'We wont let fear rule the streets'

Public Forum, Weds 8th June, 7pm,
*New guest speaker MERLIN EMMANUEL - speaking out for JUSTICE FOR SMILEY CULTURE

Plus:*Jody McIntyre* *Alfie Meadows* * Tony Benn*
*UK Uncut* *Bryan Simpson (arrested for occupying Millbank) *
*The Guillotine 3 (under suspicion for conspiracy to commit street theatre during the Royal Wedding) * *John Mcdonnell MP *
* Sara Tomlinson –NUT striking on 30th June & Stop Kettling our Kids

Introductions, general discussion & practical organising
Followed by banner & placard making for court protests

www.defendtherighttoprotest.org

The right to protest is under serious threat. From the student protests against fees to the M26 TUC anti-cuts demonstration, the police are responding to a growing movement by resorting to extreme tactics including kettling, mounted horse charges and battering protesters.
Alfie Meadows suffered severe head wounds from a baton blow during the student protests and had to undergo emergency brain surgery to save his life. Ian Tomlinson was killed on the G20 demonstration with the police officer involved now facing charges of manslaughter.

Peaceful activists have been targeted for arbitrary arrest and detention including 145 members of UK Uncut who were charged with “aggravated trespass” for a sit-in at Fortnum & Mason. On the day of the royal wedding, protesters were held for over 24 hours in police cells on suspicion that they might be about to commit a ‘breach of the peace’.

These actions are designed to intimidate and undermine a growing protest movement against government cuts. They represent serious attacks on our right to protest - that we can beat.

In Spain the real democracy movement defied attempts to ban their occupation of the country’s squares inspiring the world with their slogan “without fear.” In Britain up to a million workers are preparing to strike against austerity on June 30th. Anti-cuts and student groups have pledged to join them. The best way to defend our right to protest – is by protesting. But we must also campaign to make sure no one is left behind – not Alfie Meadows or Bryan Simpson or the Fortnum & Mason occupiers all of whom face prison terms for the sole crime of taking a stand against cuts.

Support arrested protesters

The meeting has been called to build support for Alfie Meadows, Bryan Simpson, Fortnum & Masons occupiers and other protesters facing hearings over the next few weeks.

Show your support for them.
9th June (Alfie Meadows) and 10th June (Bryan Simpson)

Westminster City Court, 70 Horseferry Road, at 9am on each day.
More info www.defendtherighttoprotest.org