Another TOTAL demo in Chester
10 Apr 2008
Members and supporters of Wrexham Women for Peace and Wrexham Peace and Justice Forum visited the TOTAL petrol station in Hoole, Chester again last night as part of the continuing calls for TOTAL to get out of Burma.

Nottingham’s Old County Hall Occupied
10 Apr 2008
Since a few days, a group of people have occupied the Old County Hall on High Pavement as part of the international days of action for free culture and autonomous spaces. Also see feature article. The building, also known as ‘the Judges’ Lodgings’ has both a fascinating history and is a building of outstanding beauty. So what is its history? Who’s been living there over the years? And why has been sitting empty for so many years?“For many years it was used as the Judge’s Lodgings, and behind it is a really charming garden which forms an oasis of greenery which it is very difficult to see from anywhere else than the windows of the schoolrooms of Halifax Place Chapel. It is a 17th century house which was greatly altered about 1833, about which time it was purchased from the Fellows family, who had removed thither from a smaller house a little to the west. Before their time it was occupied by Lady Hutchinson, the mother of Colonel Hutchinson.” That’s an extract from an article on Notts History, an online collection of copyleft articles on Nottinghamshire’s vibrant history. Reading through articles about the history of the Judge’s Lodgings, one thing is certain. And that is that some very high ranked individuals have lived here over the centuries.Links: Nottinghamshire History | Announcing The New Squat: Location (Nottingham) | Nottingham Braced For Squat Actions (feature) | Days of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces

Side stepping the property ladder in London
10 Apr 2008
Coinciding with the Europe-wide days of action in defence of free spaces a new squat has been opened in Shoreditch and a series of events organised in autonomous spaces around London. Friday 11th : The weekend starts with a social meetup and info night at the rampART social centre on Friday evening – a cafe with films, presentations and info stalls. There will also be an event at the NOID gallery with acoustic bands and performances.Saturday 12th : The art-space, films, workshops and discussions will take place Saturday and Sunday daytime (10a – 7pm) at the newly opened social centre in Shoreditch. The space will also host a free shop and squatters estate agency.On saturday evening, Hackney Social Centre on Lower Clapton Road will host the Advisory Service for Squatters benefit gig with Headjam, Skints, Ras Simeon Judah, 52 Commerical Rd and Pinstickers. Another benefit takes place at the Wominspace.Events and actions are taking place throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

Days of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces
9 Apr 2008
Following a meeting in the autonomous space ‘Les Tanneries’ in Dijon last year, there was a call out for two days of decentralised actions in defence of free spaces and for an anti-capitalist popular culture. The aim of the days of action, Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April, is to develop interconnections and solidarity between squats and autonomous spaces and help create more visibility for them as a european/global political movement.Public actions are planned all over europe and beyond – in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Serbia, Sweden, Prague and as far away as New Zealand. In Copenhagen things have already kicked off with an advance action in support of creating a new Ungdomshuset ‘Youth House’ took place with 5000 people taking part in a demo followed by a massive street party.In the UK, new squats have already been opened – one in Leeds City Centre, Nottingham, and London. In Reading the Common Ground Squatted Community Garden will be re-opened, and a privatised area of the Town Centre will be reclaimed for a free cafe; Manchester is up for space invading with a demonstration and street party; Nottingham has two days of food, workshops, films, discussion, zines, free jumble stalls and partying; London has art exhibitions, squatters estate agency, skill sharing and more along with a benefit gig for the Advisory Service For Squatters.Throughout the weekend there will be independent media coverage of actions, video and radio reports from around Europe.Links, UK: Birmingham | London | Leeds | Reading | Manchester | NottinghamOther links: April2008 website | wiki

Nottingham Braced For Squat Actions
8 Apr 2008
Activists across Europe and beyond have dubbed April 11th and 12th as days of action for squats and autonomous spaces. This weekend, in Nottingham, a group of people have vowed to open up a new squatted space and put on various events. In an article published on Notts Indymedia they say: “By visibly taking a space in the city centre, we intend to raise awareness of squatting and so contribute to a future of squatting in Nottingham with more long-term squats elsewhere in the city.”One goal for the weekend of action is to “inspire and empower people” who have previously been unfamiliar with squatting. Discussing campaigns and sharing knowledge and skills we can support one another and be empowered ourselves, as well as drawing in new people by creating a vibrant and exciting place to be.Get involved! By 12 noon this Friday, the group will publish the location of the new space on Notts Indymedia. A full program of events has already been confirmed. See program here.Audio: Riseup! Radio #3 The April ShowOn the newswire: Events schedule – Squatting days of action | Leaflets for Nottingham squat days of action this weekend | Bookbinding & Juggling Workshops – 12th April | Action for squats and autonomous spaces in Nottingham | Notts Indymedia Free Spaces Topic PagePrevious squatting related features: End of the Road for ASBO | J B Spray Building Occupied / Evicted / Reoccupied | YES, we’re open ! | Abandoned for over 7 years… | New Squatting Project in NottinghamLinks: Days of Action for Squats and Autonomous Spaces

Free public transport for all? Liverpool activists are having a laugh!
8 Apr 2008
Early on the morning of April 1st, a group of Liverpool activists carried out a banner drop and distributed leaflets and dummy tickets outside Lime Street Station, telling the public that they could travel for free.

Heathrow Protesters Uncover Spy Plot
8 Apr 2008
It has come to light that Oxford-educated Toby Kendall, 24, an employee of aerospace security consultants C2i International, infiltrated and spied on Heathrow campaign groups across London for a year. According to people from Plane Stupid, he was “suspected” and following an investigation he was confronted and exposed. Heathrow owner BAA has now admitted to the Times newspaper that it has been in contact with C2i, having previously claimed it had no involvement in the spying operation.C2i International states on its website that its team is “hand-picked from Special Operations at New Scotland Yard”. It is run by self-proclaimed Special Forces Veteran Justin King and says it “delivers tailored advice and solutions to companies in a wide range of industries including Aerospace.”On the Newswire: Plane Stupid foils infiltration attempt | International espionage agency targeted Heathrow protestersLinks: Plane Stupid | C2i International | Camp For Climate Action | Climate Chaos Topic Page

Once again, Harmondsworth hunger strike broken violently
7 Apr 2008
Update: Although the majority of detainees in Harmondsworth have resumed eating after the repression, some are still refusing to eat [more].On Saturday, 5th April, between 5 and 6am, around 50 police in riot gear stormed the Harmondsworth immigration prison, near Heathrow, to break the detainees hunger strike who were protesting against the so-called fast track asylum system. They took 30 detainees away and most of them were put in solitary confinement or taken into normal prisons to prevent them from communicating with each other and the outside world. One detainee, who managed to contact supporters, said he was bruised all over his body, had injuries from handcuffs and a damaged ankle. He also reported that he saw another detainee being violently ‘manhandled’ by police.The detainees’ peaceful protest had started at 9am on April 1st, with mass food refusal by almost all of the detainees in the so-called immigration removal centre. Later, they also occupied the courtyard and around 120 of them remained there all night. A petition, with 116 signatures, has been sent to the European Court of Human Rights, John McDonnell MP and others (see also supporters’ press release).Links: No Borders London | No Borders UK | National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns | Indymedia UK’s Migration pagePrevious protests inside/at Harmondsworth: November 2006 | April 2006 | January 2006 | July 2004 | The Harmondsworth Four acquitted

Olympic Torch Greeted by Tibet Protests in London
7 Apr 2008
On April 6 the Olympic torch was to be paraded through the streets of London in what Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell described as a celebration of the “Olympic spirit.” Protesters angered by recent Chinese repression in Tibet sought to undermine this Chinese propaganda exercise. As it made its way through London, the flame was greeted by a wave of protest.Demonstrators disrupted the torch’s journey along the thirty one mile route. There were attempts to seize the torch, extinguish the flame and to prevent it making its way through the city with 37 people being arrested. Although Tibet was the main focus of protests, attention was also drawn to Chinese support for Sudanese atrocities in Darfur and Burma’s brutal military dictatorship.Video: Video of the attempted Olympic flame grab!Photos: Olympic Relay Free Tibet Rally | Olympic torch protests in London – pics | Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay, London April 6, 2008 | Olympic Torch Relay: Heated Arguments in Trafalgar Square | Chinese Torture Torch Relay Shames Olympic Ideals | Police compete in olympic farce | Olympic Torch Chased off the Streets, pics from Fleet Street | Torch Protest hits WhitechapelAlso on the Newswire: Torch Went Out in London Too! | Olympic torch relay protest timeline | Tibet Protest Great, But…. | “Freedom wins” says the Sun | Tibetan Freedom Torch Rally | 36 people arrested so far during the Olympic torch relay in London | Police Manhandle Press at Tibet Demonstration | Brilliant pro Tibet protest ongoing in London todayLinks: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (official site) | Free Tibet Campaign | Students for a Free Tibet

Scientology’s Corporate Exploitation Hurts People
3 Apr 2008
Scientology is a totalitarian, mafia-like organisation, which silences its critics by extreme intimidation and harrassment, claim thousands of Anonymous during their series of worldwide protests. About 8000 people picketed the institution in 17 countries and 108 locations on 10th of February, and on 15th of March they embarked on “Operation Party Hard”. With “Operation Reconnect” on 12th of April protesters want to expose the brainwashing cult’s disastrous effect on families with their “Policy of Disconnection”.Despite countless reports of members forced into bankruptcy, broken families and suicides, Birmingham City Council has endorsed the sinister Cult. There are also reports that Scientology’s second biggest base in the UK will be established in Moseley Birmingham and there are protests against a Scientology exhibition in a shopping centre in West Bromwich.Campaign groups:[ BritLulz | Edinburgh | Manchester | Birmingham | London ]UK-wide summary of protests against Scientology:[ London 15th of March and 10th of February | Birmingham | Edinburgh | Glasgow | global summary of protest on xenu.net]Reports:[Scientology shuts down alternative news site | CoS operation manual leaked | The Censored film “The Profit” appears on Internet | Scientology given direct access to E-Bay Database | Scientology Injunction Denied Against “Anonymous” ]Background Info: [ Xenu.net | Wikipedia | Operation Clambake | theunfunnytruth | scientology lies | The scandal of scientology |Newswire:[ Bristol’s Evening Post a front for Scientology? | The war on scientology | Scientology – what it is and why we fight it | Scientology’s Gulags: inside the Rehabilitation Project Force | Fighting Scientology – an anarchist perspective | Scientology as Sci-Fi Fascism (corrected) | What’s wrong with Narconon | Narconon off Southwark Council site]

Nottingham’s Zimbabwean Community Responds to Rigged Elections
3 Apr 2008
On March 29 Zimbabwe went to the polls. The election was widely criticised with accusations of vote rigging, state orchestrated media bias and violent intimidation of opposition activists. The outcome was generally considered a foregone conclusion, which would have little to do with the opinions of most Zimbabweans and early indications are that these concerns were well placed, although events now seem to have taken a more complicated turn.In Nottingham the Zimbabwean community used the election to draw attention to the situation in their country and camapaign against the threat of deportation which many Zimbabwean asylum seekers face. They organised a meeting at the Sumac Centre on March 28 and held at protest at Nottingham’s new speakers corner on March 28.Audio: Interviews at demonstration | NIMC interview with Zimbabwean ActivistNewswire: Nottingham?s Zimbabwean Community stand together | Zimbabwean Asylum Rights Demo @ Speakers Corner, Nottingham | Notts Indymedia Migration Topic PagePrevious Features: Refugees In Need Of Community Protection? | Situation in the Congo is worsening as deportations continue | Nottingham Protest against Deportations to Northern Iraq (Kurdistan) :: PicturesLinks: No Borders Nottingham | Nottingham and Notts Refugee Forum | Nottingham Refugee Campaign Group | The Zimbabwean | Zimbabwe Indymedia (archive)

Violent Repression At NATO Summit in Romania
1 Apr 2008
At approximately 12:30pm on 2nd April hundreds of Romanian police violently raided a convergence center in Bucharest, the country’s capital. The convergence space was set up to facilitate an anti-NATO gathering and was legally rented. It is reported that during the raid at least two protesters were hospitalized. Various reports state people are badly beaten while in custody and even while taken to hospital. Numerous people are reported to be seriously injured and some have been refused medical assistance while in custody.It is estimated that 46 people have been arrested. No demonstration or action had happened before the raid and all the arrests were made inside the convergence center. Police officers were masked and reportedly very aggressive towards journalists trying to access the scene. The convergence center is located near the center of Bucharest, which is hosting a NATO summit that just got underway today. It is estimated that up to 27,000 police officers, military, snipers and secret police are ‘guarding’ the city. The security alert code yellow has been announced, meaning that all demonstrations are forbidden in the whole city amongst other restrictive laws.Indymedia articles: Riot police storms convergence centre at Bucharest anti- NATO protests | Massive Repression during the NATO Summit in Romania | Anti-NATO Convergence Centre in Bucharest attacked by Anti-Terror Police | Breaking News: Mass Arrests during NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania | Mass Arrest of demonstrators in Bucharest | Anti NATO activists faced police brutalityOther media: Massive Repression during the NATO Summit in Romania | Videos of the raid on the convergence centre | Photos of mass arrests | Info for anyone going to Romania | Solidarity demo in Berlin | Protests at police stationsLinks: Indymedia Romania (english)

Fossil Fools Take On E.ON In Nottingham
1 Apr 2008
Activists from Rising Tide called for a day of action against the fossil fuel industry on April 1st. “They would have us believe that we can escape climate change with techno-fixes, market mechanisms and offset schemes – all technocratic acrobatics that distract us from the truth: the only real solution to climate change is to keep fossil fuels in the ground.”In Nottingham, over 30 people under the banner of Eastside Climate Action blockaded energy company E.ON’s offices on Mount Street. People covered in green paint to represent E.ON’s greenwash, locked onto the front entrance to the call centre offices and stood in front of other entrances preventing hundreds of workers from getting to work. Two people who were locked onto the front entrance were arrested and later in the afternoon the police entered and searched their homes in search for ‘evidence’ in relation to their arrest. Both were charged with public order offences and are to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court on April 14th.Audio: Fossil Fools Blockade E.On Offices in Nottingham (an audio piece) | Abuse from E-On StaffPhotos: Pictures 1 | Pictures 2 | Pictures from EOn protest | Surveillance and Specialist EquipmentAlso on the newswire: Police Searches Houses After Arrests At E.On Blockade | Eastside Climate Action blockade E-on workers as part of Fossil Fools Day | Fossil Fools Day – April 1st | Direct Action in Nottingham this Spring | Notts Indymedia Climate Chaos Topic PageUK Indymedia feature: Fossil Fools Take On Fossil FuelsPrevious features: Convictions For Activists – Climate Criminals Walk Free | ‘Clean’ Coal On Trial | Climate Activists Bring Powerstation Operations To A HaltLinks: Camp for Climate Action | Climate IMC | Eastside Climate Action | E.ON | Fossil Fools Day | Network for Climate Action | Rising Tide

Fossil Fools Take On Fossil Fuels
1 Apr 2008
Rising Tide called for a day of action against the fossil fuel industry on April 1st. “They would have us believe that we can escape climate change with techno-fixes, market mechanisms and offset schemes – all technocratic acrobatics that distract us from the truth: the only real solution to climate change is to keep fossil fuels in the ground.”And what an action packed day it was.. Banners were dropped in Lancaster and Wrexham and in Edinburgh 4×4 were targetted and clowns caused foodmile havoc in supermarkets. Petrol stations were targetted in Plymouth and Sheffield and in Cambridge and Manchester activists took action at Royal Bank of Scotland branches. In Nottingham activists blockaded city centre offices of E.On and in London Rising Tide played a spoof game of football outside the FA HQ to point out what their sponsor E.On are up to. London Rising Tide also payed a visit to the offices of Y&R advertising who are currently trying to convince the public of Landrover?s green credentials. People and Planet staged a ‘No New Coal’ protest in parliament square to oppose the proposed powerstation at Kingsnorth and others payed a visit to the offices of a company who partly run one of the biggest opencast coal mines in Europe, in Ffos-y-Fran, Merthyr Tydfil (Wales).At the mine itself in Merthyr Tydfil protesters halted work, with the intention to remain on the site for several days. Activists also blockaded the UK’s largest off shore gas terminal at Bacton (Norfolk). They blockaded the main road outside the site preventing construction workers and shift workers from arriving. In Hull, which was hit badly by flooding last year, people draped banners and handed out leaflets. In Norwich, activists from Rising Tide sent out a spoof press release announcing that Norwich Unions would be withdrawing all of its 6.1 billion investment in the fossil fuel industry and then organised a press conference at their HQ. See full feature article for more detailed info about the actions.Audio: Fossil Fools Blockade E.On Offices in NottinghamReports: Bacton (Norfolk) | Cambridge | Edinburgh: [1] [2] | Hull | Lancaster | London: FA Cup protest [1] [2] + EV-EON Carbonated Water Launch + Welsh Opencast Mine protest + Kingsnorth protest + Y&R office action | Manchester | Merthyr Tydfil (Wales): [1] [2] [video] | Norwich | Nottingham | Plymouth | Sheffield | Wrexham | Fossil Fools Day action roundupIndymedia links: Climate Chaos topic page | Climate IMCOther Links: Fossil Fools Day website | Days Of Climate Action | Camp For Climate Action | Rising Tide | London Rising Tide | Eastside Climate Action

Nottingham City Council: Mired in Corruption
30 Mar 2008
Nottingham City Council Chief Executive, Michael Frater, is to resign from the Council 230,000 better off after Councillors agreed the details of a pay-off earlier in the month. In spite of the Evening Post’s attempts to present Frater as the hero, battling against evil Council Leader Jon Collins, some people aren’t so sure.Claims have been made that Frater engineered a series of confrontational situations in order to secure his departure. Whatever the truth of the matter, he has supported a number of highly expensive and unpopular projects during his time in Nottingham, including spending 52,000 on a beach party in Cannes to promote the city, 387,000 commissioning an instructional play for Council staff, 350,000 on turning the Market Square into an ice rink not to mention 25,000 on the dreaded library uniforms.This is not to let Jon Collins or the rest of the council off the hook. When not trying to buy votes, Collins and co are busy closing public facilities for their corporate chums to start more profitable developments.Newswire: Michael frater..an alternative version?? | Make nottingham Real, not PR stunts, uniforms & pool closuresPrevious feature articles: Library Staff Speak Out Against Uniforms and Management Bullying | Council Under Fire From Campaign To Save Leisure Centre | Nottingham City Council Silences Welfare Advice Row | Nottingham City Council Recycling .. .... Bottom of the Class again!Links: Nottingham City Council | Telford & Wrekin Council Watch

Nottingham Activist Returns From Whale Saving Mission In Antartica
28 Mar 2008
A Nottingham resident who joined the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society as part of their crew on the vessel Steve Irwin has returned home. Dan, who has volunteered with Sea Shepherd previously, rejoined in the middle of this year’s anti-whaling mission against the continued Japanese whale hunting activities in the Southern Ocean. Named Operation Migaloo, after the only known albino humpback in the world, this was Sea Shepherd’s fourth expedition to the remote southern waters off the coast of Antarctica and has been typically eventful.In January, two Sea Shepherd volunteers were taken hostage by Japanese whalers. Then in March, several of the crew were injured when the Japanese military threw grenades onto the ship and opened fire on them. The Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin covered a total of 20,090 nautical miles (37,205 kilometers) during Opertaion Migaloo and made 3 return trips from Melbourne, Australia to the coast of Antarctica in 3 months. In total, the ship was at sea for 83 days between December 5, 2007 and March 15, 2008. It is estimated that due to continued harrasment by the Sea Shepherd, the Japanese have not managed to get even half their whale quota this hunting season.Interviews with Dan: Back in Nottingham (audio) | On board the ship (text)UK Indymedia features: Sea Shepherd Activists Injured As Japanese Military Open Fire | Activists Held Hostage By Japanese Whalers In Southern OceanLinks: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society | Mission Migaloo website | Wikipedia on Japanese Whaling

Nottingham And Leicester Join Aldermaston Anniversary
27 Mar 2008
At Easter 1958 the recently formed Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) organised a march from London to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment close to Aldermaston in Berkshire, England. On March 24 2008 CND marked the anniversary of this event by returning to the base. Protesters from around the country formed a four and half mile long human chain around the base, symbolically closing it.A contingent from Nottingham and Leicester went along to participate in the protest. They joined protesters from the East of England at the “Boiler House” gate to express their opposition to the renewal of the Trident nuclear missile system and call for nuclear disarmament.Photos: Aldermaston AnniversaryNewswire: Nottingham, Leicester and Lougborough Join Aldermaston Blockade – an audio piece | 50th Anniversary of founding of CND - event in the Market Square | The Bomb Stops Here: Surround the Base | Notts Indymedia Anti-militarism Topic PageLinks: Aldermaston 2008 | Aldermaston Women’s Peace camp | CND | Nottingham CND | Leicester Mercury Coverage: 1 | 2

Latest from London Social Centres
22 Mar 2008
Hackney Social Centre – eviction date 15th April 2008 RAMpart2 – left empty by squatters after final party

On the Verge – The Film They Tried to Ban
22 Mar 2008
Police have intervened across the country to censor ‘On the Verge’ an independent documentary about the Smash EDO campaign to shut down the Brighton’s weapons manufacturer EDO MBM. So far establishments in Southampton, Chichester, Bath and Oxford as well as Brighton have come under police pressure to cancel film showings. In Brighton police intervened to prevent a showing at the Duke of York’s Cinema, just one hour prior to the scheduled premiere.Using activist, police and CCTV footage plus interviews with those involved in the campaign, ‘On The Verge’ tells the story of one of the most persistent and imaginative campaigns to emerge out of the UK’s anti-war movement and direct action scene. See trailers of the film here(mpg) and here (wmv).Spokesman for the production company SchMovies, Steven Bishop said “I am extremely disappointed but not entirely surprised by the police’s action. There may be issues with certification but as we’re not charging for entry this shouldn’t be an issue. If the police really had problems over the certificate they could have approached us at a much earlier stage. Our film although focussing mainly on the rights and wrongs of protest shows a number of examples of questionable police behaviour ? Perhaps this is why they left their move so late”Meanwhile the “On the Verge” Screening Tour continues. The upcoming dates this week are:24th – Oxford. OARC25th – Bath. Friends’ Meeting Place26th – Hereford. The Barrels Pub27th – Bristol. Kebele Social CentreRelated Links: SchNEWS report | SchNEWS podcast | Other SchMOVIES about Smash EDO campaign | SchNEWS website

Round-up of “World against War” protest
20 Mar 2008
Tenthousands of people demonstrated for peace during the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War launch [ archive | M18 2003 protests | No War F15 2003 protests ] in London, Glasgow , Nottingham, Cambridge , Wrexham and Edinburgh as part of the ‘World Against War’ events [ US protests summary ]. The main demonstration on Saturday, 15th of March 2008 in London, was called by the Stop the War Coalition, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the British Muslim Initiative, and heavily controlled by police, who arrested four people for watching the Forward Intelligence Team.Pics [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 ] video: [1] reports: [ 1 | 2 ] Other IMC’s reports: [ Madrid | Barcelona | Belgium | Euskal Herria | Puerto Rico | Torun (Poland) ]

Five years on…
19 Mar 2008
It is now five years since the invasion of Iraq and its consequences are obvious for all to see. Estimates of the death toll, suggest that more than a million Iraqis may have been murdered since the invasion. In addition, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than 2.2 million Iraqis are internally displaced, with a further 2 million having fled to neighbouring states, particularly Syria and Jordan. The explanation for these stark figures lies in the surge in sectarian conflict, widespread state repression, ongoing US-UK military operations, endemic criminality and growth of Islamic fundamentalism, all of which have been facilitated, if not actively encouraged, by the US-UK occupation.This carnage has not taken place without opposition. The anti-war movement globally, nationally and locally has campaigned against US-UK imperialism in Iraq since the possibility of an attack was first mooted shortly after September 11th. The movement’s concerns echoed in Nottingham as they did elsewhere, encouraging many local residents to get active.Newswire: Stop the War: Five Years on (report) | Stop the War: Five Years on (photos 1) | Stop the War: Five Years on (photos 2) | Notts Indymedia Iraq Topic PageLinks: Nottingham CND | Nottingham Stop the War Coalition | Nottingham Student Peace Movement | Veggies Against War

Alternative Media Blossoms in Nottingham
15 Mar 2008
A number of alternative media projects have sprung up in Nottingham over the past months. In February the Riseup Radio project was launched, and this month sees a new edition of the Nottingham Sparrow, and steps towards the launch of a GreenZine aimed at young people.Meanwhile, Notts Indymedia continues to go from strength to strength, with an astonishing number of contributions. In February, we hosted the UK Indymedia gathering, during which we were approached to produce a Nottingham pullout for The Mule newspaper. We hope that all of these projects flourish in the year to come, but they all need people to help make them work. That’s where you come in!Feature: Nottingham Hosts UK Indymedia GatheringNewswire: GreenZine Open Meeting | Rebel bulletin The Nottingham Sparrow – March 2008 – No.3 | Riseup! Radio: #2 The March Show Now Online | Notts Indymedia Indymedia Topic PageLinks: The Mule | Riseup Radio | Nottingham Sparrow

Library Staff Speak Out Against Uniforms and Management Bullying
11 Mar 2008
Over a year ago, a rumour was doing the rounds in Nottingham libraries about the introduction of uniforms for library staff. The union reps looked into it and it was brushed aside as ‘not going to happen for ages’. A couple of months ago they were surpised to hear that the uniforms would suddenly be introduced by March. No consultation, no advanced notice. So why does the council feel there is a need for uniformed staff in our libraries? And why does it threaten its own staff members with dismissal if they were to speak openly about these changes?One library assistant did decide to speak out. Barbara, who’s identity we cannot reveal, has worked in Nottingham’s libraries for many years. She told Notts Indymedia in an interview about her anger over the decision by the City Council to introduce uniforms. In addition, she talked about the depletion of library service resources and the bully tactics employed by City Council managers to keep its staff in line.Interview: Nottingham Library Assistant Speaks Out About Uniforms And Bully TacticsFrom the newswire: Changes To The Library Service | Nottingham Library workers still resisting uniforms | Make nottingham Real, not PR stunts, uniforms & pool closuresLinks: Nottingham Library Service | Unison | Evening post coverage: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Sign the petition in support | Download poster (PDF)

Reclaiming Our Food
8 Mar 2008
The weekly vegan open picnic has recently faced growing repression from Police and consistent support in the community.People taking part in Brixton’s Reclaim Your Food weekly action faced arrest last Sunday 2nd March 2008 as they challenged the legitimacy of a Dispersal Order issued by the Lambeth branch of the Metropolitan Police.Police (consisting of a mix of PCs, CSOs and higher-ranking officers) were waiting for the collective before they even arrived. They came equipped with a mobile surveillance van, 2 regular Police vans and 2 Police cars.The first arrest came as a result of a refusal to comply with the Dispersal Order placed upon the group, the second for attempting to establish the legal basis for such an arrest. The Dispersal Order, made possible by the controversial Anti-Social Behaviour Act, was issued in response to an alleged Section 5 Public Order offence – defined as causing harassment, distress or alarm. However, when questioned, the Police failed to provide adequate evidence to suggest that such an offence was taking place.Thankfully, the long arm of the law did not stretch to the Bicycle Repair Workshop or those making Puncture Repair Kits and Wallets from recycled and sustainable materials. These were welcome additions to the Town Square, which was reclaimed as a fully-functional public space for all…with room for a bit of a dance to the chilled reggae/dub soundsystem!Despite all the Police intimidation and generally not fantastic weather, a good time was had by most people who turned up or happened to be passing by! – Same as today 9th of March when there were no arrests.The collectives involved in Sunday’s action are keen to welcome anyone who is interested in any aspect of the project to come along – Bring food to share. Instruments. Sound Systems. Practical Social Activities. Or just yourself!! All welcome.The project will continure to meet at Brixton Town Square (by Coldharbour Lane, opposite the Ritzy Cinema) from around 2/3pm every Sunday. The town square is well on it’s way to being a free public space, for anyone to use. This does not figure in the plans of the Police and Local Government, who are intent on seeing through gentrification of the area. Every Sunday at approx 3pm in BRIXTON TOWN SQUARE, opposite BRIXTON LIBRARYReports: 17 feb | 3 march (1) | 3 march (1) | 3 march (1) |Video: 3 march (1)

Sea Shepherd activists injured as Japanese military open fire
6 Mar 2008
A clash between the crew of the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin, who is in the Southern Ocean to fight the ongoing Japanese whaling sloughter near the Antarctic, turned violent when the Japanese Coast Guard began to throw flash grenades at its crew. Captain Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd ship was struck by a bullet in the chest. Fortunately, the bullet was stopped by his Kevlar vest.Other injuries were sustained by crewmembers Australian Ashley Dunn and Ralph Lowe. Dunn suffered a hip injury as he tried to get out of the way of the exploding grenades. Lowe received bruises to his back when one of the flash grenades exploded behind him. Japan is denying that any bullets have been fired, saying “warning devices” were thrown after their ship was attacked. According to the Japanese foreign ministry their coastguard on board on of the whaling ships had thrown a “baseball-sized device, which exploded near the activists’ ship emitting a loud noise”. However, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has posted a video on their website, clearly showing devices being thrown from the whaling ship exploding and a bullet being recovered from Paul Watson’s jacket. One UK activist (from Nottingham) is also onboard the ship, but it has not been reported he suffered any injuries.Video: Of the incident, made by the Sea ShepherdOn the newswire: Japanese Officials Caught Lying on Firearm Use against Sea Shepherd | Sea Shepherd: Japanese Scramble to Spin Shooting Story | Japanese Open Fire on Sea Shepherd Crew: Three Injured | Japanese Whaling Fleet Confronted By Sea Shepherd | Sea Shepherd Aussie Crew Prepared to Be Taken as Prisoners to Japan | Interview With Nottingham Activist In Southern Ocean On Board Sea Shepherd Ship | Sea Shepherd Receives Message From the Australian Government | Sea Shepherd Finds Japanese Whaling Fleet: They Are On the Run AgainPrevious feature articles: Activists Held Hostage By Japanese Whalers In Southern Ocean | Japanese Whaling Ship rams Greenpeace vesselLinks: Sea Shepherd Convervation Society | Wikipedia on Japanese Whaling