London – Page 30 – Earth First!

No Borders Network Gathering 8 & 9 November – update

No Borders Network Gathering
8 & 9 November 2008
Newcastle upon Tyne

No Borders is a network of grass-roots organisations that support freedom of movement and the abolishment of borders. The No Borders Gathering will bring together groups and individuals from across the UK to discuss, network and plan together.

No Borders Network Gathering
8 & 9 November 2008
Newcastle upon Tyne

Workshops and discussions suggested include No Borders and workplace/community solidarity, anti-deportation campaigns and wider struggles, ID cards plus loads more.

You can contact us at whydontyou@post.com or on 07523900260 (text/voicemail) if you’d like more info, would like to suggest items for discussion at the Gathering or would like to get involved.

Accommodation will be available, and directions to the venue will be provided nearer the time. Suggested donation, to cover the costs of the Gathering, is £10 but no one will be turned away through lack of funds. No Borders t shirts will be available, along with various dvds and other information.

If you are planning to come, please contact us to let us know if you would like accommodation, when you will be arriving, and any requirements, thanks!

No Borders is a network of groups struggling for the freedom of movement for all and an end to all migration controls. We call for a radical movement against the system of control, dividing us into citizens and non-citizens. We demand the end of the border regime for everyone, including ourselves, to enable us to live another way, without fear, racism and nationalism.
www.noborders.org.uk

World Food Day

October 16th, World Food Day is also the 23rd International Day of Action Against McDonalds, once again to be marked by Veggies in Nottingham, this year with a Vegan Free Food Giveaway at Exchange Walk, and in London by Vegan Campaigns with a protest at Regents Street.

On 7-8 October 2008, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the United Nations marked the anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights which assures everyone’s entitlement ‘to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food’.

Sixty years after signing that declaration of good will, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is planning the celebration of World Food Day 2008 to ‘highlight the plight of 923 million undernourished people in the world’.

What went wrong?

Why are almost one billion people still excluded from the most basic of Human Rights in the 21st century?

“Every child who dies of hunger in today’s world has been murdered,” accused Jean Ziegler, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. Indeed, how can any society calling itself civilized accept that while worldwide every five seconds a child dies because she or he is hungry, around 1.5 billion cows and bulls and an astronomical number of other farm animals are being fed with a huge share of available crops?

More than the populations of USA, Canada and the EU do not have enough to eat

National and international decision makers have initiated a multitude of projects and campaigns in their fight against hunger; unfortunately, nothing has improved the situation. The non-stop misery caused by hunger calls urgently for fresh strategies, of which vegetarianism must be one!

In the interest of justice and humanity the present wasting of 7-16 kg of grain or soy beans, up to 15,500 litres of water, and 323 m2 of grazing land that yields just one kilo of beef cannot be allowed to continue.

23 September 2008 was ‘Overshoot Day’ – milestone when humanity will have used all the resources nature will generate this year: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/gfn_sub.php?content=overshoot

Considering that globally, we now require the equivalent of 1.4 planets to support our lifestyles, ‘Overshoot Day’ should be a wake-up call for politicians and individuals alike.

With the aim of helping people in need, saving the environment and boosting public health, the reduction or the end of eating meat is the easiest and most beneficial way ahead.

The fact that we do have more than enough resources to feed everyone must no longer be compromised by the greed for meat.

For references see http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/07/food.beef and http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=38147

International Day of Action Against McDonalds: http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=50

Vegan Campaigns (London): http:www.vegancampaigns.org.uk

Nottingham Vegan Free Food Give-Aways: http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=1400

Past events have included:

July 31st & August 21st outside McNasty – http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2008/08/405531.html

July 4th, in advance of Viva!’s Incredible Veggie Roadshow – http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2008/07/402884.html

June 3rd: Day of Action on Food and Climate Change – http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2008/06/400106.html

May 15th: McLibel Human Rights Anniversary – http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2008/05/399158.html

info@veggies.org.uk
http://wwwveggies.org.uk/nvvs

Climate Rush Parliament

13.10.2008

13.10.2008
A poweful and moving demo at parliament saw over five hundred people pushing through police and reaching the (locked) doors of parliament.

After frocks and cake on parliament square things turned a little less peacefull as the mass rushed accross the road and reached the doors of parliament.

Police have been forced to close the main public entrance to Parliament after environmental protesters attempted to force their way in.

Organised by the Climate Rush group, the aim was to emulate the attempt by the Suffragette movement to storm Parliament 100 years ago.

At about 1830 BST, demonstrators marched to Parliament where they were stopped by police at the St Stephen’s entrance.

Five people have been arrested for breach of the peace and a 23-year-old woman has been held for breach of bail, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

Doors at the main St Stephen’s Gate entrance were closed and secured with two large metal bars. Protesters striking the doors were clearly audible from the inside.

BBC film footage
more photos

Dongria Kondh Road Block – Tribe vows to fight mine with axes and arrows

Tribe vows to fight mine with axes and arrows

One of India’s most isolated tribes, the Dongria Kondh, is preparing to stop British FTSE 100 company Vedanta from mining aluminium ore on their sacred mountain, after police and hired thugs forced protestors to dismantle a barricade over the weekend.

Tribe vows to fight mine with axes and arrows

About 150 people had blocked the road in Orissa state on Wednesday after hearing that Vedanta intended to start survey work for a planned aluminium mine which would destroy an ecologically vital hill, and the Dongria Kondh’s most sacred site. Vedanta employees visited the blockade repeatedly, threatening the protestors. On Friday the villagers gave in and took down the barricade, but about 100 are still at the side of the road, blocking traffic when Vedanta vehicles approach.

Vedanta is majority owned by London-based Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal.

Today, Dongria Kondh from all over Niyamgiri, the hill range that would be decimated by Vedanta’s mine, are making arrows and preparing their axes to stop Vedanta reaching their sacred mountain. One Dongria man said today ‘Now our people are very angry. We have to show the Dongria Kondh power to Vedanta.’

When India’s Supreme Court gave Vedanta the green light in August to mine on Dongria land, around 40 Dongrias used tree trunks to block a road leading into their hills, and held banners reading, ‘We are Dongria Kondh. Vedanta can not take our mountain.’ [photos available]

The mountain that Vedanta wants to mine is not only the Dongria Kondh’s most sacred site, it is also integral to the entire ecosystem of the hills, enabling the numerous streams and lush forests which sustain the Dongrias to continue to thrive.

Survival’s director, Stephen Corry, said today ‘The Dongria Kondh are protecting their land from invaders, who are only interested in plundering the mountain for their own gain. The Dongrias will get nothing from the mine, except destitution and ruin, and Survival will continue to support their resistance to Vedanta.’

For more information please contact Miriam Ross at Survival International (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or (+44) (0)7504 543 367 or email mr@survival-international.org

Anti-RBS Action, London – Fri 10 Oct 08

What do a Distraught Bengal Tiger, a Sacked Financial Analyst, a Homeless Polar Bear, and a Jobless Banker all have in common?

What do a Distraught Bengal Tiger, a Sacked Financial Analyst, a Homeless Polar Bear, and a Jobless Banker all have in common? Why they’re all victims of the Carbon Crunch – the conflation of Capital’s toxic Carbon Addiction and it’s self-made Credit Crunch. Oh, and they’re also all characters in a protest drama played out at the Olympia Exhibition Centre between some radical smart cookies from…
• People & Planet – http://peopleandplanet.org
• PLATFORM – http://www.platformlondon.org
• Rising Tide – http://risingtide.org.uk & http://londonrisingtide.org.uk
…and some shitty-brown suited security drones.

You know how Finance Capital oils the wheels of industry? [1] Well one UK bank excels above all others at oiling the wheels and greasing the axles of the Climate Criminal’s Juggernaut – and my, how proud they used to be about doing so. Once upon a time, there was a website called www.theoilandgasbank.com – a product of the Oil Bank of Scotland (who prefer “Royal Bank of Scotland”) – but in Jun 06, RBS took it down and stopped using this title publically. But why? This was the first major victory in a campaign waged since early 06 by a coalition of environmental NGOs (including Friends of the Earth Scotland, People & Planet and PLATFORM) to wean RBS of its toxic addiction to financing the climate criminals of the fossil fuel industries, and set it on a healthy diet of financing renewable energy initiatives: The Oyal Bank of Scotland Campain. [2]

THE OIL BANK OF SCOTLAND

“In 2007 RBS supported the fossil fuel industry with over $7 billion, while the bank’s embedded emissions passed 50 million tonnes of CO2 – more than Scotland.”
PLATFORM, in ‘NGOs slam RBS for fossil fuel financing on the eve of delayed Corporate Responsibility Report launch’, 10 Jul 08 –
http://www.carbonweb.org/showitem.asp?article=330

Yes, you did read that right – one bank in Edinburgh is complict in MORE climate pollution than the ENTIRE NATION of Scotland!

“RBS-NatWest is driving climate change and feeding carbon addiction faster than any other British bank. Pouring billions into fossil fuels and working intimately with oil corporations, the bank is locking huge emissions into our future. People & Planet and PLATFORM are campaigning for RBS to recognise its climate responsibilities and move its money from the dirtiest fossil fuels into sustainable energy.

OUR DEMANDS
We are calling on RBS-NatWest to:
• Accept responsibility for the climate impacts of its lending. Calculate and publish the embedded emissions resulting from loans to oil and gas projects.
• Adopt a comprehensive climate change policy, including a target for annual reductions and the strategy to achieve this.
• Rebalance its lending portfolio away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. Immediate halt on all loans to coal and tar sands.”
Oyal Bank of Scotland Campaign – http://oyalbankofscotland.com

WANNA WORK FOR CLIMATE CRIMINALS?

The Oil Bank of Scotland is proud of it’s score of graduate recruitment programmes and sports a flashy animated Flash microsite to snap up the bright young things fresh from university – http://www.makeitrbs.com (although it’s foundations are as dodgy as its fossil fuel addiction – clicking any ‘programmes’ link on the ‘Programme Selector’ produces: “Page not found!”)

We thought we’d better alert attendees at the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition at Olympia 2 that the recruiters on the RBS stand were consealing the fact that their hands were covered in oil. But with one reconnaissance photo taken and a few leaflets handed out, we were escorted from the Exhibition Hall by shitty-brown suited security drones. Unveiling our banner outside led to some very silly cat-&-mouse antics, with one of said drones trying to stop two snappers shooting his fellow drones attempts to censor a peaceful pavement protest!

Seems the cops had tipped of their Security Head Honcho (one v v unhhappy bunny) to our arrival, so he’d had constructed a three-crash-barrier cage to try (in vain) to contain us. Perhaps by stupidity (or maybe as a secret expression of sympathy? teehee 😉 our cage provided perfect banner mounting facilities, and was perfectly positioned to engage the captive audience of career seekers queueing up to get in.

While reconnoitering the RBS stand, I picked up two toys for my nephews, archetypes of corporate brading arrogance – wind-up squishy walking globes of planet Earth emblazoned with the RBS logo. This was on Black Friday, the last working day of a week that saw RBS shares have 40% of their value wiped out in Credit Crunch recriminations. Here’s hoping the shambolic rout of Finance Captal will refocus the minds of the RBS Fat Cats on bequeathing to their own young relatives a bioshere still rich in biodiversity, and stll fit enough to sustain humanity’s urgently required low carbon economy.

ALSO AVAILABLE: PIX, REPORT, & CALL TO TAKE ACTION

You can also read about our action in an illustrated report by People & Planet media and communications volunteer, and member of Westminster Uni P&P, Amani Ashraf – http://peopleandplanet.org/navid6525

Meanwhile, YOU TOO can help to shape our energy future – by telling RBS to stop fuelling carbon addiction:
• Take Action on RBS: The Oil Bank of Scotland – http://www.oyalbankofscotland.com/action.htm
• Take Action to Ditch Dirty Development, Target #1: RBS-NatWest – http://peopleandplanet.org/ditchdirtydevelopment/action

Neither the International Court of Justice nor any other bourgeois court will put huge dirty corporate Finace Capital bodies like RBS in the dock for aiding and abetting the Climate Criminals in the fossil fuel industries. So its down to us to band together and force RBS OUT of fossil fuel financing and IN to sustainable renewable energy development – join us, and take positive actions to safeguard our planetary future.

Tim Dalinian Jones

[1] Finance Capital oils the wheels of industry – at least it did until Capital’s historical Crisis of Overproduction [3] found expression in the Credit Crunch, toppling the huge Wall Street domino Lehman Brothers on 15 Sep 08, since when Finance Capital’s lubrication services have all but ceased in a paroxysms of fear and recriminations.

[2] The Oyal Bank of Scotland Campaign – http://www.oyalbankofscotland.com is the successful campaigning website of the anti-RBS coalition of environmental NGOs, including:
• People & Planet – http://peopleandplanet.org
• PLATFORM – http://www.platformlondon.org
• Friends of the Earth Scotland – http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/

[3] Capital’s historical Crisis of Overproduction: “what characterises the 20th and 21st centuries is that the tendency towards overproduction – which in the 19th century was temporary and could easily be overcome – has become chronic, subjecting the world economy to a semi-permanent risk of instability and destruction. Meanwhile competition – a congenital trait of capitalism – became extreme and, crashing up against the limits of a world market which constantly verged on saturation, lost its role as a stimulant for the expansion of the system, so that its negative side as a factor of chaos and conflict came to the fore.” ~ ICC, in ‘Capitalist Economy: Is there a way out of the crisis?’, translated from Accion Proletaria 199, the ICC’s publication in Spain, Jan-Mar 08 – http://en.internationalism.org/wr/315/crisis-01

Spirit of Freedom (October 2008) – support the eco-prisoners

Produced by EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!” (Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Produced by EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!” (Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Welcome to the October 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom. The last month has been a month of mixed emotions for ELP. On the one hand we heard the brilliant news that the Dutch animal rights activist, Gerben Jan, was found not guilty of assaulting a police officer, causing the officer to break his leg, during an animal rights demo in Sweden. Instead Gerban was found guilty of resisting arrest for which he was fined and deported. Also in an unexpected move, all the Austrian Animal Rights prisoners were released from prison pending their trial! Plus, the American vegan, Nathan Knoerl, was granted bail in his case where he is accused of involvement in an anti-vivisection protest. Following Nathans release a support campaign has been set up to try and help raise money for Nathan’s forthcoming legal case. For more info please e-mail supportnathan@gmail.com. However, just as ELP started to think our prisoner lists might start to go down, we received news of further police raids in Austria. ELP also learnt that, due to Frank Ambrose, grassing everyone up, the American’s Marie Mason, Stephanie Lynne Fultz, and Aren Burthwick, have all had to enter Plea Bargains and admit some of the charges set against them. In Marie’s case she has admitted her direct role in an ELF arson on a University building involved with GM crop tests, whilst Stephanie and Aren have admitted not reporting a fire (Stephanie has admitted cutting Marie’s hair which was burnt following the arson). We don’t know what sentences Stephanie and Aren are likely to receive, but Marie is looking at 15 to 20 years and has been remanded into custody. This is really bad news, especially as it was hoped Marie might remain free until her sentencing early next year. Around the world, people are being imprisoned for standing up for what they believe in and trying to
help the animals and the earth. So please, no matter where you are in the world, support the eco-prisoners. And no compromise in defence of Mother Earth.

ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS

Tre Arrow, #70936-065, (in transit), USA. Serving 78 months for his involvement in two ELF arsons. 1) an arson on logging trucks 2) an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel company. (Tre is a raw energy vegan – He has asked that his letters of support are written on scrap paper or tree-free paper).

Grant Barnes #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3, Pueblo, CO 81002, USA. Serving 12 years for setting fire to a number of SUV vehicles. The letters ELF were spray painted onto all of the vehicles. (Grant is a vegan).

Nathan Block, #36359-086, FCI Lompoc, Federal Correctional Institution, 3600 Guard Road, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Diet unknown).

Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland. Serving 18 years. 1) Ten years for using explosives to destroy electricity pylons leading from nuclear power stations. 2) Eight years for the murder of a Swiss Border Guard whilst on the run. In ’02 Marco completed a 12-year sentence in Italy for destroying electricity pylons in Italy. (Marco is a meat eater who encourages organic living).

Daniele Casalini, Casa Circondariale, Via Burla 59, 43100 Parma, Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy. (Daniele is a vegan).

Rodney Coronado #03895-000, FCI El Reno, PO Box 1500, El Reno, OK 73036, USA. Serving one-year imprisonment after he informed people how to make an incendiary device during a speech at an animal rights gathering. (Meat eater).

Francesco Gioia, C.C. Sollicciano, Via Girolamo Minervini 2/R, 50142 Firenze Sollicciano (FI), Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy. (Francesco is a vegetarian and Straight Edge).

Paola Gori, Via delle Macchie 9, 57124 Livorno, Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of allowing her house to be used to plan illegal activity. (Paola is a vegan).

Bryan Lefey #38664-086, FDC SeaTac, Federal Detention Center, P.O. Box 13900, Seattle, WA 98198, USA. On remand accused of an ELF action that saw the damaging of GM trees and the damaging of US Forestry Service vehicles. (Diet unknown).

Jeffrey Luers, # 13797671, CRCI, 9111 NE Sunderland Ave, Portland, OR 97211-1708, USA. Serving 10 years for arson on a SUV dealership & the attempted arson of an oil truck. The original sentence was 22 years & 8 months, but was reduced on appeal. (Diet unknown).

Marie Jeanette Mason, Newaygo County Jail, PO Box 845, White Cloud, MI 49349, USA. Awaiting sentencing having pleaded guilty to involvement in ELF arson against a University building carrying out Genetically Modified crop tests. Marie also pleaded guilty to conspiring to carry out ELF actions and also admitted involvement in 12 other ELF actions. Marie is expected to receive a sentence of between 15-20 years. (Marie is a vegan).

Eric McDavid, 16209-097. FCI Victorville Medium II, PO BOX 5700, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 19 years & 7 months for planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone masts and power plants. At the point of his arrest no criminal damage has actually occurred. (Eric is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan, #63794-053, USP Marion, US Penitentiary, PO Box 1000, Marion, IL 62959, USA. Serving 7 years for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an old growth logging corporation. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Daniel is a vegetarian).

Jonathan Paul – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Briana Waters 36432-086, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution, Route 37, Danbury, CT 06811, USA. Serving six years for involvement in an ELF arson on a University. (Diet unknown).

Joyanna Zacher, #36360-086, FCI Dublin, 5700 8th St.- Camp Parks- Unit F, Dublin, CA 94568, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted her role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Diet unknown).

ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS
(All Animal Liberation Prisoners follow a minimum vegetarian diet and most are vegan).

Jon Ablewhite TB4885, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection. (Jon is a vegan).

Dan Amos VN7818, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester SO22 5DF, England.
On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life Sciences. (Dan is a vegan)

Gregg Avery TA7450, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5DF, England. On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life Sciences. (Gregg is a vegan).

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life Sciences. (Nat is a vegan).

Mel Broughton TN9138, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK4 4DA, England. On remand accused of involvement with an arson and blackmail campaign against an Oxford University vivisection establishment.
(Mel is a vegan).

Jacob Conroy #93501-011, FCI Victorville Medium I Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 5300, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 48 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Jake is a vegan).

Donald Currie A3660AA, HMP Parkhurst, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5NX, England. Serving an Indeterminate Sentence, of not less than six actual years, for carrying out arsons against targets associated the vivisection industry including HLS. (Don is a vegan).

Lauren Gazzola #93497-011, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution, Route #37Danbury, CT 06811, USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Lauren is a vegan).

Joshua Harper #29429-086, FCI Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 5000, Sheridan, OR 97378 USA. Serving 36 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Josh is a vegan).

Sean Kirtley WC 6977, HMP Stafford, 54 Gaol Road, Stafford, ST16 3AW, England. Serving four and a half years for running an anti-vivisection campaign website. (Sean is a vegan).

Kevin Kjonaas #93502-011, FCI Sandstone, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072 USA. Serving 72 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Kevin is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan – See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

Heather Nicholson VM4859, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign. (Heather is a vegan).

Jonathan Paul, #07167-085, FCI Phoenix, Federal Correctional Institution, 37910 N 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA. Sentenced to 51 months for an ALF arson on a horse meat plant. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Jonathan is a vegan).

John Smith, TB4887, HMP Lindholme, Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, DN7 6EE, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection. (John is a vegan).

Andrew Stepanian #26399-050, USP Marion, P.O. Box 1000 Marion, IL 62959, USA. Serving 36 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Andrew is a vegan).

Kerry Whitburn TB4886, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection. (Kerry is a vegan).

Sarah Whitehead, VM7684, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx, TW15 3JZ, England. Serving two years for: 1) rescuing a puppy from horrific conditions. 2) rescuing over 100 animals from a pet breeder who was later prosecuted for animal abuse. Also awaiting trial for SHAC activity. (Sarah is a vegan)

PLOUGHSHARES PRISONERS

Helen Woodson, 03231-045, FMC Carswell – Admin. Max. Unit, POB 27137, Ft. Worth, TX 76127, USA. Serving 8 years 10 months for actions that focused on the interrelationship of war & the destruction of the natural world. The actions included pouring red paint over the security desk of a federal court and making threatening communications. Previously Helen had served 20½ years for: 1) Using a hammer to disarm a nuclear missile silo. 2) Burning $25,000 on the floor of a bank whilst denouncing war, environmental destruction & economic injustice. 3) Mailing warning letters with bullets attached to Government & corporate officials. (Diet unknown).

THE LECCE DEFENDANTS
The Lecce Defendants have been charged with “subversive association” accused of damaging Esso petrol pumps to oppose the War on Iraq; sabotaging the cash machines of a bank which funds an immigration centre; and targeting the multinational company Benetton in support of Mapuche land rights activists in Chile. All of the defendants are currently either under house arrest or released on bail.

ANTIFA PRISONERS

Vahtang Devitlidze, ul. Libbedova 42, UO 68/2, otryad 14, brigada 142, g. Hagyshensk, Krasnodarskiy Kray, 352680 Russia. Serving 2½ years for stabbing a neo-nazi in the leg whilst defending himself from attack. (Diet unknown).

Fabio Milan, C.C. via Pianezza 300, 10151 Torino, Italy. On remand accused of fighting with the police after an anti-fascist protest. (Diet unknown).

Andrea Neff, Bnr: 746/07/2, Justizvollzugsanstalt fur Frauen in Berlin, Arkonastrasse 56, 13189 Berlin, Germany. Serving 14 months for anti-fascist activity. (Diet unknown).

Christian Sümmermann, Bnr: 441/08/5, JVA Plötzensee, Lehrterstr. 61, 10557
Berlin, Germany. Serving 40 months for breaching the peace whilst serving a suspended sentence issued for anti-fascist activities. (Diet unknown).

Tomasz Wiloszewski, Zaklad Karny, Orzechowa 5, 98-200 Sieradz, Poland.
Serving 15 years for accidentally killing a neo-nazi whilst defending himself. (Tomasz is a vegetarian).

Yuri Yurevich Milevskiy, SIZO #7 kamera 38, g. Brest, ul. Karla Marksa 86, 224000 Belarus. On remand for fighting with neo-nazis. (Diet unknown).

OTHER PRISONERS

Olga Aleksandrovna Nevskaya, UU163/5, 7 Otryad, pos. Dzerzhinskiy, Mozhaysk 140090 Moskovskaya oblast, Russia. Eco-activist serving 6 years for arson, criminal damage and causing explosions in protest at the war in Chechnya. Due for release in 2009. (Diet unknown).

Vaggelis Botzatzis, Komotini Juridical Prison (“Dikastikes Fylakes Komotinis”), T.K. 69100, Greece. On remand accused of setting fire to two company cars owned by a energy/power company. It is believed that the person or persons unknown who carried out the arson did so in protest at the destruction of the natural environment and in support of two workers who died at the power plant. Vaggelis is also accused of setting fire to a bank and starting a fire inside a car yard. (Meat Eater).

Richard Sills (Address Unknown, USA). Serving 15 months for bomb hoaxing a University saying they would be targeted by the ALF if they didn’t stop their animal experiments. (Diet unknown).

Michael W. Sykes, 696693, 3855 Cooper St, Jackson, MI 49201, USA. Youth held on remand accused of anti-sprawl arsons, criminal damage, spray-painting an anarchist sign and burning the American flag. (Diet unknown)

Fran Thompson, #1090915 HU 1C, WERDCC, PO Box 300, Vandalia, MO 63382, USA. Serving Life for killing, in self-defence, a stalker who had broken into her home. Before her imprisonment Fran was an eco, animal & anti-nuke campaigner. (Fran is a vegan).

MOVE

MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of all life. All move prisoners describe themselves as vegetarians. There are currently eight MOVE activists in prison each serving 100 years after been framed for the murder of a cop in 1979. 9th defendant, Merle Africa, died in prison in 1998.

Debbie Simms Africa (006307), Janet Holloway Africa (006308) and Janine Philips Africa (006309) all at: SCI Cambridge Springs, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238, USA.

Michael Davis Africa (AM4973) and Charles Simms Africa (AM4975) both at SCI Graterford, PO Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426-0244, USA.

Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), SCI Mahanoy, 301 Morea Rd, Frackville, PA 17932, USA.

William Philips Africa (AM4984) and Delbert Orr Africa (AM4985) both at SCI Dallas Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612, USA.

Mumia Abu Jamal, (AM8335), SCI Greene, 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg PA 15370, USA. In 1981 Mumia, former Black Panther and vocal supporter of MOVE, was framed for the murder of a cop. He was originally sentenced to death but is currently awaiting re-sentencing following a court hearing in 2001.

STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE
Some people listed in this newsletter have carried out violent actions. ‘Spirit of Freedom’ does not condone violence. But we are also against censorship & believe people can decide for themselves who they wish to support.

ABOUT E.L.P. SUPPORT NETWORK
ELP is an international eco-prisoner support network founded, in Britain, in 1993 to support jailed eco-activists. We support the prisoners by producing various regular prisoner lists:

Spirit of Freedom is ELP’s international monthly prisoner listing which is circulated by e-mail.

Urgent ELP! Bulletin is an e-mail service that distributes the names of any new eco-prisoner as soon as ELP gets their details. For more info e-mail ELP4321@hotmail.com

On-Line Newsletters – ELP has a number of websites that provide news, prisoner lists and additional info about ELP & the prisoners.

English language ELP Website
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Greek language ELP Website
http://greekelp.blogspot.com

North American ELP Website
www.ecoprisoners.org

Turkish language ELP Website
www.geocities.com/yesilanarsi/elp.htm

ELP Extra is an e-mail group that circulates the details of political prisoners, ELP learns about, who do not fall within the remit for support by ELP. To subscribe to the list e-mail ELP4321@Hotmail.com

Australian ELP.SN is our Australian contact. For more info e-mail elp4321@hotmail.com

Belgium ELP.SN is our Belgium contact. For more info e-mail elp_bel@hotmail.com

German ELP.SN is a prisoner led initiative run by eco-prisoner Marco Camenisch. For more info contact Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland.

Greek ELP.SN is our Greek contact. For more info e-mail greekelp@yahoo.gr

North American ELP is our North American contact. For more information e-mail naelpsn@mutualaid.org

Turkey ELP.SN is our Turkish contact. For more info e-mail
yesilanarsi@yahoo.com

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
elp4321@hotmail.com
http://spiritoffreedom.org.uk

UK No Borders Gathering 8-9 November

Just over a month till the next network-wide No Borders Gathering, to be held in Newcastle on 8 & 9 November.

The Gathering will be a chance to discuss, network and plan, and to build on the discussions held at the last network-wide Gathering earlier this year.

Just over a month till the next network-wide No Borders Gathering, to be held in Newcastle on 8 & 9 November.

The Gathering will be a chance to discuss, network and plan, and to build on the discussions held at the last network-wide Gathering earlier this year.

The Gathering is a collectively organised event with shared responsibility for content and organisation, being co-ordinated this time by people in Newcastle. It will take place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November, starting 9am for breakfast for a 10am start each day, ending at 6pm on the Saturday and 2pm on the Sunday. Venue details and directions will be posted nearer the time. Accommodation will be available on request.

You can contact us at whydontyou@post.com if you’d like more info, would like to suggest items for discussion at the Gathering or would like to get involved.

No Borders is a network of groups struggling for the freedom of movement for all and an end to all migration controls. We call for a radical movement against the system of control, dividing us into citizens and non-citizens.
We demand the end of the border regime for everyone, including ourselves, to enable us to live another way, without fear, racism and nationalism.
Visit the website www.noborders.org.uk

newcastle planning group
whydontyou@post.com

New social centre in camberwell, london

26.9.2008
About a year after the eviction of the former New Camberwell Centre, a new social centre has been opened in Camberwell, not far away from where the previous one stood.

The building where the Camberwell Centre stood has been left empty for this entire year, and only last week the boards that were placed outside were seen with a gap to allow physical access through the door.

26.9.2008
About a year after the eviction of the former New Camberwell Centre, a new social centre has been opened in Camberwell, not far away from where the previous one stood.

Anyway – we have a new social centre! – address is 52 Knatchbull Road, although the entrance is through the gate on Burton rd, and the building is right behind Minet Library.

Meetings are happening weekly already. Electricity needs sorting out (hence call to all autonomous energy generator systems) and garden needs clearing. All welcome to help, get involved …

The next meeting is on Tuesday 30th September at 7pm

—

Opening Event in New Autonomous Space Camberwell: THE LIBRARY HOUSE

CALLING OUT TO ALL AND EVERYONE A NEW SPACE HAS BEEN OPENED:

THE LIBRARY HOUSE.
52 KNATCHBULL ROAD (behind library, junction with Burton rd)
SE5 9QY
CAMBERWELL

WE ALL HAVE A NEW AUTONOMOUS SPACE IN SOUTH LONDON TO PLAY IN. TOGETHER WITH ALL OUR ENERGY AND IDEAS WE CAN CREATE A NEW AND INSPIRING PLACE EVERYBODY TO EXPERIMENT IN AND ENJOY.

OPENING EVENT
Saturday 4th of October, 3pm onwards, will be our first open day. Food, music, gardening, workshops, DIY…

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR KNOWN FACES WITH NEW ONES.

THE LIBRARY HOUSE.

Police attack on London Critical Mass & I Bike MCR Mini Festival & South London CM reminder & Liverpool report

While there was a notable absence of police on the September Critical Mass ride in London, we did have one unpleasant encounter with a very aggressive group of officers from the TSG unit.

Travelling between Victoria Street and Buckingham Palace Road on Friday night, we ran into a van load of police dressed in overalls, fleeces and baseball caps. Their van was an odd silver grey colour and apparently was not equipped with a siren or flashing lights.

To compensate for their lack of adequate apparatus the officers, led by # SX 836, attempted to force their way through the mass by knocking riders to the ground, and dragging others to the side of the road and dumping them on the pavement.

At one point SX 836 encouraged drivers of other vehicles to ram the mass, telling them “Just drive at them, they’ll get out of the way!” despite the fact that we were all in the middle of a traffic jam at the time. Another officer involved whose number I managed to note down was QA 232.

Photos::
http://18hz.deid.net/2008/septembermass/vikings03im.jpg
http://18hz.deid.net/2008/septembermass/vikings01im.jpg

Higher resolution versions of my photos can be fund at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29703759@N08/sets/72157607617808713/

—

One hellllll of a mass (london)

critical mass london | 01.10.2008 23:33 | Climate Chaos | London
And there’s plenty more drama to come …

I got out of work at about half past five, so i came down to the south bank early; the tide was out, so i spent a while strolling on the beach of the Thames. It’s an amazing place – a beach in the middle of a city of seven million people, and deserted except for me and two or three others. Like a rubbly, silty secret garden.

Back up on ground level, we once again set off a good few ticks after seven. Boo hiss. But at least we went through the Kingsway underpass!

But – shock horror! – with no cops. I didn’t see a single policeperson accompanying the ride – did my eyes deceive me? How could this be? Anybody know? We did have the cycling ambulanceman with us, though.

I’m very pleased to say that, as far as i could tell, the mass ran like clockwork. We kept together (mostly – we split into a fast and a slow pack after Buckingham Palace, and i bounced between the two for a bit), we corked – we even let pedestrians through! Brilliant! Pats on backs all round!

Although one thing that was evident was much more aggression from drivers, particularly black cab drivers. Recently, we’ve always had coppers around, and cabbies have behaved themselves. Tonight, though, their basic ferocity was fully in evidence. There were two main instances of this that i saw.

The first was on High Holborn, at the junction where i spoke to the ambulanceman – this was why i was stopped. The mass was coming along from the east; i think the advance bulk had passed through, and then was a thinner stream of us coming along behind. A black cab was sat in Grape Street (i think – i’m looking at a map here; one of the side streets off on the north, just before the junction), and i imagine had been waiting a while for the mass to pass. When it thinned out, he took his chance (we hadn’t corked him), and came out onto High Holborn, turning right, and staying in the rightmos lane. Fifty metres ahead of him was a red light at the junction. Less than fifty metres ahead of him was a masser, riding slowly. The cab driver drove less slowly – he drove right up to within inches of the masser, tailgated him for ten metres or so, and then quite deliberately drove straight into the back of him. The guy went down, the cab stopped, and a crowd of us clotted around the scene. Luckily, the guy wasn’t hurt.

I was to the left of this, in the second or third lane over, and a little way behind the cab; i saw everything happen right in front of me. It was quite obvious that the cab driver did it deliberately: the masser was riding at a constant speed, and the driver accelerated, hitting him. he had driven to within inches of him, which is simply not a safe way to drive.

So, we made sure the taxi wasn’t going anywhere, took photos of the scene, registration plate, driver, etc, and some of us who had seen it gave the guy our details. The cabbie wasn’t giving his details, though. Someone called the police, and after a while our friends in blue duly turned up and did their best to work everyone up into a frothing rage. Do cops get training in dealing with angry punters (other than with a truncheon)? Because these guys were to defusing confrontations as Guy Fawkes was to the bomb squad. Anyway, eventually, questions were asked, details were recorded and exchanged, and the lead copper declared that he was recording this as a no-injury collision, and they weren’t going to follow it up. Apparently deliberately driving into a cyclist doesn’t count as careless driving or anything. He came out with, essentially, the usual crap about ‘our word against his’. During this i had a long chat with the other copper, who seemed very nice when he wasn’t trying to start a fight, but completely clueless about cycling, and indeed road safety generally. Still, i’m sure if i wanted an electrician shot dead, he’d be just my man.

I also talked to the masser who was hit, his two friends, and a courierish guy who also stopped. I didn’t quite get the victim’s name. Nice lad. As i said, he wasn’t hurt, but his back wheel went under the cab’s, and was pretty bent. I had a look at it: the hub looked like it should be okay, and the tyre and tube should be fine, but he’s going to need a new rim, (it was a Bontrager, the poor thing!) spokes, and brake disc. Basically, he’s going to need a new wheel. I couldn’t see any damage to the stays, mech, etc, but he needs to take it to a bike shop to get it checked out. He’s got the cabbie’s insurance details; he didn’t really seem to understand about how insurance works, but i’m sure he knows someone who does.

I suggested we bend the wheel back into shape so he could at least roll the bike home, so we found a fence and did a bit of ghetto truing – an essential urban cycling skill, and the second time i’ve had to do it on a mass! He and a friend set off walking for King’s Cross to catch a train home. I sincerely hope he didn’t decide to try and ride – he had rather a touch of teenage invincibility, so i worry he might have.

Anyway, one of his friends had received a signal that the rest of the mass was at Buckingham palace, so he, the courierish guy and i set off. We got there a few minutes before the mass set off again – i just had time to wish Des Kay well with the Lords and ride a lap round the top of the Victoria Memorial.

After that, we started to get spread out, between the main body at the front and a long tail of slow riders. I’m a speedster myself, so i was half tempted to go a bit sheepdog on them and get them moving, but i ended up bouncing back and forth – going forward, helping cork or just waiting, and being caught up.

Taxi incident number two came as we rode down Theobald’s road. A stream of traffic was trying to come in from the right, i think from Red Lion Street (again, i’m looking at a map and guessing), and had been corked. There were only a few people there, so i looped back and joined them.

At the front of the queue was a taxi driver. He wasn’t very happy about being stopped, and insisted we move. We didn’t, of course – the mass was still passing. He got rather upset, and started shouting. He then started edging his taxi forward – he went from being a foot away from us to actually pressing his right fender into my leg and starting to push me over; there was another guy beside me, and a few people around us, and we made it clear we weren’t going anywhere until the mass had passed. It did, and i was set to go – but he was still pressing into my leg, which meant i actually couldn’t get on my bike and move off. If i had, and he’d edged forward any further, i would have gone straight under him. Bit of an impasse, cue much shouting.

Eventually, he stopped his engine, got out of his cab, and came up to me and tried to shove my bike out of the way. Because he’d stopped, i was actually able to move, and was quite happy to do so, so in a way, his move was quite successful! There was a bit more shouting, with neither side really wanting to let the other have the last word (although i was silent – i just wanted to get home and have my dinner), and a disgusting drunk old fat man walked over and started shouting and shoving a lady masser about, but eventually we disentangled ourselves and rode on.

By this point, i was getting tired and hungry, our numbers were down, and i decided to call it a night. We hit the junction with Rosebery Avenue, where i turn left. The mass defaulted to heading straight on, but a few people were shouting to go left: i mentioned that i was in favour of that because i wanted to go home; the girl beside me said she wanted to go left because she wanted some doritos, which i found quite puzzling.

It was only after i’d sped away into the night that i realised she’d said ‘burritos’, and must have been referring to the really good little burrito place at Angel. I could have kicked myself, because i could really have gone for a burrito right then.

And that, as they say, is that.

http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/cm-london
http://www.criticalmasslondon.org.uk/

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I Bike MCR presents a week long series of cycling events and activities to celebrate the bicycle from 6th-12th October 2008

I Bike MCR is a grassroots voluntary group where everyone gives their time and skills for free. We organise events that aim to promote cycling and to build a strong supportive cycling commiunity in MCR. We do this in our own spare time because we believe that giving our time to make a change will be worth it.

It will be a free festival in order to make it accessible to everyone no matter their economic situation. We will, however, ask for donations to go to helping the I Bike MCR cycle campaign, you can give money or time please look here for info:
http://www.ibikemcr.org.uk/minihelp.htm

MINI FESTIVAL TIMETABLE
Every week-day morning we will be having a group ride from Owen’s Park in Fallowfield down Oxford Road to the Universities so that students can meet each other and gain confidence by cycling in together as a group.

Meet in the carpark area of Owens Park (map)
8.15am, we’ll leave at 8.30am PROMPT to get into uni at 8.45am
We hope this will continue after the week festival is over.

Monday 6th October
7.30pm Council Chambers Manchester University
Bicycle Film Night

Tuesday 7th October
Meet 6pm Outside Manchester University refectory
A bicycle tour around our city, taking you to the nicest parks, the best bike shops, cool places to hang out, the best cycle routes, nice landmarks and nice pubs.

Wednesday 8th October
2pm – 5pm Email info@ibikemcr.org.uk to book a place
FREE Bicycle Confidence lessons. Book asap to reserve a place.
No matter whether you need some tips on how to deal with a particular junction or how to ride one handed you can benefit from a bike confidence class with a qualified cycling instructor.

7pm Basketball courts in Platt Fields Park
The Spokes Bicycle Dance Troupe,
The all woman Spokes bike dance troupe have an open practice to encourage more bike loving women to get involved and join them in dancing with their bikes to encourage more women and girls to cycle.

Thursday 9th October
6pm Whitworth Park, Denmark Road
Bicycle Polo Practice. We will teach newcomers how to play this exhilarating and fun sport.

Friday 10th October
Register at 6pm, Ride at 7pm…
Meet in the carpark behind the Sandbar, Grosvenor Street (map)
I Bike MCR Superheroes Treasurecat.
No matter what bike you’re on or how well you know the city you can take part (and have a chance to win!) in this treasure hunt on bicycles.

* Dress as a superhero for more points..go all out!
* Ride as a dynamic duo, both people must be present at each checkpoint but only one needs to do the task (if you can’t find a partner beforehand, don’t worry you’re sure to find one on the night)
* With a final sprint to see which out of your pair is the superhero and which is the sidekick
* If the phone rings answer it. You may get a secret mission to win more points, then choose if you want to go for fastest time or most points
* Prizes for a wide variety of things NOT JUST FASTEST. inc.Team back at any time with the most points, Winner of the final sprint, Best costume and loads more…So it’s open for anyone to win a prize no matter how little you know the city or how fast you can ride

Amazing prizes from:
Cantgoslo
Bagaboo
Seagull Bags
HK Fixed
Knog
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative
Bicycle Boutique

Saturday 11th October
Noon at Piccadilly train station
or 1.30pm at Delamere Forest Information Centre
Mountain biking in Delamere Forest
(you can hire mountain bikes there)

8pm The Sandbar Grosvenor Street (map)
Moonlight Ride: a 3 hour circular ride into the night with a pub stop.

Sunday 12th October
Noon Meet Sainsbury’s Carpark, off Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield
A ride along one of Manchester’s nicest off road cycle routes, the Fallowfield Loop, where we will stop off to help create a mural depicting the celebration of the bicycle. Everyone welcome to get involved making the Fallowfield Loop brighter and fun. Bring brushes, tatty clothes, paints and lots of enthusiasm (don’t worry if you not that artistic we’ll find some way for you to help!)

info@ibikemcr.org.uk
http://ibikemcr.org.uk/

========================

The 4th South London critical mass bike ride is this friday and every first friday of the month.

Come and liberate the streets of south london, taking the mass to the masses not just to shoppers,tourists and irate cabbies. Meet 6.30pm outside Peckham Library,off Peckham High Street.

========================

Big Turnout for Liverpool Critical Mass

This month’s critical mass was bigger than ever. The ride ended at Next To Nowhere (social centre) where the riders got free refreshments and saw a film.

Dozens of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds, from students to social workers, turned out. They included a visitor who has recently come from New Zealand and took part in critical mass rides there.

After doing a tour around the city centre they stopped at the social centre, where they were given free soup and cakes, and watched a film showing the history of how the Critical Mass rides started in San Francisco in 1993. The rides in that city grew to thousands-strong, and worked beautifully through collective organisation, without committees or leaders. They had the effect of causing more people to commute by bicycle instead of car, and to use the bicycle as their normal transport. This was disrupted when the San Francisco police decided the cyclists needed to be “organised” and made to follow officially designated routes. Ultimately, however, the cyclists decided they didn’t want or need to be organised.

Liverpool Critical Mass has not so far had any police interference, and is successfully enabling cyclists to use the roads safely, and assert their right to be recognised as road users. But as one cyclist said, “If the police wanted to organise us – how? There are no leaders and no-one’s in charge. There’s just a bunch of cyclists who happen coincidentally to turn up at the Chinese arch on the second Friday of the month, and go for a ride together.”

A bunch of cyclists may, coincidentally, be at the Chinese arch on Nelson Street at 6pm on 12th November and 15th December. They would welcome any-one who wants to turn up and ride along with them.

rossport solidarity action at irish consulate in cardiff & Shell in London

Whilst the solitaire is in for repairs, we’d thought we’d remind the government that activists haven’t taken their eye off the ball. We also thought we would dedicate this action to Maura.

About 12 climate activists from the Westside (thats south wales, bristol & bath) occupied the irish consulate in cardiff for an hour or two today (wednesday 24th sept). About 5 got into the reception and altered the decorations, and demanded to see the consul, who wasn’t at home (to us anyway). Meanwhile, outside a banner previously used on the welsh pipeline campaign was held on the steps of the consulate, ignoring the ridiculously irate security chief :”calm down mate, we are only holding a banner”. Most staff from the building happily took leaflets.

—-

Banner Dropped in Solidarity with Rossport & Maura

On Wednesday evening a women’s collective climbed 2 lampposts directly outside of Shell’s headquarters in London. After unfurling the banner the police came in large numbers and harassed the supporters on the ground. A lively protest ensued for about 20 minutes whilst the climbers stayed up and people on the ground chanted. Information was given to the folks walking near the area about Rossport & Shell’s campaign of destruction in County Mayo.

The police eventually managed to cut the banner down. The climbers were arrested and later released without charge.

We did this action to show support for the ongoing struggle of residents and supporters in Mayo to send Shell to Hell (or to Sea, depending on when and who). Since late 2000 there has been an on-going attempt by multi-nationals and the Irish state to destroy a beautiful remote coastal area in the county Mayo with a toxic refinery and high pressure production gas pipeline. The local residents and supporters have lead an inspiring and sustained campaign against this construction. In the last few weeks there has been a wave of action to stop the pipe-laying ship, the solitaire, from building. Included in this was the inspiring hunger strike of local school teacher Maura Harrington.

At the end of last week the solitaire left the bay for ‘essential repairs.’ Maura came off hunger strike and the campaign is working on ensuring that it does not come back. For more information see:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/09/409002.html
http://struggle.ws/rsc/