Stop Police Harassment of Extinction Rebellion Protesters
This article from the Guardian graphically shows the extent of police powers in what is supposed to be a democracy. The Extinction Rebellion protesters are campaigning peacefully on what is undoubtedly the most important threat to humanity and to life on earth - the climate emergency.
The police response has been draconian. Pictures have appeared on social media of wheelchairs owned by protesters that have been seized and dumped. The whole of London is to be cleared of the rebels.
The story in the Guardian refers to Section 14, without telling you what it is. Section 14 is part of the Public Order Act 1986. The 1986 Act is a descendant of the Public Order Act 1936. This was supposed to be passed against the activities of the British Union of Fascists. In fact the 1936 Act was only ever used against the labour movement and left wing protests.
The 1986 Act gives extraordinary powers over “public processions and public assemblies”. The police can limit their place, duration and numbers. Did you think this was a free country?
The article makes clear that these powers can only be approved by the Home Secretary - and that this was not given prior to the triggering of Section 14.
It adds that police began clearing Trafalgar Square before even issuing the revised order to XR protesters. So who actually issued the order is a mystery. It seems our police are out of control.
XR are challenging the ban in the courts as a “disproportionate and unprecedented attempt to curtail peaceful protest.” They are fighting not just for their own cause but for all of us and for democracy.
Sadiq Khan, elected London Mayor, commented: “I am seeking further information from senior officers about the operational decision to impose a section 14 order on the Extinction Rebellion Autumn Uprising – including at Trafalgar Square – and why this was necessary. I believe the right to peaceful and lawful protest must always be upheld. “ It seems Khan was not party to the decision. Who was?
Amnesty has condemned the decision. So has Diane Abbot, saying: “This ban is completely contrary to Britain’s long-held traditions of policing by consent, freedom of speech, and the right to protest.”
So far there have been nearly 1,500 arrests. We think the oldest ‘criminal’ is 83. This is completely out of order. Add your voice to the protests.
