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CAAB Report 149

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Tuesday 4 January 2005
 
This was the first demonstration of the New Year on the regular Tuesday evening protest at NSA/USAF Menwith Hill.  It might be useful,we suggest, to look back over the last year of CAAB Reports so as to follow what has happened (www.caab.org.uk).
 
There were three of us at the demonstration, until later joined by three more people from Leeds - Joe, Donna, Dave, Luke, Anni and Lindis (who was again the only person to be arrested - the 6th week in succession).
 
The process that the Ministry of Defence Police Agency (MDPA) appear to be now pursuing is to 'warn, report with a view to prosecution and then arrest' for allegedly 'obstructing a police officer (read 'traffic officer) in the execution of his duty'. 
 
Lindis was warned then 'reported' (s.37 but unclear as to what Act) and immediately arrested by PC McNamarn (MDPA).  He demanded that Lindis should hand over the upside down US flag with the words 'THE SHAME OF IRAQ' written on it.  When asked why he wanted her property she was told by PC Dobbins that 'it was dangerous...and that she might flap it'.  PC McNamarn said he did not want it in the van.  Anni declined to receive the flag which the MDPA tried to insist she took ..saying that it was not her property.  PC McNamarn (arresting officer) , PC McConnell (accompanying officer), Lindis and the 'dangerous' flag then all went to Harrogate Police Station.
 
Lindis  was detained long enough until the demonstration was over. Simon Smith (Custody Sergeant) said that the 'dp (detained person) was held under s.25 (PACE) only and not charge [d] as she has already been reported'. 
 
The outcome of arrest has therefore changed in that Lindis is not now charged with any alleged offence - however has had her liberty yet again taken away.  This has happened two weeks running and appears to coincide with the forthcoming Pre-trial Review (Anni and Lindis) that will be heard at Harrogate Magistrates' Court on 19 January 2005 at 2 pm in front of a District Judge (if available).  Had Lindis been charged the District Judge would have about 21 cases listed - to date there are 19 cases with more alleged offences.
 
When Lindis returned to Menwith Hill after she was released, Donna and Dave's car had been 'stopped and searched' by North Yorkshire Police under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2000.  Nothing was found of course and it was another example of how this Act has been abused.
 
Richard Reed (Solicitor representing Lindis) has written to the Crown Prosecution Service about the above outcome of yet another arrest.
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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