Respect existence or expect resistance!
Scotland (central & southern)
Interesting photos for all you budding arm-tube construction artists. Look how tricky it is to remove a multi- and different-layered one, even when you’ve got all the best kit:
Interesting photos for all you budding arm-tube construction artists. Look how tricky it is to remove a multi- and different-layered one, even when you’ve got all the best kit:
In the summer of 2006, 600 people set up a Camp for Climate Action in the shadow of one of the biggest C02 emitters in Europe: Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire / UK. With over one hundred workshops on a wide range of topics, the 10 day camp was a space of collective learning, sustainable living and taking direct action on the root causes of climate change. The gathering that showed practical low energy solutions in action, culminated in a day of protest and mass direct action in an attempt to shut down Drax.
In the summer of 2006, 600 people set up a Camp for Climate Action in the shadow of one of the biggest C02 emitters in Europe: Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire / UK. With over one hundred workshops on a wide range of topics, the 10 day camp was a space of collective learning, sustainable living and taking direct action on the root causes of climate change. The gathering that showed practical low energy solutions in action, culminated in a day of protest and mass direct action in an attempt to shut down Drax.
You can download this 15 min version of the film ‘Reclaim Power — voices from the camp for climate action’ here:
http://video.indymedia.org/en/2007/04/821.shtml
order the multilingual DVD 62 min + several extras — or this 15 min version in DVD quality here: orders@cinerebelde.org or networking@climatecamp.org.uk
More information about the camp 2007: http://climatecamp.org.uk
You are welcome to post or link up this 15 min clip on your websites. Please include a link to cine rebelde: http://www.cinerebelde.org/site.php3?id_rubrique=166〈=en
The upcoming actions against the G8 summit in Heiligendamm will present considerable challenges for the creativity and stamina of activists. After all, the idea is to effectively block all the entry points. The problem is that an enormous army of security and public order forces will be present and try to prevent the same. But history has shown that everything can be blocked. Below you will find some useful stories about the practice of blockades. This text will be updated as new ideas pour in.
The upcoming actions against the G8 summit in Heiligendamm will present considerable challenges for the creativity and stamina of activists. After all, the idea is to effectively block all the entry points. The problem is that an enormous army of security and public order forces will be present and try to prevent the same. But history has shown that everything can be blocked. Below you will find some useful stories about the practice of blockades. This text will be updated as new ideas pour in.
Original version of the article, with many illustrations, can be found here: http://www.globalinfo.nl/content/view/1200/30/
Also written by the affinity group Wilnis: 8 good reasons to block the G8 summit ( http://www.globalinfo.nl/content/view/1209/30/)
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The roads to Heiligendamm come in all shapes and sizes. Except to the airport, there are no big motorways, which require their own expert approach to blocking. Most of the roads that will be used to transport people and goods to the G8 summit are dual carriageways, sometimes with a crash barrier inbetween the lanes, often with crash barriers (and cycle paths) along the sides of the road.
To begin an effective blockade is not that difficult, but the skill lies in keeping it going. Good preparation is half the work. You can start with preparing a few days before in the action camps, but it will be even easier if you have made plans before and have organised yourselves in a so-called affinity group. Then you can think beforehand about how you want to do actions, what you need for it, you can also practice already beforehand, etc. During the preparations, you can ask others for advice, learn certain techniques, etc. It is important to form a group of people who more or less agree on the manner in which they want to do actions, so that not too much time goes into discussions or disagreements. If you have not organised yourself in a group yet, or if you have questions, you can always try and find contact through activist meetings. Convergence centres, for example, are going to be set up in Berlin, Hamburg and Rostock, amongst others for this purpose. In the Netherlands, you can find fellow activists at the dissent meetings.
Moreover, during the preparations as well as the implementation of the actions you should expect that the blockade is going to be successful and that it will last long. The G8 summit goes on for 3 days, and the blockades will be implemented for that period of time. Make sure, therefore, that at least for the first hours you have enough to eat and drink and some form of entertainment. Boredom is often one of the biggest problems with successful blockades and occupations.
Inbetween blockades, you can hold sports competitions, lectures, teach-ins, etc. Or you can think about which new function Hotel Kempinski will have afterwards… Also, make sure (especially if you’re in a big group) that you are accompanied by activist first aid and legal observers, activist media, etc. Make sure you have communication channels with other blockades and action camps so that you know what’s going on. If the blockade perseveres, better communication and supply structures can be started later and you can communicate to others that the blockade has started and that other people can help to secure it.
It can be useful to have (in a side street nearby?) one or more cars so that people can get materials there and back.
Make sure you have nice decorations for the blockade, banners, flags and, for example, these things (link to demo units: http://www.demotech.org/d‑design/d‑construct.php?p=69), so that it is clear to the viewer what it’s all about.
The most simple way to blockade is to just sit on the street with a few people. This is already enough to stop car traffic and if there’s a lot of it, the resulting traffic jam will create even more problems for mobility in the surroundings. The more people take part in the blockade, the more difficult it will be to break it. However, past experiences have shown that if the police really want to, they can chase away the blockade fairly easily. There are methods to make the blockade somewhat stronger. For example, by linking arms or by practicing resistance methods against being dragged away. This will delay the eviction. But keep in mind that the police can apply forceful measures: water cannons, tear gas, horses and even dogs. Moreover, it often uses violence when dragging people away (twisting of arms, fingers in the nose, battering with the stick, etc.) Make sure cameras are directed towards the police, that might restrain them in their violence.
On a (hopefully unnecessary) side note: before you sit on the street, the traffic has to have stopped. You also have to make sure that newly arriving cars cannot drive into the blockade. There are many ways to stop traffic, you can also decide to choose a spot near traffic lights. Make sure you have a group of people warning the traffic some hundred metres before the blockade that they have to stop. If blockading roads at night, make sure there is sufficient lighting. Never block a road with traffic on it or if you are not sure that the traffic has been stopped, and never block a road just after a curve. Also, do not just throw things on the road and walk away, this can cause accidents. Once the road is out of use, by police or activist intervention, then throwing things on the roads is, of course, possible. In practice, however, a blockade that is defended by people is much more effective than just some objects left behind.
Using lock-ons is another way to make your blockade stronger. You can get them in all shapes and sizes. (link: http://www.eco-action.org/rr/ch12.html) Most often they are metal pipes in which you can stick your arm in one side and another person in the other, this way you can make human chains. You can, for example, make a circle of people and link this to another circle, etc. By making barrels with concrete shortly before blockading you can link the lock-ons to heavy objects. Remember though that the police does not shy away from being heavy-handed against you in this situation either. Make sure that you can always free yourself and that there are other ‘unlocked’ people around you (who can also bring food, scratch your back, etc.)
The more material you have, the more stable the blockade. You can use materials you find in the area around you (wood, stones, containers, etc.) or by planning the blockade in areas where you have a lot of material at your disposal. You can also bring your own.
A famous example is the tripod. (picture)
The higher it is the more difficult it is for police to break it down. You can make it from tree trunks, metal pipes, etc. But tripods can cause accidents; you have to know what you’re doing, first practice and ask advice from people who have used them before. Also keep in mind that sometimes the police is willing to let people fall, as was the case during the G8 summit protests in Lausanne.
It is easier to strengthen the blockade with different kinds of material. First make sure the blockade is erected, then you can make it stronger. Speed is essential, if the blockade has been secured well before the police arrives, it will be more difficult to push it to the side. Organise groups of people to get materials and make sure there are always enough people left over to form the blockade. Sometimes it is useful to have thought in advance about what you need to get the materials there: ropes, if objects have to be towed, or saws if you want to cut bits of woods loose. Depending on the situation, you can also fix cables inbetween the crash barriers or trees. Make sure, however, that you make them clearly visible with flags and keep in mind they can be a hindrance for you, too, if you need to get away.
Always try and stay friends with people living in the neighbourhood. Do not use their front garden fence for you barricade and explain to people what the blockade is about. Invite them to have a look at the action camps. Be prepared that not all of them will be friendly. The same applies to car drivers. It can be useful to decide beforehand who will act as a spokesperson (certainly for the media). It can also be useful to have one or more person(s) acting as a contact person to the police.
The response of the police will depend on the circumstances and the time they have at their disposal. If there are blockades everywhere, they will not able to tackle them all at the same time. In any case though, you have to expect an attack by the police at some point in time.
They can arrive with vehicles to push aside the blockades (armoured cars, picture), with water cannons to attack groups of people or with groups of police officers wearing protective gear to attack people with batons, etc.
It is important to have discussed in advanced about how you want to defend the blockade. In Seattle, it appeared that a big group of determined people can be much more effective than strong materials. Make sure the atmosphere on the blockade is good. Prevent people being surprised by fellow activists using methods that not everyone supports. But also prevent people from being intimidated and leave the blockade sooner than necessary. It often takes hours before police takes heavy handed action and most of the time you can predict their actions by watching their moves closely. For example, you only have to start worrying about tear gas when they put on their gas masks. Keep in mind that the police that is keeping you busy cannot be deployed elsewhere.
Another strategy to delay the breaking of a blockade is to sit down and link arms. But be prepared for police being heavy handed in hauling you away. The fact that you do not use violence is not a guarantee that they will not use it either (in fact, often the opposite seems to be the case). There are, of course, other and more militant ways to keep the police at bay. A sudden attack by clowns can also considerably disturb the plans of the public order troops. There is little you can do against armoured police vehicles (unless the barricade is very stable indeed) but they do, for example, hate paint on the windscreen. In fact this applies to all police vehicles. And it has been proven that even armoured cars and water cannons can get stuck in a ditch.
Setting a barricade on fire helps also during a ‘manual’ eviction by the police, that is without vehicles. Do consider that after a while the barricade will be gone. Also make sure the fire cannot spread to nearby objects or areas such as a forest. This would be the last effect you would want your ‘protest’ to have. If located near buildings, make sure they are not endangered. Do not leave bottles with inflammable fluids lying around, they can cause nasty accidents.
There are ways of making a road unusable for longer term, but that often takes a lot of time and/or specific hardware. During the anti-nuclear protests in Gorleben, for example, local inhabitants and activist dug tunnels underneath the roads so that trucks could no longer pass. If you want to stop regular cars, you will have to take off the top layer of asphalt or concrete as well, for which you need a jack-hammer, pickaxe and shovels. Naturally, if the road is not asphalted you can dig holes in it. Non-asphalted roads sometimes lead to bigger roads that you might want to block and they are often used by police as access road to the blockade. If you dig a hole, pile up the sand on ‘your’ side, if it lies on the side of the police they simply shovel it back in. During evictions in Amsterdam some people even managed to get a dragline excavation machine going which was parked in the neighbourhood…
Until now, we discussed the traditional road block/blockade. There are many more ways to intervene in road traffic. Keep in mind that the police also knows them and undergoes training programmes to deal with them, so be creative and invent new methods! Sit in a tree next to the road, that’s difficult for police to evict and often they do not dare to continue let traffic go through, at least not their higher vehicles. Even better: choose two trees standing across the road from each other, tie a rope between them high above the street and hang in them, that’s a so-called walkway. The idea is that police and other road users will not risk driving underneath the rope as they fear the people hanging in it will drop something or jump down onto the street. This methods requires a lot of experience. Make sure you have a good accompanying group with you and stop the traffic during the setting up. Do not start hanging in the ropes before the traffic has been stopped!
You can also park one or several cars on a crossing and lock yourself to them (picture Gleneagles). Again, take all the above-named precautionary methods. You can also secure the barricades with turned over cars (for example old cars you took with you).
Most action methods are criminalised and made illegal in order to make it difficult for activists and be able to dish out punishments afterwards. But it is, of course, not explicitly illegal to drive really slowly with your car. Or to have a break-down in the middle of the road somewhere…
The experience from Gleneagles has shown that a blockades that uses different methods in one is the most difficult to break. One road, 3 km from the summit, was chosen because it passed a small bridge. On both sides of the bridge people built barricades from materials they found in the forest (tree trunks, car tires, etc.). Inbetween, two groups used lock-ons and just after the bridge people had started tree-sitting. When the police rushed to the scene, five minutes after the start of the blockade at 6 am in the morning, we heard them discuss the situation and they estimated they needed “at least 80 men and a crane” to get rid off the blockade, which they simply did not have at their disposal. The road block lasted the whole day and people even left to secure another blockade a few streets further which had been broken off and was taken up again.(pictures here: http://www.indymedia.nl/nl/2005/07/29208.shtml)
If the blockade is broken up by police, those that have not been arrested should swarm out (link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarm_Intelligence) (look out for each other, try not to panic, try and make sure each group that swarms out has people who know the way or have a map, accompaniment by members of first aid and legal teams, etc…). You can swarm out to new places to continue blocking. Small groups of people can also be disruptive. It also helps to randomly block police cars, even if they use roads not used for the summit. You thereby stop them from breaking up blockades elsewhere or transporting arrestees.
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There are, of course, other means of transport that will be used for the summit. These are mainly helicopters and ships. They are more difficult to block, but also for the authorities more difficult to use. Only a small number of people can be transported by helicopter. Helicopters can also be blocked; especially take-off and landing spots, but also in mid-air: in Gorleben, for example, people used sky rockets and some people flew around with hang gliders which forced helicopters to leave. You can also think about taking with you helium balloons on very long ropes so that helicopters do not dare come closer. The sea can also be blocked, even though you need boats, which are expensive when they get damaged or confiscated. But you can always block the entrances to the harbour, so that people cannot be transported to the ships to leave.
In short: we will win this battle, if everyone joins in!
(Affinity Group Wilnis, Dutch Polder)
Websites with more information on methods and techniques:
ENGLISH:
http://www.uhc-collective.org.uk/webpages/toolbox/index.htm
Delia Smiths basic blockading guide (pdf): http://www.sprayism.com/dawiki/lib/exe/fetch.php?id=guides&cache=cache&media=guides:basic_blockading.pdf
Everything about doing direct action: http://www.sprayism.com/dawiki/doku.php?id=guides
On Affinity Groups: http://www.rantcollective.net/article.php?id=30
(Noam Chomsky: “If you assume correctly that whatever group you are in is being penetrated by the FBI, when something serious is happening, you don’t do it in a meeting. You do it with some people you know and trust, an affinity group and then it doesn’t get penetrated. That’s one of the reasons why the FBI has never been able to figure out what’s going on in any of the popular movements.”)
DUTCH
dissent.nl and dissent.be
http://www.directe-actie.nl
Article on the history of direct action: http://www.globalinfo.nl/content/view/1068/41/
Spirit of Freedom (Easter 2007)
Produced by EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK
“I thank you all dearly for writing” (Jon Ablewhite, Animal Rights Prisoner)
Spirit of Freedom (Easter 2007)
Produced by EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK
“I thank you all dearly for writing” (Jon Ablewhite, Animal Rights Prisoner)
Welcome to the Easter 2007 edition of Spirit of Freedom. First off I’d like to apologise in the delay in publishing this edition of Spirit of Freedom.
A lot of things have been happening recently for ELP’s volunteers and a delay was inevitable. However, despite the delay in publication ELP has some fantastic news. For the first time in ages ELP is able to bring some good news! A lot of the ‘Il Silvestre’ prisoners have been released! Marco Camenisch has had his sentence reduced at appeal! Jeff Luers may have his sentenced reduced! Rod Coronado has been released! Garfield Gabbard has been released! And long-term prisoner Dave Blenkinsop has been released!!!
This is all brilliant news. However despite our celebrations, ELP has also seen a number of new prisoners added to our list. So lets celebrate the good news of our friends and then lets support the news prisoners. Also before we end this editorial we’ve been asked by Joyanna Zacher to remind everyone on ELP’s policy towards police informants. We do not support them! Regardless of how long they are jailed for, we do not support them. Regardless of who they are, we do not support them. A police informant relinquishes their right to be regarded as an eco-prisoner as soon as they inform. ELP supports eco-prisoners, not police informants. But remember, no matter where you are in the world, support the real eco-prisoners and no compromise in defence of Mother Earth!
COURT REPORTS & LEGAL UPDATES
MARCO CAMENISCH APPEAL NEWS
In mid March 2007 ELP received some news from Switzerland that at his appeal, Marco Camenisch, has had his 17-year prison sentence, for allegedly killing a Swiss boarder guard, reduced to 8 years. The Appeal Court ruled that the original Judge had not taken into account Marco’s time spent in prison in Italy for destroying electricity pylons, nor had the Judge fully considered the outstanding prison sentence Marco had to serve for destroying electricity pylons in Switzerland. Added altogether (39 years), the prison sentence was excessively long and so was reduced so now Marco is serving an 18-year sentence.
JEFF LUERS APPEAL UPDATE
On Valentines Day (Feb 14th) the American media announced that the Court of Appeal has declared Jeff ‘Free’ Luers, 22+ years prison sentence is too long and suggested it should be reduced to between 11+ to 13+ years. ELP will bring you more news as we get it.
ARRESTS IN MEXICO
On the 30th of November 2006 two Mexican anarchists, Oscar Santa Maria Caro and Sacramento Delfino Cano Hernandez, were arrested for as yet unknown reasons. Oscar is a well known animal rights activist who is involved with RATA (Resistance Against Animal Torture). Reports are coming out of Mexico alleging that both Oscar and Sacramento have been tortured whilst inside. There are also reports alleging that their interrogators have threatened to rape female political prisoners if the two men do not confess to their alleged crimes. ELP is trying to obtain more information about these arrests and will bring you more news as we get it.
ROD CORONADO UPDATE
In late March, American Earth First! activist, Rod Coronado, was released from prison having served his sentence for sabotaging a mountain lion hunt. ELP has learnt that Rod’s trial for “demonstrating the use of a destructive device,” relating to a speech he gave in San Diego in 2003, is scheduled to begin in June.
FINNISH ‘GREEN SCARE’
ELP has learnt that the authorities in Finland appear to be copying American tactics and are targeting known animal rights and environmental activists. No matter how minor the ‘offence’ the Finnish police seem determined to prosecute. One person ended up in court for ringing the doorbell of an animal abuser whilst on a demo. The activist was fined for “disturbing home peace”. Another activist was questioned for ‘criminal damage’ after they allegedly spat on a fur shop window! Two more activists were raided and questioned for allegedly putting a leaflet through a post box and putting a sticker on the window of a fur shop. The police accused them of ‘criminal damage’.
ELP’s Finnish friends, who wish to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, say these are just a few examples of the types of police activity happening in Finland at the moment.
ELP is informed that the police have set up a special unit to investigate animal rights activists and the unit has said intend to get activists involved in the early stages of activism ‘before it gets more serious’. Translation, the police want to intimidate people away from activism.
SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME!
Every so often ELP brings you stories of ridiculous prosecutions of non-violent activists under Britain’s new ‘Serious Organised Crime’ legislation. Who can forget the fines imposed on two peace activists for reading out the names of the British war dead, killed in Iraq, whilst standing next to Britains main war memorial! Sadly the courts have now moved beyond just fining people and have started to hand out prison sentences to activists under this new law. In early March three British animal rights activists were jailed for between 15 months to 4 years for their part in a non-violent campaign against Huntindon Life Sciences.
According to the BBC, the three were accused of being key figures in a campaign against companies with links to HLS. They were accused of entering the offices of the companies and demanding that those companies cut their links to HLS. They were also accused of organising loud demonstrations against the companies buildings. Plus they were accused of taking photos of the people who worked for the companies.
MAN ARRESTED IN AMERICA
At the end of March the American media reported that a 24-year old man, Grant Barnes, had been arrested accused of setting fire to SUVs in Denver, CO. The media quoted the cops as saying incendiary devices were used to damage the vehicles and one of the vehicles had ELF spray painted on it. The police also stated they did not believe that Grant Barnes was a member of the ELF.
IL SILVESTRE UPDATE
At the end of February 2007 the Italian courts ruled that Silvia Guerini and Federico Bonamici should be released under house arrest. This means that only three Il Silvestre members are currently imprisoned. They are Benedetta Galante, Francesco Gioia and Costantino Ragusa.
ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS
Fadalla Idris Alajaimy (address unknown). Sudan anti-dam protester on remand accused of Waging War against the State for protesting against the construction of a dam.
Mohamed Ahmed Alajaimy (address unknown). Sudan anti-dam protester on remand accused of Waging War against the State for protesting against the construction of a dam.
Tre Arrow, CS# 05850722, Vancouver Island Regional Correction Center, 4216 Wilkinson Rd., Victoria, BC, V8Z 5B2, Canada. On remand accused of involvement with an arson on logging trucks and an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel company. Both arsons occurred in the USA. Tre is fighting his extradition to the USA.
Grant Barnes #1533241, PO Box 1108, Denver, CO 80201, USA. On remand accused of setting fire to a number of SUV vehicles. On one of the vehicles the letters ELF was spray-painted.
Nathan Block, #1663667, Lane County Jail, 101 W 5th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401, USA. Awaiting sentencing having admitted involvement in an arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted involvement in a conspiracy to carry out direct action in Oregon.
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 Boarder Guard whilst on the run. In ’02 Marco completed a 12-year sentence in Italy for destroying electricity pylons in Italy.
Ibai Ederra, Carcel de Pamplona, C/San Roque. Apdo. 250, 31080 — Iruñez Pamplona, Navarra (España), Spain. Serving just under 5 years for sabotaging machinery at the controversial Itoiz dam construction site.
Benedetta Galante, Casa Circondariale, Contrada Capo di Monte, 82100 — Benevento (BN), Italy. Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 3 years 6 months for promoting & participating in COR direct action. Also awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy.
Francesco Gioia, Via Maiano, 10, 06049 Spoleto, Italy. Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 5 years 2 months for promoting & participating in COR direct action. Also awaiting trial for escaping from house arrest.
Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, OSP, 2605 State St. Salem, OR 97310, USA. Serving 22 years & 8 months for arson on a SUV dealership & the attempted arson of an oil truck.
Ali Mohamed Alhassen Massad (address unknown). Sudan anti-dam protester on remand accused of Waging War against the State for protesting against the construction of a dam.
Eric McDavid X‑2972521 4E 231A, Sacramento County Main Jail, 651 “I” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA. On Remand accused of planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone masts and power plants.
Costantino Ragusa, Casa Circondariale, Via Prati Nuovi 7, 27058 Voghera (PV), Italy. Il Silvestre activist serving 7½ years. 1) Five years for promoting & participating in COR direct action. 2) 18-months for burgling and firebombing a multinational company. 3) 12-months for organising an anti-GM protest. Costanino is also awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy.
John Wade #38548–083, FCI Petersburg Low, Satellite Camp, PO Box 90027, Petersburg, VA 23804, USA. Serving 37 months for a series of ELF actions against a number of targets including McDonalds & Burger King; urban sprawl; the construction industry; and an SUV dealership.
Joyanna Zacher #1662550, Lane County Jail, 101 W 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA. Awaiting sentencing having admitted involvement in an arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted involvement in a conspiracy to carry out direct action in Oregon.
ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS
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.
Madeline Buckler PR7492, HMP Morton Hall, Swinderby, Lincoln, LN6 9PT, England. Serving 2 years for sending hate mail to a family who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.
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.
Donald Currie TN4593, HMP Whitemoor, Longhill Road, March, Cambs, PE15 OPR, England. Serving an Indeterminate Sentence, of not less than six actual years, for carrying out arsons against targets associated the vivisection industry including HLS.
Josh Demmitt 12314–081, FCI Safford, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 9000, Safford, AZ 85548, USA. Serving 30 months for an ALF arson on a University animal testing facility.
Darius Fullmer #26397–050, FCI Fort Dix Satellite Camp, P.O. Box 1000, Fort Dix, NJ 08640 USA. Serving 12 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.
Lauren Gazzola #93497–011, FCI Danbury Route #37, 33 1/2 Pembroke Road, Danbury, CT 06811 USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.
Sarah Gisborne, LT5393, HMP Cookham Wood, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3LU, England. Serving 5½ years for conspiracy to cause criminal damage following the damaging of 8 vehicles owned by people linked to Huntingdon Life Science.
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.
Joseph Harris TN5728, HMP Bullingdon, Patrick Haugh Road, Arncott, Nr. Bicester, Oxon, OX25 1WD, England. Serving 2 years for damaging the property of people associated with Huntingdon Life Sciences. (His original sentence was reduced on appeal).
Kevin Kjonaas #93502–011, FCI Sandstone, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072 USA. Serving 72 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.
Josephine Mayo PR6508, HMP Drake Hall, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, ST21 6LQ, England. Serving 4 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.
Trish Portwine, TM7153, HMP Cookham Wood, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3LU, England. Serving fifteen months for her role in loud demonstrations outside the offices of companies with links to HLS.
John Smith TB4887, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.
Andrew Stepanian #26399–050, FCI Butner Medium II Federal Correctional Institution, PO Box 1500, Butner, NC 27509 USA. Serving 36 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.
Mark Taylor TT6636, HMP Belmarsh, Western Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0UB, England. Serving four years for organising loud demonstrations outside the offices of companies with links to HLS.
Suzanne Taylor, TM7154, HMP Cookham Wood, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3LU, England. Serving two and a half years for helping organise loud demonstrations outside the offices of companies with links to HLS.
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.
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.
OTHER ANTI-WAR PRISONERS
Brendan Walsh, 12473–052, FCI Allenwood Low, PO Box 1000, White Deer, PA 17887, USA. Serving 5 years for an arson on an army recruitment office in protest at the War on Iraq.
THE LECCE FIVE
The Lecce Five 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
Lasandra Burwell W063658, Ohio Reformatory for Women, 1479 Collins Ave. Marysville, OH 43040, USA. Serving 5 years for taking part in an anti-fascist demonstration which turned into a riot.
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.
Augustin Kraus, Vazebni veznice, PP‑1, Litomerice, 41 201, Czech Republic. Serving 14 months for his participation in attacks against local neo-nazis. His charge was “bodily harm”. He speaks Czech, Slovak and Polish. You can also write him short postcards in English.
Tomasz Wiloszewski, Zaklad Karny, Orzechowa 5, 98–200 Sieradz, Poland. Serving 15 years for accidentally killing a neo-nazi whilst defending himself.
PARTY & PROTEST
Around the world there have been several massive protests against global capitalism and its environmental impact. The following have all been jailed in connection with the protests.
Jonathan Philip Robert, Crisp County Detention Center, 197 Ga. Hwy. 300 South, Cordele, GA 31015, USA (12 months)
OTHER PRISONERS
Oscar Santa Maria Caro, CERESO, Miahuatlan de Porfirio Diaz, Oaxaca en Hall B, Cell 5., Mexico. On remand. The exact charges against Oscar are unknown but Oscar is a member of RATA, a known animal rights group.
Sacramento Delfino Cano Hernandez, CERESO, Miahuatlan de Porfirio Diaz, Oaxaca en Hall B, Cell 5., Mexico. On remand. Co-defendant of Oscar Santa Maria Caro.
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.
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.
MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of all life. 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 Grateford, PO Box 244, Grateford, PA 19426–0244, USA.
Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), 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.
MAPUCHE PRISONERS & OTHER LAND RIGHTS PRISONERS
Due to space limitation we cannot publish the names & addresses of the Mapuche & Land Rights prisoners in this edition of Spirit of Freedom, however if you would like a list please contact Spirit of Freedom.
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 bimonthly publication (available via e‑mail or in a paper version). If you would like to receive a copy contact Spirit of Freedom, BM Box 2407, London, WC1N 3XX, England. Or e‑mail ELP4321@hotmail.com
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
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
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.
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
North American ELP Prisoner Fund. The North American ELP group has set up a fund where people can pay money, for North American Eco-Defence and Animal Rights prisoners, which will then be distributed to the North American prisoners. For information about the Fund and how to make a donation please contact naelpsn@mutualaid.org
DEDICATION
This Edition of Spirit of Freedom is dedicated to Russian antifa activist, Stanislav Korepanov, who died in hospital on the 31st of March 2007, having been attacked a few days earlier by an armed gang of neo-nazis. Stanislav is the second Russian antifa activist to have been brutally attacked in recent months. On the 14th of January 2007 vegan animal rights activist, Ivan Elin, was surrounded and attacked by ten neo-nazis in St. Petersburg after he had taken part in a weekly “Food not bombs” peace rally. Ivan suffered 21 stab wounds and was rushed to hospital where he is making his recovery. Following on from the knife attack on Ivan, on the 4th of February, with a small bomb exploded in Vladimirskaya Square of St. Petersburg, near to where Food Not Bombs organise their weekly protests. The bomb was hidden in a kiosk selling flowers. Luckily the bomb only damaged the kiosk and did not injure anyone.
This is not the first time neo-nazis have used knives or explosives to target Russian activists. On the 22nd of December 2006 a number of police were injured whilst trying to defuse a device, which set to murder antifa activists in Moscow. In August 2006 eleven people were killed in Moscow when a neo-nazi bomb exploded in Cherkisovski marketplace. The brutal murder of Stanislav Korepanov and the attack against Ivan are a reminded of why fascism must never be allowed to go unchallenged. ELP wishes Ivan Elin a speedy recovery from his injuries and we congratulate the Russian ‘Food Not Bombs’ movement for not giving into this neo-nazi intimidation.
Our thoughts and sorrow are with the family and friends of Stanislav Korepanov who was only 18 years old when he died.
Organising for Climate Camp 2007 is well under way and it looks like being bigger, better and more inspiring than last year…so come along to our next gathering, find out what it’s all about and get involved…doesn’t matter if you haven’t been involved before, everyone’s welcome. Saturday will focus on camp-wide and how we network the Camp, Sunday is mainly working group time. Again, new people more than welcome in all working groups.
Organising for Climate Camp 2007 is well under way and it looks like being bigger, better and more inspiring than last year…so come along to our next gathering, find out what it’s all about and get involved…doesn’t matter if you haven’t been involved before, everyone’s welcome. Saturday will focus on camp-wide and how we network the Camp, Sunday is mainly working group time. Again, new people more than welcome in all working groups.
Venue: St Michael’s and Lark Lane Community Asscociation, The Old Police Station, 80 Lark Lane, Liverpool, L17 8UU. The venue is wheelchair accessible and street-parking is available and free. If arriving by coach or train you take the number 82 bus from the city centre and ask the driver to let you off near Lark Lane, it’s easy to find and people will be able to direct you.
Accomodation, creche, food and entertainment on Saturday night will be provided for the usual £10 suggested donation. Please bring your own sleeping bag and if possible bring your own cutlery and a bowl/plate. If you require accomodation on the Friday night please contact gatherings@climatecamp.org.uk.
For anybody arriving on Friday there is a Critical Mass friday evening, for more information send me an email.
Future planning meetings:
April 21 and 22: Liverpool
May 19 and 20: London (location of camp to be decided here)
June 16 and 17: Manchester
July — TBC
M For Media Malarkey — the SchNEWS Alternative Media Gathering 2007
May 11–13th 2007: Cowley Club, 12 London Rd, Brighton, BN1 4JA
You are invited to SchNEWS’ first multi-media-activist gathering. As well as a coming together of those already involved in web, video, print, photography, and radio in alternative/independent media – as well as activists who use this media — this event will also be for new people wanting to get involved. Starting on Friday evening and going through to Sunday evening, there will be a range of discussions, hands-on practical workshops in the various media, as well as stalls and screenings throughout the weekend to showcase what’s currently being produced.
M For Media Malarkey — the SchNEWS Alternative Media Gathering 2007
May 11–13th 2007: Cowley Club, 12 London Rd, Brighton, BN1 4JA
You are invited to SchNEWS’ first multi-media-activist gathering. As well as a coming together of those already involved in web, video, print, photography, and radio in alternative/independent media – as well as activists who use this media — this event will also be for new people wanting to get involved. Starting on Friday evening and going through to Sunday evening, there will be a range of discussions, hands-on practical workshops in the various media, as well as stalls and screenings throughout the weekend to showcase what’s currently being produced.
After discussions amongst SchNEWS, as well as others’ imput, about what aspects of independent media should be highlighted during the gathering, several key points have emerged:
* Promoting campaigns and mobilising communities: evaluating and improving the way independent media helps the campaigns and actions it covers, as well as how campaigns use various media themselves – with speakers from campaigns talking about their experiences, and those working in alternative media.
* Improving Skills: Acknowledging that many people in alternative media come from ‘activist’ backgrounds, and are often getting by with very little ‘training’. For video activists it may be about the battles with technology to produce and distribute video, for writers it may mean they have limited research or ‘journalistic’ skills, and those creating leaflets/flyers/publications would often benefit with more knowledge about design etc. There will be workshops and discussions to help improve skills in these and other relevant areas.
The gathering will accommodate for the fact that while both these topics, and many others, are common to all media, and many people work in several media — there is also areas specific to each — so therefore some of the key sessions will start with the whole group together, then split off into the various types to discuss aspects in more detail.
As well as this there will be talks from those involved in Pirate Radio, mobile Indymedia set-ups for such events as the G8 protest in Scotland, and more to be confirmed.
While some speakers are confirmed, if you have relevant experience in these areas and would like to be involved, please contact SchNEWS now.
Likewise if you want to come along, and need accommodation, contact SchNEWS — we need to know numbers as soon as, so please give us fair notice.
The event will be free/donation, and vegan food will be available during the weekend in the Cowley Club.
email schnews@brighton.co.uk tel 01273 685 913
Keep checking www.schnews.org.uk for updates.
We have space for some more people to attend a small weekend workshop delivered by Seeds for Change, on HOW TO DELIVER direct action trainings for climate activism. The idea is that people come to this, get trained up on how to give trainings on direct action tactics, talking to the media/cops, some legal stuff, quick consensus decision making, maybe tripod usage etc… So that they can then go off and train people up in the run up to the Camp for Climate Action (14–21 August).
We have space for some more people to attend a small weekend workshop delivered by Seeds for Change, on HOW TO DELIVER direct action trainings for climate activism. The idea is that people come to this, get trained up on how to give trainings on direct action tactics, talking to the media/cops, some legal stuff, quick consensus decision making, maybe tripod usage etc… So that they can then go off and train people up in the run up to the Camp for Climate Action (14–21 August).
This way we can maximise the effectiveness of our actions, and try to share the workload.
Can you come? It’d be over the weekend of 14–15th April, at the Oxford Action Resource Centre, Princes St, East Oxford.
Crash space provided.
Let us know as soon as possible at:
actionsupport@climatecamp.org.uk
Action Support at Climate Camp
http://www.climatecamp.org.uk
On Sunday April the 1st, a team of outlaws from Nottingham blockaded the main gate of Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base for 4 hours.
This was just one day of the 365 day blockade of Faslane that was started in October in response to our governments plan to replace Trident despite agreements signed in international law in the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
On Sunday April the 1st, a team of outlaws from Nottingham blockaded the main gate of Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base for 4 hours.
This was just one day of the 365 day blockade of Faslane that was started in October in response to our governments plan to replace Trident despite agreements signed in international law in the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
After months in the planning, over 50 people from Nottingham and Derby headed up to Scotland over the weekend. It was an incredibly mixed bunch of people, aged from 14 to 76, and including seasoned peace campaigners as well as people completely new to protesting who felt impassioned into acting by the threat of new nuclear weapons.
After a day spent marching around the nuclear base on the Saturday, final plans for the blockade were put into place that evening. It was a daunting task. The main gate was expected to be completely held by police, and we needed to be there by 6.30am! Nevertheless, despite a tyre blowing out just a few miles from the base, blockaders took the police by surprise and managed a full take-over of the space in front of the main gate seconds after arriving. A mixture of tried and tested concrete lock-ons, and innovative new methods (plastercasting ourselves to each other) were used by the 15 people who locked down in front of the gate.
The success of the operation was amazing, and the support from rest of the 50 or so people was brilliant – from a constant barrage of noise and chants, to biscuits and cigarettes being lobbed over police lines and screens to the blockaders. The last people were carried off by police at around 11am. Everyone was jubilant with success!
But it wasn’t over yet! The Rebel Clown Army was arriving and making a real nuisance of themselves… one was arrested when found in a vehicle he shouldn’t have been in, and others later locked the police in their own compound, making them look even more like fools than they normally do, when after 20 minutes of head scratching and calling the cutting team they found the key just near by!
More members of the Robin Hood team then stood in front of the gates and sang Palm Sunday hymns. When threatened with arrest, one woman refused to move to allow access to the gates. She was quickly joined by a man inspired by her actions who stood with her in solidarity and they were both arrested.
So, out of the 50 strong Robin Hood team, 17 were arrested. They were all held for over 24 hours. Yet spirits were still high when they were all released with only a written warning. On a personal note, I found this event really inspiring. Lots of people who have never done anything like this before came together to pull off a really successful blockade. Hopefully it won’t stop there, and we will continue to work together.
1.04.2007
Over 50 people from Nottingham and Derby successfully blockaded the Faslane Nuclear Naval Base In Scotland today. Various blockade groups in intriguing lock-on devices and some plastered together blocked the main entrance to the site. Police started removing people from 8.30 onwards but had problems with removing people from a 6 way lock-on device, which held strong for another 2 hours. The police had to draft in specialist equipment from other forces to deal with the device. 18 people were arrested and have been moved to Paisley. The blockade lasted for over 4 hours. Whilst on the phone to someone at the scene, one could hear a lot of chanting and cheering as one protester managed to shout ‘no to nuclear weapons’ just before being put in a police van.
1.04.2007
Over 50 people from Nottingham and Derby successfully blockaded the Faslane Nuclear Naval Base In Scotland today. Various blockade groups in intriguing lock-on devices and some plastered together blocked the main entrance to the site. Police started removing people from 8.30 onwards but had problems with removing people from a 6 way lock-on device, which held strong for another 2 hours. The police had to draft in specialist equipment from other forces to deal with the device. 18 people were arrested and have been moved to Paisley. The blockade lasted for over 4 hours. Whilst on the phone to someone at the scene, one could hear a lot of chanting and cheering as one protester managed to shout ‘no to nuclear weapons’ just before being put in a police van.
The action is part of an international campaign to blockade the navel base throughout the year in a bid to stop the replacement of the controversial Trident Missile Sytem. Blockades have been taking place for the last few months by groups from around the country.
Timeline: (updated when new info comes in)
6.45 — Groups arrive and blockades in place at the Main Gate. 1 group with oilbarrel lockon device, 1 group with 6 way lock on device, 2 groups of 3 with plaster attachments (lower arms plastered together).
8.30 — Police start removing people.
9.00 — Police have succesfully removed the oilbarrel lock on blockade. Up to 6 arrests by this time.
9.15 — The group is joined by members of CIRCO, the corporate arm of the Rebel Clown Army. See website. They will auction off the Trident Missile System tomorrow.
9.45 — The blockade has been in place for 3 hours now. The police announce that they are unable to remove people from the 6 way lock on device. They are drafting in officers with specialist equipment from another force.
10.51 — Other officers have arrived and with the new equipment people were removed from the 6 way lock-on device pretty quick. The blockade has been cleared now. 14 people detained in total.
11.00 — 40 people strong demonstration in front of the main entrance. Clowns entertain the crowds and have changed the HM Naval Base sign so it now reads ‘Under New Management’.
12.05 — A woman and a man are arrested for ‘breach of the peace’ offences. Apperently they came too close to the gate. The woman was part of a small group holding a palm sunday protest.
14.29 — The demonstration in front of the gates is still happening. Spirits are high and the clowns providing a load of entertainment. One clown arrested for apperently trying to enter a police vehicle. Protesters decide to stay until at least 4 o’clock when a shift change inside the base will take place.
CHERNOBYL DAY AT FASLANE 26th April 2007
Can you see the connection between more nuclear weapons, more nuclear power stations, war for oil and climate change?
— Or that replacing Trident will mean more dangerous nuclear powered submarines based on the Clyde and more nuclear waste…
— And that nuclear weapons are an environmental disaster and radioactive pollution is caused by their use, testing, waste, accidents or by terrorist attack.
— Or that environmental devastation caused by nuclear weaponry affects people and their environments across boundaries and down the generations…
Then join the environmentalist block at Faslane on Chernobyl Day!
CHERNOBYL DAY AT FASLANE 26th April 2007
Can you see the connection between more nuclear weapons, more nuclear power stations, war for oil and climate change?
— Or that replacing Trident will mean more dangerous nuclear powered submarines based on the Clyde and more nuclear waste…
— And that nuclear weapons are an environmental disaster and radioactive pollution is caused by their use, testing, waste, accidents or by terrorist attack.
— Or that environmental devastation caused by nuclear weaponry affects people and their environments across boundaries and down the generations…
Then join the environmentalist block at Faslane on Chernobyl Day!
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April 26th 2007 will be the 21st anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster. At least 9,000 people are expected to die in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia from the nuclear fall-out from the accident, whilst across Europe the number of deaths from cancers caused by radiation from the accident could be as high as 60,000. Amongst people who were children at the time of the accident there has been a significant increase in thyroid cancers – over 4,000 cases were diagnosed in the Ukraine between 1992 – 2002.
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On the 21st anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster, activists and supporters from Scottish environmental groups and networks will be holding a series of events outside the Faslane nuclear submarine base to protest against the government’s plans to build more nuclear power stations and Trident replacement.
Among the different events planned for the day Friends of the Earth Scotland will be rallying from 8am to midday at the main gate with their huge inflatable white elephant to highlight that new nuclear power stations are unsafe, unwanted and unnecessary.
Plans also include a die-in and blockade of the gates later in the day.
Groups involved include: Friends of the Earth Scotland, Scottish local Greenpeace groups, Scottish People and Planet network, Rising Tide Scotland.
GET INVOLVED!
Nonviolent action training day: Saturday 31st March, 10.30am-4pm, Lamb’s House, Burgess Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6RD_map and directions:
http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/about/getting_to_FoE_office.html
Prop and banner making day — all day from 10.30am Wednesday 25th April, Lambs House, Burgess Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6RD. Bring cardboard, paint, materials, fall-out suits and costumes to decorate!
Transport:
There will be a 50 seater coach eaving Waterloo Place, Edinburgh at
4am — Yes! Four in the morning! (Map here:
www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=55.9538&lon=-3.186&scale=10000&icon=x
Price £10 waged or £6 unwaged.
Please book your seat first by calling 0131 554 9977 or emailing
environmentalists@faslane365.org
Return time: Leaving Faslane around 5.30pm and arriving Edinburgh at
about 8pm.
Possible pick ups also in Glasgow — contact us for more information
There are also good public transport links to Faslane from Glasgow using the Low Level trains from Glasgow Queen Street and Partick stations every half hour to Helensburgh Central and then the Coulport or Garelochhead buses to Faslane Peace Camp or the Faslane Cemetery (opposite the North Gate.) There is also a train service from Queen Street (main level: destination Mallaig/Oban) which stops at Garelochhead (about a mile walk from Faslane north gate)
A cycle path runs all the way from Helensburgh to Faslane along the A814.
There is limited parking close to the Faslane North Gate in the Faslane cemetery car-park just past the North Gate on the right. Limited car parking is also available at Faslane Peace Camp at the south of the base.
Limited accommodation the night is available in Edinburgh — please bring a sleeping bag. We can also help you find accommodation in Glasgow the night before.
For more information or to book places please contact
environmentalists [at] faslane365.org or phone 0131 554 9977
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