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CAAB Report 135

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Tuesday 5 October 2004
 
The case of Hirst and Agu v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police QBD 1986 gives us all the legal authority to obstruct the highway (known as 'deminimus' obstruction).  It is a fine authority with wonderful words and Lindis Percy has twice been successful in the courts using this case.
 
 
The American authorities at NSA/USAF Menwith Hill do not want us to be there and have always made it abundantly clear that the over-riding priority on Tuesday nights is to make sure that traffic comes in and out of the base with no hindrance.  The Ministry of Defence Police Agency (MDPA) have always made sure that this happens and do not help to uphold the right to protest - a fine balance between this and the rights of people to go about their lawful business.  The MDPA are paid for and under the operational control of the American authorities.  It follows that 'he/she who pays the piper - calls the tune'.
 
The MDPA have tried all ways to prevent us from using this lawful authority to protest.  They have pulled out of their 'tool box' all manner of alleged and spurious offences in an attempt to get us to 'go away'. 
 
As many people know, CAAB has peacefully demonstrated on Tuesday evenings (6-8 pm) throughout the seasons at Menwith Hill for over four and a half year.  We have struggled to uphold this precious human right.
 
On Tuesday night, Lindis Percy was the lone demonstrator until half and hour before the end of the demonstration, when two friends from Bradford arrived.  A reporter was also present. It was great that they came.  Unfortunately Anni Rainbow who has not been well, was unable to come.
 
Throughout the evening, Lindis struggled to maintain the right to protest in the meaning of the 'Hurst and Agu' case.  It was clear from the start that at any point, the Ministry of Defence Police were determined to pounce.
 
Eventually, Lindis was told that she would be reported by way of summons process for allegedly 'obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty'.  She continued to stand in front of cars for a short time leaving the base - holding the US flag upside down with the words 'SHOCKING AND AWFUL' written on it.  She continued to maintain her legal right and was arrested for 'obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty'.
 
She was taken to Harrogate Police Station and eventually charged with the above alleged offence.  She declined to be fingerprinted, photographed or DNA taken. 
 
This is an example of what is going on at Menwith Hill and we do urge people to come and join us at the Main entrance to Menwith Hill on Tuesday evenings 6-8 pm (at any part of the demonstration).
 
L
Anni Rainbow and Lindis Percy
Joint Co-ordinators 
CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB)
8 Park Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1HQ, England, U.K.
Tel/fax no: +44 (0)1943 466405 0R +44 (0)1482 702033
 
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever does."     Margaret Mead

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