Inspired by the principles of Malcolm X / Malik El-Hajj Shabazz. A 'Third Worldist' perspective focusing on the increasing pace of south-south co-operation which is challenging and defeating US hegemony, and the struggles of those oppressed by neo-colonialism and white supremacy (racism) who fight for their social, political and cultural freedom 'by any means necessary'
Thursday, 15 January 2009
YOUR RIGHTS WHEN PROTESTING IN AND AROUND THE iSRAELI EMBASSY
Police need to gather intelligence on everyone, and evidence on those they suspect of being involved in committing offences. That is why they have Forward Intelligence Teams, part of the Met's Public Order Intelligence Unit (CO11). These are uniformed officers carrying out overt and covert surveillance with cameras, taking pictures of 'targets' which go into a central database. http://fitwatch.blogspot.com/
Whilst at the protest, challenge everything Police say. First get their name and badge number (3 numbers and 2 letters, which identify which station they're from). Second get them to explain which power they're using to make you do whatever it is they want you to do. Third get them to write down the power for you, or write it down yourself, or record it into your phone.
Police often bluff just to get your details. Generally, no one is obliged to give their name or address to the police. There is no crime of refusing to give your name and address. Giving false details can be prosecuted, but refusing to give details cannot (unless required under the ASBO provisions of s.50 of the Police Reform Act 2002).
Police DO have the power to stop and search people at random IF a senior officer has made an authorisation under s.60 of the CJPOA94 (power to stop and search ). Uniformed officers can then search ONLY for offensive weapons (which could be an actual weapon or anything intended for use as a weapon), or articles with a blade or sharp point. These can be seized. Uniformed officers can also require people to remove any item worn wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing identity. These can also be seized. You can be arrested for failure to stop when required, and failure to remove item when required.
Police can ban a procession or march, but cannot ban an assembly of people. We have the absolute right to protest. An assembly can have conditions imposed under s.14 POA86. A senior officer can say where, when and how many people are allowed to protest. These conditions must be reasonable and proportionate.
Protesters may be targeted at their homes or places of work. Police may raid and arrest people away from the demonstrations. In these circumstances it is very important to say nothing at all until you have a lawyer present to advise you.
Remember that the Police in riot gear are Territorial Support Group (CO20), or TSG. They are trained in crowd control tactics, and have home office approved techniques of aggression and intimidation. Don't bother trying to reason with them, just don't let them brutalise you or others. If any Police officer is attacking unlawfully you have the right to defend yourself and others with reasonable force.
If you get arrested ask for Bindmans Solicitors. The police will have their number, which is 0207 833 4433. Be prepared for a long few hours in custody.
DON'T ever get your phone out unless it's very much needed. An officer number is easy to remember - don't risk loosing your phone over it. On several occasions that I and others have witnessed, officers have snatched the phone from the person's hand. They might do this to delete your photos, read your texts, or see what numbers you've got. Of course, they're not allowed to do that, but they have and will in order to glean intel.
Increasingly, the ASBO provisions are being used at protests (a clear abuse of power as protest is not what the laws were designed for), so be VERY careful that you've understood which powers they're using when they ask for your address. A simple "do I have to tell you that?" for everything usually works! If you don't give your name and address under ASBO provisions you can be arrested.
Sukant, you might want to check with Bindmans or whoever about whether it's an offence to give false details under the ASBO provisions - I heard, but can't verify, that you might be fine giving false details if the police ask for them under ASBO.. Sounds weird to me but might be worth checking...
And the last point was just that I think the phrase "challenge everything Police say" gives the wrong impression... Question everything, be polite but firm, but unless you're looking for an arrest or a wrestle, there's no need to get all up in their face! It gets their back up in a much more satisfying way to use your knowlege of the law!
5 comments:
How do you know all of this?? Are you a lawyer?
of course he is ! hes left his name and number at the bottom!! lol
But thats just details for a point-of-contact. It doesnt necessarily mean that he works for those solicitors.
i am not a solicitor, but some of my best friends are
;-)
seriously. please spread this info around.
A couple of points:
DON'T ever get your phone out unless it's very much needed. An officer number is easy to remember - don't risk loosing your phone over it. On several occasions that I and others have witnessed, officers have snatched the phone from the person's hand. They might do this to delete your photos, read your texts, or see what numbers you've got. Of course, they're not allowed to do that, but they have and will in order to glean intel.
Increasingly, the ASBO provisions are being used at protests (a clear abuse of power as protest is not what the laws were designed for), so be VERY careful that you've understood which powers they're using when they ask for your address. A simple "do I have to tell you that?" for everything usually works! If you don't give your name and address under ASBO provisions you can be arrested.
Sukant, you might want to check with Bindmans or whoever about whether it's an offence to give false details under the ASBO provisions - I heard, but can't verify, that you might be fine giving false details if the police ask for them under ASBO.. Sounds weird to me but might be worth checking...
And the last point was just that I think the phrase "challenge everything Police say" gives the wrong impression... Question everything, be polite but firm, but unless you're looking for an arrest or a wrestle, there's no need to get all up in their face! It gets their back up in a much more satisfying way to use your knowlege of the law!
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