Independence FROM America

Monday 4 July saw the annual ‘Independence FROM America’ demonstration at US spy base Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire, organised by the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB). One of the speakers at this event was Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner, who gave special acknowledgement to Bradley Manning in his speech. John Sloboda of Iraq Body Count, who has analysed many of the WikiLeaks documents, also spoke at the event.

CAAB concentrates on the presence, role and functions of the US Visiting Forces and their Agencies in the UK (also world wide). Its long term aim is to send the US Visiting Forces and their Agencies back to within their borders. Full information about CAAB can be found on its website which also has sections dedicated to Bradley Manning and WikiLeaks.

As supporters of Bradley Manning frequently demonstrate at the US Embassy in London, it seemed relevant to include below an account of how Lindis Percy of CAAB was treated recently while protesting outside the Embassy; the information also has wider relevance. Be informed!

On 1 July, joint co-ordinator of CAAB Lindis Percy held a peaceful demonstration outside the US Embassy in London. She was approached by the police, told she needed permission (possibly a reference to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act), arrested for an alleged ‘breach of the peace’ when she declined to end her demonstration, was then de-arrested, resumed the demonstration, was re-arrested for alleged ‘breach of the peace’ and roughly handcuffed and a few minutes later further arrested for an alleged offence under s.14 of the Public Order Act, taken to Belgravia police station and re-de-arrested, all without any custody record being made, and is now looking into taking action against the police. Lindis’ full report is here. Read it carefully. It could happen to you.