video camera confiscated from an activist and left running by the sexist morons, who are heard to say “Give me your name and address or I’ll rape you” and then laughing. During the recording the Gardai also debate whether correct procedures should be followed when removing protesters from heights. The Sergeant advocates not bothering.

Meanwhile, Shell to Sea campaigners’ determined disruption of the Shell gas pipeline work continues (see SchNEWS 765). On Monday (4th) activists linked arms in a concrete tube and blockaded work on Shell’s road to the estuary for a whole day. Although Gardai turned up within the hour, they didn’t move the protesters.

Eleven hours later they were removed by IRMS security and handed to the guards, prompting a spontaneous lie-in action that continued for another hour. Campaigners have also been pulling up bog tracks laid by Shell to allow heavy machinery through to start the next stage of building. Actions are now on nearly everyday - if you’re a frustrated eco-warrior, get ya’self down to Ireland quick sharp.

See www.shelltosea.com

* Rossport Solidarity Camp will be having a Direct Action Workshop Weekend this weekend April 9th-10th - all welcome, open to complete beginners - no experience necessary. Food will be cooked communally, donations welcome.

** Also April 30th – May 2nd will be the Rossport Solidarity Camp Summer Gathering – a weekend of workshops and actions. This will be a family friendly event with kids area.

** And then there’s the Party Against The Pipe Festival June 4th-6th celebrating over a decade of resistance to Shell’s Corrib gas project with music, circus, comedy, crafts, kids activities. Calling all performers and workshoppers - and if you can lend equipment get in contact. 0851141170 partyagainstthepipe@gmail.com

* For details and location see www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org

 

PARTY & PROTEST APRIL ROUNDUP

The Party & Protest listings are what SchNEWS is all about: getting people off their arses and becoming involved. Here’s a round-up for April...

AUSTERITY / ANTI CUTS

 * Following the successful occupation the week before, Trafalgar Square will be re-taken for 24 hours from 6.30pm on April 9th http://occupytrafalgarsquare.wordpress.com

* In protest against Housing Benefit cuts and Westminster Council criminalising sleeping on the street or handing out free food, there will be a demo at Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP on April 14th 5pm-9pm. http://benefitclaimantsfightback.wordpress.com

* UK Uncut demos continue all this month – targeting tax dodging by corporations and the rich, estimated to cost the state $95bn a year. April 9th - Bath, Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, York; April 14th – London; April 16th – Edinburgh, Glasgow, London; April 23rd - Burnley, Newcastle, Sheffield (TBC); April 30th – Brighton (see below), Leeds; May 1st – Oxford. For full details see www.ukuncut.org.uk/actions/list

* On the 3rd National Day Of Protests Against Benefits Cuts, April 14th: Leeds meet 11am at Leeds train station for 11.30am demo at Atos Origin, 1 Whitehall, LS1 4HR then to A4e, Zicon House, Wade Lane, LS2 8DD www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155593464493862 – Brighton 2pm-5pm Churchill Sq http://brightonbenefitscampaign.wordpress.com – London protest against the Daily Mail and their knee-jerk reactionary politics, in this case their lies about people on benefits. 2pm-5pm, Daily Mail Headquarters, Young Street, London, W8 5TT http://benefitclaimantsfightback.wordpress.com – Bristol 12pm-5pm Bristol Government Buildings, Flowers Hill, Bristol BS4 5LA www.bristolanticutsalliance.org.uk - Poole outside Jobcentre, Dear Hay Lane, Poole, 12pm-2pm www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161332900587762

* Mayday Brighton: mass party & protest, April 30th 12 noon – location TBA. Not just a demo against the cuts, bringing together UK Uncut, as well as Critical Mass, No Borders, South Coast Climate Camp, Anti-Fascists, Smash EDO, Hunt Sabs and more – going for a whole range of targets. http://brightonmayday.wordpress.com

ANTI WAR / ARMS TRADE

* The Faslane Peace Camp is holding a grand re-opening with a weekend of gardening, workshops and of course some protesting over the weekend April 8th-10th. Faslane Peace Camp, Shandon Helensburgh, G84 8ND www.facebook.com/pages/Faslane-Peace-Camp/10143429717

* Shut Down Heckler & Koch will picket the H&K office in Nottingham on April 11th 4pm at the gates of Easter Park, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2PX (regular event held on second Monday of every month) www.shutdownhk.org.uk

* Disarm DSEi will confront the Counter Terror Expo - an event showcasing the latest equipment used by states to spy on, restrict and repress citizens, supplying despotic regimes the world over – April 19th 12 noon at Grand & National Hall, Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX www.dsei.org/counter-terror-2011

* Smash EDO Noise Demo - every Wednesday 4pm-6pm outside EDO on Home Farm Road, Brighton BN1 9HU www.smashedo.org.uk

ANIMAL RIGHTS

* Demo against the Grand National and horseracing in general, where nearly 400 horses are killed annually. Meet April 9th 11.30am outside main entrance to Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside on A59, opposite train station. www.faace.co.uk

* National Rally for Animals in Laboratories, calling for end to all animal experiments. 12 noon, April 16th, Whitworth Park, Manchester www.wdail.org

POLICE / SURVEILLANCE

“Standing up to Surveillance” - A Network for Police Monitoring Conference. With increased state surveillance in protest groups and minority communities – eg filming people at demos, police databases, infiltration into protest movements and more - this conference will hear from people personally and politically affected by this. April 17th, 10.30am-5pm at Rich Mix, 35–47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. £5/£10 http://standinguptosurveillance.wordpress.com

COMMUNITY ACTION

* Squatathon - Tory plans to make squatting illegal could make 25,000 people homeless in London alone. There is currently around 250,000 empty properties in Britain - with more to come as the financial crisis bites. April 17th, 10am-1pm – location TBA see www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154118774647735

* Common Place Social Centre in Leeds is closing down after six years. There will be a weekend of events April 23rd-24th including a gig on Saturday night and films on Sunday. Plus - a ‘What’s Next?’ meeting at The Common Place 5pm 17th April. 23-25 Wharf St, Leeds, LS2 7EQ www.thecommonplace.org.uk

* Critical Mass - reclaiming city centres from cars with a mass bike-ride, April 29th and every last Friday of the month - typically at around 5pm. For locations see www.schnews.org.uk/pap/guide.php#crit-mass but check local site to confirm.

ECOLOGICAL DIRECT ACTION

* Titnore Camp tat-down weekend. The five year old camp has successfully saved the woodland in West Durrington, West Sussex from the axe. Climbers particularly welcome. All weekend April 9th-10th. www.protectourwoodland.co.uk

NUCLEAR

* Sizewell Nuclear Power Station will be targeted with a weekend – April 22nd-25th – of workshops, skill-shares, woodland and beach walks, vegan food and demo on the 23rd 12noon. Marking the 25th anniversary of Chernobyl. Sizewell IP16 4UE - on Suffolk coast 8 miles from the A12. www.sizewellcamp.org.uk

ROYAL WEDDING

Not The Royal Wedding Street Party – celebrating people-power rather than inherited privilege, with food, stalls and entertainment – April 29th, from 11.30am, Earlham Street, London WC2 www.republic.org.uk Look on Party & Protest closer to the date for other events and protests during the royal wedding.

 

ZERO EVICTION DAY

With Basildon Council expected to deliver the 28 day eviction notice any day to the Dale Farm travellers site in Essex (see SchNEWS 763), International Romani movement activists from Spain, Holland, Germany and former Yugoslavia will be there this weekend to meet residents and human rights monitors as the fight to defend Dale Farm becomes international. This Saturday (9th) will be Zero Eviction Day, marking the 40th year of the World Romani Congress, which celebrates Roma Nation Day on April 8th.

What began as a localised dispute with a parochial racist council trying to push through another violent, ethnic-cleansing Gypsy eviction, this time a potential eviction operation would happen with a level of international attention and public opposition not seen at previous removals – sure to cramp the style of rent-a-thug bailiffs Constant & Co. The site is now heavily defended with scaffold towers, barbed-wire, chicane-barriers, an array of supporters on the ground and more sure to come. Gypsy spokesperson Grattan Puxon claims that journalists from CNN, Al Jazeera, France 24, as well as local television stations are expected to be embedded behind the barricades should an eviction happen.

Potentially the biggest eviction in British history, the attention of the world’s media, international human rights scrutiny, a direct action defence of the site, the nonsense of paying £8 million (plus potentially another £10 million for policing) when it would be far cheaper to simply let the residents stay or give them another site - have the Basildon Council and their baying hounds Constant & Co bitten off more than they can chew?

* Zero Eviction Day – April 9th, 11am, food at 1.30pm, at Dale Farm, CM11 2YJ, Basildon, Essex (nearest train Wickford station). 07888699256

* Dale Farm Solidarity meet every Sunday at 2pm at Freedom Bookshop, 84b Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX

* Pledge to spend a night at Dale Farm in case of eviction www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170414852985935

* See http://dalefarm.wordpress.com

 

GETTING THEIR FILL

Residents of Keratea in southeast Athens have been involved in a 118 day long struggle against the construction of a landfill site (see SchNEWS 758) - and the dirty business ain’t over yet.

Having ingeniously dumped several tons of rubble on the major road leading to the site to obstruct the works last Monday (28th), protesters then set fire to the police bulldozer sent to clear the way the next day. Using megaphones and the church bells, protesters were able to encourage hundreds of locals to join the fight. Squaring up to police around the out-of-town site, the riot cops faced fire bombs and rocks.

Six riot police buses were called to the rescue of the already fortified police presence. Four officers and an unknown number of protesters were injured in the clashes.

 

QUAKING IN THEIR BOOTS

Anti-fascists saw off an attempted attack on a Brighton UAF meeting on Tuesday night. A motley crew of EDL, Casuals United and the English Nationalist Alliance turned up to hassle the meeting on the defence of multi-culturalism, outside the Quaker Meeting Centre.

What started as a static demo by around 20-25 EDL turned into a frontal assault on the building. SchNEWS spoke to someone on the scene. “The EDL, two wearing Ulster Volunteer Force shirts, tried to batter their way into the building but despite the doormen being outnumbered they were beaten off after a bit of a kicking”. By the time anti-fascist reinforcements arrived the EDL had disappeared into the night.

Brighton Police, taking their usual dim view of all things lefty suggested that it was those hosting the meeting who were responsible for all the aggro.

Meanwhile both sides are gearing up for the thinly disguised EDL family day out that is the March for England, in Brighton on Sunday 24th April - for details closer to the time see http://brightonantifascists.wordpress.com