Action Reports – Page 264

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Day of Action – protests throughout England, Scotland & Wales – from cake to locked-on polar bears

Protests in Bristol, London, Manc, Norwich, Cambridge, Sheffield, Oxford, Edinburgh, Truro, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Bath, Bradford, St Andrews, Plymouth, Reading, Leamington Spa, Leicester & Altrincham (‘read more’ for details, photos, audio & video clips)

A group of ‘climate refugees’ blocked the vehicle entrance to the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Corporate Offices at Temple Quay to shine the spotlight on climate criminals RBS, the self-proclaimed ‘Oil and Gas’ Bank. Four people from Bristol Rising Tide for Climate Action dressed as homeless polar bears have locked themselves together and prevented all vehicles entering the RBS branch for six and a half hours.

Today’s blockade lasted six and a half hours with the last ‘climate refugee’ being finally chiseled out at 2.30pm. Four people are currently being held at Trinity police station.
The police used a dubious method of dealing with it – they lifted people and suitcases on to trolleys and then wheeled them away. This caused severe discomfort and panic for the people on the ground and at least one of them has bruising as a result.
RBS lost many hours today due to rocking up late cos of parking issues and the many employees that spent the day staring out of the windows watching the drama unfolding and taking photos on their phones (check out you tube for clips!).

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PRESS RELEASE: ‘Climate refugees’ locked up at the Oil Bank of Scotland, Bristol

A group of ‘climate refugees’ are blocking the vehicle entrance to the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Corporate Offices at Temple Quay to shine the spotlight on climate criminals RBS, the self-proclaimed ‘Oil and Gas’ Bank.

Six people from Bristol Rising Tide for Climate Action dressed as homeless polar bears have locked themselves together and are currently preventing all vehicles entering the RBS branch. This is part of a National Day of Local Action against the Royal Bank of Scotland called by those hugely concerned with the devastation to the climate, planet and people.[1]

RBS-NatWest publicly promotes itself as “The Oil & Gas Bank”. They provide the financial fuel that is accelerating climate change. Without these loans to oil and gas corporations the projects would not happen. [2]It is estimate that *in 2006, the bank provided over $10 billion to fossil fuels – more than five times that provided to renewable energy.[3]*

RBS provide oil corporations with loans to build new massively ecologically detrimental drilling rigs, pipelines and oil tankers. [4] And as RBS’s profits rise so does the carbon in the atmosphere.

Global climate change already forces more people from their homes each year than war. And as the effects worsen, one in seven people on Earth today could be forced to leave their homes over the next 50 years. [5]

A polar bear said, “I am here to let RBS know that their funnelling of cash into fossil fuel projects is making myself and millions of other animals, including humans homeless.”

Another polar bear said “If carbon dioxide molecules had corporate tags of responsibility, the atmosphere would be full of RBS logos mingling with those of BP, Exxon and Shell!”

Contact:

Bristol Rising Tide 07951789187
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Notes for Editors

[1] The day of action was called by the UK Rising Tide Network at this years Camp for Climate Action which took place next to Heathrow Airport. www.risingtide.org.uk

[2] In 2005 emissions from RBS financed oil and gas projects was about a quarter of the amount produced by all UK homes.

[3] taken from: *The Oil and Gas Bank; RBS and the financing of climate change * http://peopleandplanet.org/dl/ddd/rbs_report.pdf

[4] RBS is helping force open the carbon frontier, financing controversial projects in Nigeria, the Caucasus and Wales. Its involvement in Angolan and Nigerian oil fields encourages corruption and conflict, while gas projects from the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico threaten environmental destruction.

[5] Figures from “Human Tide: The Real Migration Crisis,” by Christian Aid. The report calls for “urgent action by the world community” if the worst effects of this crisis are to be averted.

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one arrest at Royal Bank of Scotland banner drop this morning in London

around a dozen activists from ‘rising tide’ highlighted royal bank of scotland’s shoddy record of investment in climate change. one clambered on the glass canopy of their city hq to unfurl a banner while others handed out more than 900 leaflets

shortly before 9am this morning police sealed off the pavement under the glass canopy in front of 280 bishopsgate, the london hq of the royal bank of scotland. an activist had clambered up with a banner proclaiming ‘the oil bank of scotland’, while a dozen others leafletted passers-by and bank workers outside the front doors.

the activists also had various banners, and one was fetchingly dressed as a polar bear.

the action lasted about an hour and a half, while police photographer steve discombe used up the battery of his long lens camera taking shots of everyone involved. luckily, police back-up arrived with another battery just as the banner man came down.

police tried to seize the banner from activists “as evidence” and after a short but comic game of ‘piggy in the middle’, they succeeded. in past cases around parliament square, it has been shown in court that if police have clear photos of the banner, under PACE they have no further right to seize the actual banner, so in effect they stole it this morning (as they often do!).

the banner man was arrested for ‘causing a public nuisance’ and it is believed he was taken to bethnal green police station.

activists were highlighting the fact that RBS-NatWest have in the last five years funded 655 million tonnes of emissions) which is more than the UK’s entire annual emissions. the bank has launched ‘aviation capital’ to help put more planes in the sky, and it has pumped over $10billion into the oil and gas industry, funding rigs, tankers and pipelines.

there is a further protest planned outside the bank at 5pm today

20071015_RBS_WMV – video/x-ms-wmv 15M

20071015_RBS_QT – video/quicktime 13M
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London pranks: ‘This Company is Out of Order’ signs left on 15 RBS and Natwest cash machines in central London. Pranksters do invisible theatre in branches, trying to open accounts, having arguments about RBS’ unethical policies in the queues, and leaving piles of anti-RBS leaflets amongst their corporate propaganda. They then go underground for some ‘Tube Education’, leafleting and talking to Tube passengers.

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National climate protests against Royal Bank of Scotland, ‘The Oil and Gas Bank’

15 October 2007
For immediate release, for photographs contact Mike J Wells 07799152888

POLAR BEAR PINS BLAME ON RBS DOOR

Climate Change direct action group London Rising Tide and friends, this morning occupied the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland to expose their role in Climate Chaos. This was one of many actions happening across the UK today as part of a UK Rising Tide call out for a National day of action against RBS.

Activists dropped a banner reading “RBS profits, climate cops it” from the balcony, while others held placards on the street in front of the building on Bishopsgate.

A polar bear, currently sleeping rough since the artic ice became history, also attended to ask “why are RBS still investing in fossil fuel projects like ‘gas pipelines’ in Wales and ‘Tar sands strip mining’ in what was Canadian Arboreal Forest?”

The Bear said “Banks like RBS are the hidden drivers of climate change by offering loans to fossil fuel projects that otherwise the World Bank would not support”.

RBS calls itself the ‘Oil and Gas Bank’, and is the primary UK funder of fossil fuel extraction. RBS provides oil companies with the capital to build and operate drilling rigs, pipelines and oil tankers in some of the most sensitive and unstable places in the world. Through Aviation Capital, RBS financing allows airlines to expand their fleets and put more planes into the skies.

The thirty oil and gas finance deals RBS signed between 2001 and 2006 will create 655 million tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 15 years, which is more than the UK’s entire annual emissions. (2)

‘Banks like RBS who profit handsomely from climate-destroying projects have stood in the shadows for too long, but they are as guilty as the oil companies. If carbon dioxide molecules had corporate tags of responsibility, the atmosphere would be full of RBS logos mingling with those of BP, Exxon and Shell’, said Martin Redfern, from London.

For interviews from the protest call 075 1311 9047

For more details visit
. www.risingtide.org.uk
. http://www.carbonweb.org/showitem.asp?article=268&parent=267
(www.platform.org.uk)
. www.londonrisingtide.org.uk
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ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND….THE ‘OIL AND GAS BANK’

Manchester Climate Action targeted the RBS headquarters on Deansgate, Manchester, as part of a national day of action called by the Rising Tide network.

Local groups which formed to mobilise for this year’s Camp for Climate Action, have this morning taken action against RBS, a major backer of the aviation industry and the world’s self-described ‘Oil and Gas Bank’.

Banners were displayed reading: ‘Climate Change: RBS Makes It Happen’ and ‘No Pipeline! Green Energy Not Gas’. Protesters were greeted by 3 Tactical Aid Unit Vans and security guards, but despite police attempts to stop noise under the public order act, the samba band played and flyers were given out to workers, customers and passers by.

RBS employs some 5,000 staff in the Greater Manchester area and is the 2nd largest private employer in the area.

RBS provides oil companies with the cash to build and operate drilling rigs, pipelines and oil tankers. RBS also profits through the aviation industry. From the Niger Delta to the Arctic, RBS loans play a key role in
forcing open the new carbon frontier, which contributes to environmental destruction,disruption of indigenous peoples and increased conflict across the planet.

RBS is the second-largest bank in Europe and has global assets of over $1120 billion, including UK brands NatWest, Direct Line and Churchill Insurance. Despite creating a heavily green washed public image through
sponsorship of sports and the arts, RBS activities have major destructive impacts on the environment and society. The thirty oil and gas finance deals RBS signed between 2001 and 2006 locked us all into 655 million
tonnes of emissions over the next 15 years, more than the UK’s entire annual emissions.

Manchester Climate Action meet regularly, for more information email:
manchester@climatecamp.org.uk. Next meeting is Tuesday 16th, 6pm, Eighth Day café, Oxford Rd (near Manchester Metropolitan University, opposite All Saints Park.)

radio report of rbs protest – mp3 2.2M
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Triple whammy for RBS in Norwich

Last night, the doors of the RBS-Natwest Group Technology office on Exchange Street and the main RBS branch on Queen Street were locked shut. When staff showed up for work this morning at the Queen Street branch they found themselves locked out, and gathered opposite the branch to see what would happen. Soon after, 6 activists from Norwich Rising Tide turned up with leaflets and banners reading ‘RBS: Financing Climate Change’ and ‘Closed for a Total Re-think’. The d-lock proved to be a good one, and the bank was delayed from opening for business for over an hour. Rising Tiders handed out leaflets and chatted to the waiting staff and customers, with the usual mixed response. Passers-by were generally supportive, and the police showed up only at the very end, once the bank had re-opened and we were running low on leaflets. After our 500-strong leaflet stash had been exhausted, we decided to call it a morning.

norwich@risingtide.org.uk
http://www.risingtide.org.uk

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Cambridge RBS action

At lunchtime on Monday 15 October, around ten activists assembled outside the Royal Bank of Scotland branch on Trinity Street, Cambridge, as part of the national day of action against the UK’s main bankroller of carbon emitters. The protesters put up placards next to the ATM, handed out leaflets, and engaged passers-by and customers in discussion.

Four police officers were also in attendance, one taking pictures of all the leafletters. A number of people who happened to be passing by wanted to know the reason for this. Among these were an American woman who got quite stroppy with the officers, and a young guy who wanted to have picture taken with one of the protesters (the police dutifully obliged). Although the police came across all friendly, they did play their usual intimidation tactics of dropping details of protesters into the conversation that they could only have lifted from FIT files. On the flipside, they asked for the placards to be moved away from the ATM, as “customers might feel intimidated.”

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Royal Bank of Scotland Targeted for Investing in Climate Change

A group of activists leafletted the Royal Bank of Scotland in Broomhill, Sheffield as part of a National Day of Action. Over 20 actions have taken place all around the country including banks being locked up in Norwich and polar bears blockading in Bristol. This is all part of a campaign against the Royal Bank of Scotland which invests heavily in oil and gas, which is accelerating climate change.

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Quick Update on Today’s Oxford RBS Actions

Oxford climate activists targeted a branches of both the Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest as part of the today’s National Day of Action. With banners and oil-spattered T-Shirts declaring “RBS Group – Funding Climate Change”, “Dirty Bankers – Shafting The Planet”, and “The Oil Bank Of Scotland”, they caused a stir in Oxford’s busiest shopping precinct and distributed hundreds of leaflets to interested customers and passers-by.

Activists also entered both branches with a large oil pipeline, explaining to customers and staff that they were delivering it to the branch, but couldn’t leave until they’d spoken to Head Office to confirm that it had arrived safely. They stayed in each branch cheerfully (and loudly) reminiscing with staff and customers about all the other pipelines and fossil fuel projects the bank was funding, and how much climate change they were causing, until removed by the police. In the NatWest branch, they also managed to get a call put through to Head Office and asked them why RBS were funding so many climate-trashing projects (they didn’t get any decent answers though).

No-one was arrested, although one protester had to give their name and address under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act for “anti-social behaviour” (they were apparently causing “alarm and distress” by standing in a bank, talking about climate change and holding a cardboard oil pipe).

Oxford Climate Action meet on Mondays at the Oxford Action Resource Centre (OARC – www.theoarc.org.uk). To get involved, contact oxford@climatecamp.org.uk – new members always welcome!

Link to video of Action

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Students from Edinburgh University protested outside RBS’s Central Branch in Edinburgh as part of Rising Tide’s national day of action against RBS’s funding of oil and gas extraction.

Students from Edinburgh University People & Planet group stepped up their campaign against the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) this morning. Alongside other People & Planet groups in Scotland, and campaigners from Rising Tide, they took part in a national ‘day of action’ targeting the Edinburgh-based bank.

The protests aim to highlight RBS’s role as one of the world’s largest funders of climate-wrecking oil and gas extraction. Emissions resulting from RBS-supported projects around the globe are greater than those of the whole of Scotland.

Campaigners gave out information to customers, held banners, and waved oil covered hands outside RBS’s central branch in St. Andrew’s Square.

People & Planet recently worked with climate change experts PLATFORM to write a report into RBS (2). The report draws attention to the bank’s crucial role in supporting the global oil and gas extraction industry, where it publicly markets itself as ‘the oil and gas bank’.

Sarah Holliday, a member of Edinburgh People & Planet said:

“RBS call themselves ‘the oil and gas bank’. They provide huge amounts of advice and funding for new oil extraction. Their fossil fuels projects worldwide will lock us in to emissions for decades to come – making a low carbon economy impossible. They are the UK’s main financial drivers of climate change.”

The campaign is a part of the People & Planet national campaign, “Ditch Dirty Development”, which is also calling on the Department for International Development to stop using aid money to fund fossil fuel projects (3).

More photos can be found here.

1) People & Planet is the UK’s largest student campaigning network. It campaigns on world poverty, human rights and the environment: www.peopleandplanet.org http://pandp.eusa.ed.ac.uk

2) The report, entitled ‘The Oil and Gas Bank’, can be found here

3)“Ditch Dirty Development” campaign website
“Oil Bank of Scotland” campaign website

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Also in Edinburgh: The locks of the main entrances to at least six Edinburgh RBS branches were glued shut last night, and all of them had to have the locks replaced today.

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2 branches in edinburgh were given ‘pollution awards’ – along with various other posters about RBS policy. unfortunatly the police drove by while one branch was just being finished off, and took the still wet posters off. 🙁 – next time…

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Truro demo at RBS branch: Twelve activists from across Cornwall gathered at the RBS branch in Truro for a two-hour demo with a friendly atmosphere and good response from passers-by. They handed out leaflets and slices of cake from a clock-shaped ‘11th hour’ cake, and made new connections that built the foundations of a climate action group for Cornwall.

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Birmingham Uni flood campus NatWest: Over thirty students from Birmingham People and Planet descended upon the Natwest branch on campus. Some were dressed in boiler suits and carried oil pipelines. Others, dressed as bankers and impersonating members of the RBS Oil and Gas Team gave a highly sarcastic presentation extolling the virtues of RBS’ oil and gas investments. Oil pipes and boiler suits. Dressed as bankers. Went in and gave mock presentation, impersonated oil and gas team. Extolled virtues of RBS. 20 minutes. Did presentation again a few more times on campus. 30 people. Couldn’t all fit in. Birmingham People and Planet.

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Glasgow Treacle Tart Cabaret: After a half hour discussion with the central Glasgow RBS branch manager in which they expressed their anger about RBS’ investment in oil and gas, two intrepid activists left the branch, only to make a quick costume change and return as the hosts of the Treacle Tart Cabaret. They sang, danced, waved banners and placards, got up on the cashiers’ desks and strutted their stuff, and even performed an Oil Rap. At this point the bank decided to lock its doors, locking the Tarts in and customers out, and effectively shutting the bank down for an hour. Inside the atmosphere was positive, with the locked-in staff and customers getting into the swing of things. One of the Tarts capped off the performance by cutting up her RBS debit card as a magic trick.

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Around a dozen climate change refugees queued outside Nat West Bank in Aberystwyth today, Monday 15th October, to beg a ‘bank official’ for a home loan because climate change was destroying their current home. The refugees ranged from an Aussie through a Greenlander to an Artic Cod. As the refugees were interviewed, volunteers handed out fliers on Royal Bank of Scotland , Nat West and their investment in projects linked to climate change. Meanwhile, RBS and Nat West ATMs all mysteriously displayed signs reading ‘OUT OF ORDER’ in large letters. On close inspection with a magnifying glass, the very small print read ‘RBS and Nat West investment policy’. The possible effects of climate change on a number of countries were mapped on the pavement with chalk – disturbing before and after snapshots. As the refugees were all turned down for home loans, they carried a protest banner into the bank. Unfortunately, being weakened by loosing their homes, the refugees dropped the banner and, being weighted down with helium balloons, it drifted up and displayed itself from the ceiling for a good half an hour before staff managed to get it down.

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The main cardiff branch RBS on st Mary’s Street was closed 3 hours after 20 activists entered the building causing distruption. Hundreds of leaflets were handed out and banners displayed outside. The process was repeated at Natwest afterwards.

Lots of Police were in attendance including intelligence gatherers. Photos to follow.

cardiffanarchists@riseup.net
http://southwalesanarchists.org

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Don’t Bank On Oil In Bath

As part of today’s national day of action against the Royal Bank of Scotland, 7 activists from Bath Activist Network picketed the RBS branch on Quiet Street in Bath, for two hours over lunch time. Banner on display, customers and passers-by were leafleted with mock-up imitation RBS literature and invitations to ‘Open an oil rig today!’, informing the public about the Terms and Consequences of banking with RBS, their dodgy investment record in fossil fuel extraction and aviation industries, and the 160,000 estimated global deaths a year due to the effects of climate change. Whilst staff and police complained about the seemingly out-of-order ATM outside their door, we listened to stories of customers’ poor treatment by their bank, and also helped at least the one student find more ethical options for his new account. Also bemusing were the members of public who mistook the business-suited activists for bank employees, and chatted about the service.

bathactivistnet@yahoo.co.uk
http://myspace.com/bathactivistnetwork

To read PLATFORM’s report on Royal bank of Scotland, go here: http://peopleandplanet.org/dl/ddd/rbs_report.pdf
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Bradford students leaflet campus Natwest

Students from the university of Bradford People & Planet group leafleted at the Natwest branch on campus. That’s all the details I know, hopefully more details to follow.

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St Andrews Uni P&P also did some protest performance art – ‘attempting’ to open accounts in the town, etc.

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Plymouth – after a procession along North Hill Street, a group of people held a four-hour demo at the RBS branch near Drake Circus, complete with music and drumming. A good response from passers-by, with lots of customers asking directly for leaflets.

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Reading Rising Tide held a demo at the Reading RBS branch.

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A group of 5 held a demo in Leamington.

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Cash-points were stickered with anti-RBS stickers in Leicester.

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Leaflets were stuck on lamp-posts in Altrincham.

Last week’s direct action news from Greece

direct action report 7-15 October
DIRECT ACTION NEWS FROM GREECE – http://directactiongr.blogspot.com

This blog is an attemp to cover, publicise and translate all known direct action news (mostly concerning Greece but also near countries as well), apart from the mass media mediation, providing an open database on sabotage-vandalism-rioting and other fine popular arts that blossom throughout the ruins of our post-industrial society. It came as a personal response to a wider need for all direct action to have its own proper spaces, in order to speak for itself, spaces available to anyone that cares. So, i am willing to publish all communiques and comments concerning the actions found here. There will not be published here actions claimed by any formal organisations or parties. These gentlemen can -at least- afford their own image-making. You are welcome to send your own reports to directactiongr@yahoo.gr

direct action report 7-15 October
DIRECT ACTION NEWS FROM GREECE – http://directactiongr.blogspot.com

http://directactiongr.blogspot.com/search/label/english

LAST WEEK’S NEWS…

15 surveillance cameras destroyed, Polytechnical School (Athens, 15/10/2007)
Source & leaflet text (greek only): athens.indymedia.org

Today at 3 o’clock people from the self-managed infoshop of the polytechnical school and other companions, broke down 15 surveillance cameras around the school’s library and destroyed the monitors and the whole control room.

A leaflet explaining the reasons of this action circulated last days as well as during the action, slogans against surveillance and social control were spray-painted and two banners were hanged on the library area.

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Arson at Ethniki Bank and ruling party’s offices (Thessaloniki, 15/10/2007)
Source (greek only): http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_1_15/10/2007_207901

A double arson attack was realised around 3:10 in the morning, when a subsidiary of Ethniki Bank on Leontos Sofou Str. in the city center and the local offices of Nea Dimokratia (the greek ruling party) were made targets of gas-canister bombings.

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Deputy education minister’s office attacked (Athens, 14/10/2007)
Source: http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100021_15/10/2007_88953

Unidentified persons left a incendiary device with gas canisters that exploded in front of mr. Lykourentzos office, on the second floor of an appartements block at Solonos Str. in central Athens.

Another resident of the block found the device and called the police, but in his effort to extinguish the fire that burnst out, he got some minor burns himself.

***

Municipal Police offices attacked (Athens 12/10/2007)
Source (greek only): http://news.antenna.gr/articleDetail/0,3091,167424,00.html

Some 15 persons wearing hoods attacked the offices of the municipal police in Paleo Faliro, Athens, late Saturday night. They threw stones and caused minor damages to the offices entrance.

Note: Two anarchists are being detained for an alleged arson against a municipal police car in Faliro, Chrissostomos Kontorevithakis and Marios Tsourapas, (for more information: http://www.geocities.com/anarcores/faliro3)

***

Two banks burnt up (Athens, 12/10/2007)
Source (greek only): http://news.pathfinder.gr/greece/news/434581.html – http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=5592&subid=2&pubid=48619

A little before 22:00 around 20 persons wearing hoods attacked two banks (one “Ethniki” and one “Agrotiki” bank) in Ilisia area in Athens. They broke the glass windows and threw molotov cocktails inside the banks. They all managed to escape police forces and run to the Zografou university area.

Later on, the police arrested eight persons but left them free because they found no evidence, except from one of them that carried a wooden glob and will be prosecuted.

***

OTE telecommunications office firebombed (Athens, 10/10/2007)
Source (greek only): http://www.naftemporiki.gr/news/static/07/10/10/1423317.htm

A few minutes before 6:00 a group of about ten unknown persons attacked the offices of OTE telecommunications company in Exarcheia, Athens.

***

Sports Museum under attack (Thessaloniki, 07/10/2007)
Source (greek only): http://www.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_kathremote_0_07/10/2007_206771

According to the newspaper’s report, a small group of unidentified persons, a few minutes before 3:00, hurled molotov cocktails at the entrance of the Sports Museum, located near the Aristotle University. The fire caused minor damages and was extinguished by the museum’s guards. The group left the area when the police arrived.

***

Demonstrators mess up “anti”terrorist convention (Volos, 07/10/2007)
Source (greek only): Athens Indymedia

After a solidarity to the immigrants march, demonstrators invaded a convention held at the Thessalia University, during the criminologist Mairy Bossi’s speach.

Mairy Bossi has been the scientific consultant of the ministry of public order, she was as well willing to lead a “study of the social characteristics” of the 529 arrestees of the technical school’s occupation in Athens, 1995, and she has also been a witness of accusation at the so-called ELA (people’s revolutionary struggle) jury, etc.
Her speach was interrupted and she was forced to leave the room, when people threw coffees and snacks from the buffet at her.

The night before there was also an attack against the immigrants concentration centre in Volos.

http://directactiongr.blogspot.com/search/label/english

Samhain bagpipe gathering at Tara, plus action days 31st October -5th November

Samhain Bagpipe Gathering
Feis-Teamhrach (The Great Feast of Tara)

Come celebrate the Celtic New Year at Tara

Samhain Bagpipe Gathering
Feis-Teamhrach (The Great Feast of Tara)

Come celebrate the Celtic New Year at Tara
Hill of Tara, near Navan, co Meath, Ireland.

Relighting the Ancient Beacon fires & Samhain Shindig

Bring your feasting food that you want to eat and share

Wed Oct 31st Lighting Taras 7 Beacons And Feast
Thurs 1st/Fri 2nd Nov DAYS OF ACTION
Sat Nov 3rd Fire, Music and Banquet
Mon 5th (and every Mon) direct action Route walk.

Vigil camp 00353 861 758557 Action camp 00353 861 537146

Calling all musicians, bards, performers & poets
Bring your flutes, whistles, drums and voices to the Halls of Tara. Big call out to all
BAGPIPE players to gather on the Wed and Sat.
Calling all People to join in the Defense of TARA
Act now to preserve this world heritage site!

Fliers/posters to download at www.tarapixie.net

For directions to Tara check the websites below
www.savetara.com www.tarawatch.org
www.tarapixie.net

SAVE IRELAND’S TARA VALLEY!

Worldwide Day of Action Against McDonalds 16th October

14th October 2007 early demo report: nearly 30 people took part in the London leg of the worldwide anti-McDonald’s day. It started at noon at the Leicester Square McDonald’s. There was a Ronald McDonald attacking a person dressed as a cow. The cow went down well with the kids and even some adults! Lots of leaflets were handed out and the public seemed to be receptive on the whole. Also, the police were noticeable by their absence. The demo moved onto the Shaftesbury Avenue McDonald’s and finished at about 3.30.

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Adopt-YOUR-Store – leaflets from Veggies or Do It Yourself. Details here

Food not Bombs and Midlands Vegan Campaign join up in anti-Mcdonalds action

Birmingham Food Not Bombs returned to the streets on Saturday the 13th of October for National Anti-McDonalds Day, in combination with the recently formed Midlands Vegan Campaign.

We set up directly in front of the McDonalds and Pret a Manger (which is owned by McD) on Cherry Street, Birmingham City Centre, serving “fast food” in the form of cooked-on-the-spot veggie burgers (with home-made vegan mayonnaise and chunky tomato salsa), as well as the traditional Food Not Bombs curry and cakes.

The serving was a resounding success, with FnB getting through approximately 200 veggie burgers and several large groups of young people who had been going into McDonalds persuaded to turn them down in favour of free vegan food instead. Public reaction was overwhelmingly positive, everyone from homeless people to students and shoppers queueing up and small children even taking salad!

Information was given out about MCDonalds’s exploitation of workers, its destructive impact on the environment and about the connections between food politics and wider issues such as homelessness, poverty and war, as well as information about vegan alternatives including flyers for the upcoming Free Vegan Food Fair in Kings Heath on Saturday November 10th.

Midlands Vegan Campaign accompanied the stall with eyecatching banners, posters and placards, as well as donating a particularly delicious carrot cake.

All in all an extremely enjoyable, inspiring and satisfying day…

For more info and to get involved contact:
Food not Bombs: brum_fnb@lists.riseup.net or 07904529362
Midlands Vegan Campaign: mvc94@yahoo.co.uk or check out www.veganmidlands.org.uk

Eric McDavid US Green Scare prisoner – found guilty & update

It has been two weeks since the jury found Eric guilty, and we are still trying to regroup and get ready for the next round. While this is going to be a long process – one which will require your help and support in a variety of ways – there is one thing that simply cannot be put off.

The jail is still denying Eric vegan food. After enduring a two-week hunger strike in March 2006, Eric was finally given vegan meals on April 24, 2006. This lasted for 15 full months. Then, without any warning or reasonable explanation, the jail cut off Eric’s vegan meals one week before his trial began. Since that time, he has been surviving off the few options he can purchase from commissary (peanut butter, beans, chips…) and the little food he can pull off of the meal trays they bring him (usually bread and fruit – sometimes oatmeal in the morning). Clearly, this is not enough to constitute a healthy, balanced diet. It is the jail’s responsibility to provide Eric with the food he needs to remain healthy and strong. This is obviously something they are completely able to do, as they did so for 15 months with no problems.

Eric has been contemplating what courses of action are open to him in this matter, but unfortunately, his options have become even more limited. The suit that Eric filed against the jail to secure vegan meals was dismissed by the judge, greatly diminishing any hope he had for redress in the courts. A hunger strike could be extremely risky due to the bout of pericarditis for which he was taken to the hospital in April. It is unclear whether his heart could handle the strain a hunger strike would put on his body – he could quickly end up back in the hospital, potentially with a VERY serious heart condition.

Because Eric’s options are so limited, in the jail and in the courts, he needs support from the outside more than ever. This seems to be the only hope for change. In the meantime, Eric continues to lose weight, and his health will soon begin deteriorating. Please call the jail immediately and request that Eric be given vegan meals…again. When you call, be prepared to sit through a lot of ringing and possibly transfers. The person who made the decision to cut off Eric’s food before trial is Lt. Ilg, and the person who oversees him is Scott Jones. Feel free to request to speak to either of these people when calling the jail.

It’s always helpful to have Eric’s x-reference number handy when calling the jail, in case the person you are speaking with asks for it. Eric’s x-ref is: x-2972521. You can call the jail at :

916-874-6752
916-874-6905

Below are some things you might suggest while talking to the jail:

1)The jail fed Eric vegan food for 15 months with no problems. There is no reason they cannot continue to do so.

2)The jail is responsible for providing Eric with a healthy diet. Eric has made it clear that he will not eat food that is not vegan. As such, they will be responsible for any health problems that Eric suffers due to his lack of nutrition.

3)The jail cannot claim they are unable to provide Eric with vegan food due to associated costs. This is simply false. The jail is paid thousands of dollars by the feds to house federal inmates (such as Eric). They are profiting from Eric’s incarceration (and let’s face it, vegan food is simply cheaper to begin with…)

In an affidavit filed with the court in March 2006, Eric wrote, “…my vegan beliefs and morality are animated by the way of living which shows a respect for all life, recognizing the rights of living creatures; extending to them the compassion and kindness exemplified toward people. It is a truly ethical relationship between humans and other living creatures. My vegan lifestyle is based upon my own health and my own ethical and moral underpinnings which I have arrived at conscientiously and I am firmly convinced it is the right and appropriate way to live. It is healthier for me and the planet I live on. It is as sincerely held to me as others hold their own religious beliefs.” Throughout his time in the Sacramento County Main Jail, Eric has maintained his integrity and resolve to live his life in the most ethical and compassionate way possible. Let’s do our part to support him and ensure that he does not suffer for doing so. Please call the jail and request that Eric be given vegan meals immediately. And then call again, and again, and again – until this simple demand is met.

Lastly, thanks to an outpouring of support, Eric is currently very well off on books. At this point, he’s asking that people please hold off on sending any additional books until he’s able to get through the ones he currently has. We will post an update as soon as he’s able to receive more. As far as financial contributions, the best way to contribute to Eric is to donate to his legal defense; we are preparing to file an appeal and need to raise funds as quickly as possible. We are currently able to cover Eric’s commissary needs. Thank you again for keeping Eric in your thoughts and doing so much to help him through this very difficult time.

Letter from Eric 10/5/07
Dear friends,

Below is a letter from Eric. We want to keep this short, and leave you with his words, but just a quick note: last night Mark filed a 28-page motion for a new trial/to acquit based on the errors made throughout the trial. Most of these have been discussed in previous alerts and court reports, with the exception of one. When the court issued it’s answers on Thursday morning to the questions the jury asked Wednesday afternoon, the judge told the jury not to write down the answers, as the jury would be issued a type-written response upon their return to the jury room. The answer given to the first question in court (whether or not Anna was a government agent in August 2004) was an unequivocal “yes.” However, the answer given to the jury upon their return to the deliberation room was a type-written “No.” This clearly could have had alarming impacts on the verdict they decided upon in Eric’s case. . .

A letter from Eric…

i’ve been told that my conduct has been seen by some as inspirational, i’m grateful to be able to provide a source of strength to those in my family who find themselves in a time of need – more so as being a part of their process of growth and self creation… but my behavior is, in a sense, selfishly borne – my intent originates from a perspective which encompasses my family and their future generations… though, the term “family” i don’t utilize in a conventional or everyday sense – the bubble has expanded beyond the customary… it holds within it the micro and macro, all those with whom i have shared that muted and unblinking stare of understanding – be it on the streets, at a skillshare or class, concert, speech or march, rally, home-demo or a really free market – at a convergence centre, library, campsite, critical mass, on an on-ramp, alongside of a highway, at a rest stop, from a train, in a forest, a city park or square, or at a stream, river, lake, hot-spring or beach… this bubble also includes each and every one of those individual places – unique unto themselves in appearance, locality, time and energy/personality ~ as well as the non-humyn inhabitants therein, who aid in the continual self-creations of those environments… keeping that selfishness close to my Heart and mind is something i aim for – knowing that all my life i have been conditioned by our society to the contrary… during my ten days of “disciplinary isolation” last fall an idea made itself known to me ~ it was to create with that which is provided, not necessarily to its particular purpose, but to my own… this includes the pain which resides within my Heart due to the separation between us… i’ve come to see energy as the most malleable aspect of this reality, and the emotions that surge through our bodies can be utilized for any number of means and ends… painless stagnant can fester into hate and reaction – but utilized with a conscious and open intent it could nurture the catalysts required to move through our thresholds… hate is the death of joy and reaction is nothing more than unconscious reflex brought about by a certain stimulus (perceived or not) which induces predictable responses – in most cases, conceding to the terms and definitions of the initiator, allowing the stimulus to have affect, signifies it’s success… conscious creations with the cycles of growth and health do not fit into the matrix of cause and effect – their qualities and forms flow through the rigid structures that seek to encapsulate, reform, define… … i object to being pigeonholed (physically and figuratively) by cleaving to some marshal or warrioresque mantra that many have chosen when confronted with similar circumstances – what they chose is for their own personal path, what they’ve perceived as necessary for their survival… from where i stand, it feels that if i followed that train of thought i would be adhering to a path too well-worn ~ and don’t get me wrong, i honor and respect those that have come before me who continue to adhere to the wisdom in their hearts, but those known trails can also be used by others that have scouted them for weaknesses ~ if experience has taught me anything, it’s been to stick to the deer trails or create my own… another of my recent lessons has been to recognize the beneficent qualities of shape-shifting, as defined by terry tempest williams = “this has nothing to do with inconsistency. it has to do with seizing the moment, perceiving what is necessary in that moment … knowing what each occasion demands, and standing our ground in the places we live…” … but this is neither the time nor the place to fully delve into such things, for this letter has another intent… … … throughout this experience i have been in awe of the loving support given by family, known and unknown from around the country and the world, who have nourished me during this part of my journey ~ i’ve received such an inundating amount of mail that i haven’t been able to respond to it all ~ there is no concept that can adequately express my thanx and appreciation to you all… … to all of those unknown and unnamed beautiful individuals who have aided me on this case, i am impatiently waiting to thank you properly with a huge hug… … christine, i haven’t forgotten about the vegan dinner i promised… … to my counsel mark, who’s expertise in his field is unquestionable – his abilities, passion, and determination provide a wellspring of strength, especially knowing that he continues to fight for me – as he said on the 27th “it’s only the openings of the third quarter” ~ the notion of gratitude doesn’t begin to encompass the feeling in my heart, my friend, much love… … to jed, my investigator/case manager/Elder, your energies vested into this case have been the bedrock of grounded exploration, balancing the sometimes frenzied and boisterous antics that accompany markus’ high energy nature, thank you my friend… … i’d also like to thank bob, my first investigator, for his time, company and aid working on the hours upon hours of transcripts with me over that first summer (which my partner and sister painstakingly gleaned from the shockingly abhorrent quality of fbi recordings)… … the actions and aid of sac prisoner support have and continue to transcend any and all of my ideas concerning prisoner support groups and have been monumental in this experience on every conceivable front – too much love… … the Love, Support, and Understanding of my Parents and Sisters goes beyond scope, simile, and metaphor – i Love you all … … and i Feel and Know in my Heart, Body, and Soul that my survival has been impacted to an inexpressible degree by the Love and Support of my Partner ~ and the intertwining of Our Paths has brought a Depth and Quality of Life i had never before imagined to exist – my Thanx transcend language and my Love, only a Beginning… … …

my Thanx and Love 2 U All

This is far from Over

find your joy

More info at http://www.supporteric.org/
More info on the Green Scare at http://greenscare.org/

15th October – National Day of Local Action against Royal Bank of Scotland Update

It’s only a week away! There are plans afoot all over the country, and there’s still time for you to organise something in your local area. A few things that might help:

*There are leaflets available to hand out on the day if you don’t fancy making your own. (Front – click here. Back – click here. And if you want editable versions email us and we’ll email them to you).

*Stickers are also available for whatever silly, serious or subversive purpose you can think of! Email us with a postal address to get a stash sent to you (these aren’t linked to the day of action so they’ll be useful into the future)
*There will be a national press release about the day of action, so if you’re planning something public and want to let the national press know about it, please send us the details. We’ll also do a press release on the day, so email us or better yet phone 07961 917535 to be included in the national action round-up (and put it on Indymedia and here too of course!)

Original call out here

Next AWE Aldermaston Blockade on Monday 12th November

Next AWE ALDERMASTON BLOCKADE: http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk
on Mon 12th Nov. A major blockade of the Aldermaston nuclear weapons factory.
Work on the Orion laser – a key facility for the future of Britain’s WMD project –
is well underway. The AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) is reported to be
developing a new nuclear warhead. The device, designated the High Surety Warhead
is understood to be under development in conjunction with the US who want modernised
‘failsafe’ nuclear firepower for its submarine-launched Trident missiles. Overnight
accommodation available Sunday. This is a day of non-violent direct action. Legal support on the day. Info pack on website. Call 07807 522454.

Edinburgh Temporary Autonomous Arts Exhibition

8.10.2007
FREAK, the Free and Reactive Edinburgh Arts Kollective, are transforming a derelict warehouse in Granton into an arts venue for a four day event from the 10th to the 14th of October. There will be art exhibitions, live music, performances, films and educational workshops.

The transformation is well under way. There are about 25 people on site all the time now with more arriving all the time. If you’ve got spraypaint and spare time, or something creative to contribute, then go down today and help out. If you go down today or tommorow you’ll see how genuine artists grafitti, and from Wednesday they have a full programme of events.

Lancaster anti-supermarket protest camp & update

New protest camp goes up in Lancaster with local residents in support – nobody wants a supermarket with a huge parking here!

New protest camp goes up in Lancaster with local residents in support – nobody wants a supermarket with a huge parking here!

News Release
From: Lancaster Citizens’ Alliance
For immediate release
Mon 8 October 2007

Angry residents occupy proposed supermarket site

This morning Lancaster residents moved on to council owned land in Scotforth – the site of a proposed supermarket, rumoured to be Tesco’s. Locals are shocked by secret moves in the Council’s Cabinet to sell off land at Lawson Bridge, off the A6. Their message: they will not allow the council to sell off their town for what they call “dodgy development”.

Says local resident Deirdre Mason: “The council may love the idea of Tesco’s, Centros Miller and the Bailrigg Science Park, but local residents are concerned about the threat to local businesses and the unique character of the city! These developments will be the death of Lancaster. Time to say ENOUGH! to all these sordid schemes. Let’s send a clear message to all these developers: they are not welcome in our town.”

The occupation will last for 24 hours and will be followed by a protest outside the Cabinet meeting tomorrow (Tuesday 9th Oct) at Lancaster Town Hall from 9.30am onwards.

Residents are concerned about the way the Council is selling off Lancaster piecemeal, leading to a town crippled by gridlock, and having only “clone town” shops that are to be found in any high street in the country. “The council is blinkered when it comes to recognising the historical value of our town, the
vibrancy and high quality of the local traders.” says Stephen Dickinson of Scotforth. “They sold off our market – it’s now half dead. Now they want to see off the rest of the town centre with Centros Miller’s proposed monstrosity and this mega supermarket in Scotforth. The time has come to say ‘Enough!’. It’s
time for our councillors to listen to us!”

-ENDS-

For further information please contact Deirdre Mason at the protest camp on:
07798 745613

Photo opportunities:
Mon 1pm at the protest camp, Lawsons Bridge, Scotforth Road, Lancaster
Tuesday 10am at Lancaster Town Hall

Notes for the Editor:
1 The land threatened by supermarket development and currently under occupation is near Lawson’s Bridge, between the railway line and the A6 (Scotforth Road). Lancaster City Council owns about 5.5acres there, immediately to the south of Ray’s Drive.

2 The land is currently rented to a farmer for use as pasture. It is also well used by Scotforth residents for dog-walking and other kinds of recreation, and there is a community woodland area at the northern end which is threatened by the development.

3 Lancaster Council Cabinet will be discussing the proposed sale in their Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 9th October. The meeting takes place at Lancaster Town Hall at 10am.

——————————————————————————————-

Update – The fight carries on (and we will win!)

At this morning’s Cabinet meeting of Lancaster City Council councillors voted 8-2 to go ahead with starting the process of flogging the land for a supermarket. This despite an overwhelming display of public outrage. Hundreds of people wrote to the Cabinet Councillors over the week. Scotforth Parish Council deciding unanimously to oppose the supermarket in an emergency meeting last night night and making a presentation to the Cabinet this morning. Dozens of residents camping out in the threatened field. A well attended rally this morning. All this happened in the space of five days – since we found out about the proposed decision.

Cabinet Councillors this morning had the guts to refuse even to consult people prior to the sale.
The Conservative leader of the Council, Cllr Roger Mace said “we’ve had lots
of emails so there has been a consultation already”. At this point several members of the public could no longer contain their anger – shouting “that was us contacting you, not you consulting us” and storming out.

Lib Dem Councillor for Scotforth East (which borders onto Lawson’s Bridge)
John Gilbert said that “starting to market the land will allow consultation
to take place” and “the public can consult all they want” (sic).

This ridicules any pretense of a democratic system (with the notable exception of our Green Councillors who blew the whistle on the issue and joined in with the protest).

However we are only at the start of this process and already hundreds of people are furious about the plans and determined to resist them every step of the way. We have already fought off two planning applications for this site and we shall do so again.

In the meantime, maybe we all need to reconsider the way we shop – kick the habit and stop shopping at Tesco/Asda/Sainsbury’s/etc. Get to know your local shop keepers, support independent small shops, set up food co-ops, before it is too late and they as well as your green fields are gone forever. These supermarket giants are riding rough-shod over communities and the environment everywhere.

To find out more about these issues visit: http://www.tescopoly.org/

Oh, by the way, we’ve not forgotten about the monstrous Centros Miller plans for our city centre either. We’re just as determined to see them off too! More info here: http://www.itsourcity.org.uk/

ENOUGH Is ENOUGH!