[JNV] Protect Our Civil Liberties

[JNV]

Protect our Civil Liberties

1) SOCPA
2) Civil Liberties events
3) Other events
4) Special appeal for volunteers

* * * * * * * * * * *

1) What is SOCPA? Why and how do we protest?

SOCPA -Under the new Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (August 2005) anyone wishing 
to demonstrate within 1km of Parliament must apply to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner must be granted 
but the Commissioner can impose draconian conditions on the protest including: when and 
where it can take place; how long it can last; how many people can attend; how much noise 
can be made; and the number and size of banners and placards used. At least 21 people have 
now been arrested under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) for organising 
or participating in so-called "unauthorised" protests in a new anti-protest zone around 
Parliament. On 7 Dec, anti-war activist Maya Evans JNV was the first person to be convicted 
of this new offence. Four more people have since been found guilty under the Act 
(see www.parliamentprotest.org.uk for background on the new law). 

Sun 2 April LONDON "unauthorized" demo Naming the Dead -Mass 
Civil Disobedience against the Occupation of Iraq, demand for reparations,
prosecution of those responsible for war crimes. On the 2nd anniversary
of the April 2004 siege of Fallujah. 12 noon, Parliament Square. Called by the 
Mass Action Group MAG

A non-violent direct action workshop and legal briefing will take place in London on 1 April The Front Studio,
Diorama 1, 34 Osnaburgh St, London NW1 3ND (nearesttube Great Portland Street). 
Organised by the Mass Action Group and supported by the London Catholic Worker, 
Voices UK and JNV more info or call 0845 458 2564

Pledge your support for freedom of protest
http://www.pledgebank.com/protest organized by South Somerset for Peace
who are trying to get as many people as possible to pledge that they
will join the planned human chain around the designated area in the
Serious Organised Crime and Police Act; and demand democracy and freedom
to hold peaceful protest whenever and wherever is necessary. 6000 peole
are needed.


* * * 

2) Events related to the issue of Civil Liberties

Thurs 23 Feb BRIGHTON Maya Evans JNV speaking at a Smash Edo event on civil liberties. 
The event is to celebrate the campaigns success in over turning injuctions. Also a
 NO2ID speaker as well as an update from the group. Friends Meeting House, Ship Street.
 7.30pm 

Thurs 16 March LONDON Milan Rai JNV stands trial 10.30am Bow Str Magistrates Court 
as the first organiser of an unauthorised demonstration in the restricted protest zone of
Whitehall. Supporters welcomed (date likely to change).

Sat 1 April BRIGHTON The New 'Anti-Terror' Laws -Taking Liberties CAMPACC 
Public Meeting Speakers include; Sagheer Hussain Specialist criminal defence lawyer and 
representing Stop Political Terror
 (the group fighting for the rights of the Guantanamo and Belmarsh detainees). 
Anne Costello-Campaign Against Criminalising Communities.The (local) 
Brother of a detainee in Guantanamo Bay.
Jaya Nyanajoti- anti arms and human rights campaigner, and many 
others. Friends Meeting House Ship Street 

* * * 

3) Other event happening

Tues 28 Feb ILMINSTER Kate Hudson, chair of CND, will come and talk
on the subject: "Do we need a Trident replacement?" A
recent opinion poll shows 54% of the Britons oppose replacement of
Britain's nuclear weapon system Trident in the 2020s. This would cost up
to £25 billion.
The talk is hosted by the South Somerset Peace Group, at 7.30 pm in the
Minster Rooms, Ilminster. Entrance £2 website
www.southsomersetpeace.infoaction.org.uk.

Thurs 2 March BRIGHTON A talk and discussion on VENEZUELA with Espe
Espigares activist in the solidarity organisation ‘Hands Off Venezuela’
7.30 - 9.00 pm at Brighthelm North Road, BN1 1YD
www.watchingthewarmakers for more information

* Sat 4 March LONDON Theatre workshop in preparation for international reading of 
'What I heard about Iraq' (20/3). Volunteers needed to take part and commit to taking part in 
Street theatre on the day.The Front Studio, Diorama 1, 34 Osnaburgh St, London NW1 3ND 
(nearesttube Great Portland Street) 11am - 5pm. Organised by JNV, Surrey Code Pink and Voices UK.

Sat 4 March CREWKERNE 11am till noon Silent Vigil in front of
Victoria Hall, to commemorate all those who have
suffered in wars, and express our intention to try our utmost to solve
conflict in better ways

Thurs 9 March SHERBORNE Oliver Letwin (MP) & Bruce Kent debate Britains
Nuclear Deterrent
The Conference Centre Gryphon School Bristol Road, Sherborne 7.30 pm
FREE but RESERVE YOUR SEAT by phoning 01300 345109  or emailing:
lesleyATtogetherness.freeserve.co.uk  
Hosted by Yeovil & Sherborne Stop the War

*Sat 18 March LONDON National March against the occupation of Iraq and calls to not attack Iraq.
Organized by STW route to be announced.  Starts 12 noon.

* * * 

4) * Special Call for Volunteers
i) Can you help in giving out leaflets at the demo on 18/3 for JNV and MAG, if you can please contact 
JNV by either email or call 0845 458 9571
ii) Especially looking for people to come along to the theatre workshop on 4/3 at the Diorama (see above)
to organize a reading of "What I Heard About Iraq" on the 20/3.