International Womens Day

There were no arrests last week. This was in spite of demonstrating in the usual peaceful way and being helped by a Ministry of Defence Police Agency officer to stop cars ('deminimus obstruction') coming out of the base (lawful excuse is the case of Hirst and Agu v Chief Constable West Yorkshire 1986). Two protestors (Pam and Lindis) were present in heavy snow.

Lindis was taken to Harrogate Police Station by three MDPA officers and detained in custody by Bob Chambers (Custody Sergeant North Yorkshire Police) for about two hours. She was later charged by PC Barber for allegedly 'obstructing the highway' and bailed to appear at Harrogate Magistrates' Court on 10 March 2005. She will not appear (after contacting the court) as all 26 cases will be before District Judge Anderson at a Pre-trial review hearing on 23 March 2005. Anni's two cases will also be in the court.

When Lindis returned to Menwith Hill to collect Anni's van, the US upside down flags were fluttering and the CAAB banner was still in place at the Main entrance of the base. The upside down flags said "INDEPENDENCE FROM AMERICA", "OUT OF CONTROL", "STOP STAR WARS" and "SHOCKING AND AWFUL".