From: “Welford Camp”
Date: Tue Mar 18, 2003 4:40 pm
Subject: Anti-Terrorism Laws Used Against Peace Protestors
MEDIA RELEASE: Anti-Terrorism Laws Used Against Peace Protestors – 18th March 2003, for immediate release
Earlier today a protestor who had been staying at RAF Welford, Berkshire, as part of an anti-militarist camp was arrested under Section 58 of the
Terrorism Act 2000. Section 58 is a very serious offence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. After being held at Newbury police station for
the whole day, she was released without charge.
The sole remaining occupant of the camp, Violeta Lass, was given an ultimatum by the police that she had to either pack up the whole camp and be driven away or she would be arrested.
She said: I had to pack up the whole camp on my own: a twenty person tent and three other tents, cooking equipment, food and personal belongings of my friends who had been arrested.
The police searched the camp and confiscated many items, including her mobile phone. When she asked the National Public Order Tactical Advisor who was present why they had taken her phone, he replied, “You’re not getting an answer”.
The behaviour of the police in this situation and their use of anti-terrorist laws to criminalise peace protestors is concerning. When the anti-terrorism laws were introduced many people feared they would be used to stifle peaceful protest and that is exactly what is happening.
The three activists who were arrested for conspiracy yesterday were charged with ‘going equipped’ and released last night. Throughout the camp at Welford and many other anti-war protests, the main tactic used by the police has been to arrest activists in order to bail them out of the area. Those three have been bailed away from RAF Welford and USAF Fairford, thereby putting an end to their peaceful protest.
For more information contact the group’s Media Officer, Kate Jackson on 07817 061183 or by email at welfordcamp@h…
Notes For Editors:
The protestors were camping near RAF Welford, Berkshire in order to watch the base round the clock and take direct action to stop bombs from being taken to Fairford.
RAF Welford is run as a satellite to Fairford by the 424th Air Base Squadron. The base’s primary mission is to support the bomber forward operating location at USAF Fairford. It is certain in the event of war on Iraq bombs will be taken from Welford to Fairford. Although Fairford has a small supply of bombs, once these have been used bombs from Welford will be transported by lorry to Fairford, 38 miles away.
Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 says “A person commits an offence if-
(a) he collects or makes a record of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, or
(b) he possesses a document or record containing information of that kind.”
From directactionagainstwar
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/directactionagainstwar/message/577
Terrorism Act 2000 :: Section 58
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00011–g.htm#58
I think I see some problems for photographers here, as well as activists, in covering some of these matters. Watch this space …….. !!
