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CAAB Report 148

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Tuesday 28 December 2004
 
Briefly, there were three demonstrators at the weekly Tuesday CAAB protest at NSA/USAF Menwith Hill.  Anni and Joe slowly walked backwards and forwards across the main exit causing cars to slow down and stop.  Neither were warned, reported or arrested.
 
Lindis was almost immediately warned and then 'reported', followed by arrest.   This was all in quick succession.  We were all unclear as to why she had been arrested.  She had been holding the US flag upside with the words 'the Shame of Fallugah' written on it and peacefully protesting using the lawful authority of the case of Hirst and Agu v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire (1986) once again.  
 
PC Dobbins insisted on 'confiscating' the flag on the preposterous suggestion that it might be used as a 'ligature' by Lindis on others or herself.  At the time, she was wearing a scarf which was not taken - the US flag was. 
 
Lindis was driven to Harrogate Police Station by the Ministry of Defence Police Agency.   While in custody there was a further 'update' from the arresting officer PC Ferguson, saying that 'the weather conditions are very poor at Menwith Hill tonight with poor visability due to driving rain'.  He said that 'this was another contributory factor to the DP (Detained Person) being arrested for her own safety'.  The night was very clear and it had stopped raining.  Neither Anni nor Joe were arrested for their 'own safety'.  
 
Lindis was later released without charge by Andy Missiledine (Custody Officer - North Yorkshire Police) but was 'reported with a view to prosecution' for allegedly failing to obey the directions of a constable in uniform whilst engaging in directing vehicular traffic on a road contrary to s.37 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
 
This arrest of Lindis is now about the 20th time - all concerning the same issue which is the maintainance of the right to peaceful protest.  There will be a Pretrial Review on 19 January 2005 at Harrogate Magistrates' Court in which all these cases will be put to a District Judge (if available) and a date for trial will be fixed. 
 
May we wish all our friends around the world a very Happy and Peaceful New Year and hope that some sense will be instilled into those who make decisions about all our lives - How desperately this is needed.
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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