Indymedia: Brian Haw arrested (in Parliament Square, yet again)
Indymedia report that Brian Haw, the well known peace protestor who has been camped out in Parliament Square since 2nd June 2001 has been yet again arrested.
Peter Marshall | 30.10.2009 23:28 | Anti-militarism | Iraq
Brian Haw was arrested around 7pm this evening - Friday 30 October 2009 - in Parliament Square.Police tonight arrested peace protester Brian Haw who has been carrying out a permanent protest in Parliament Square opposite the Houses of Parliament since 2 June 2001, 3072 days ago. After a lengthy argument, Mr Haw, who now walks on crutches, was walked away by two officers, pushed still protesting into the back of a police van and driven away.
The arrest at around 7pm was witnessed by several of Brian's supporters in the square, one of whom filmed the event, as well as several photographers including myself who were present in the square for another protest.
This is not the first time that Brian Haw has been arrested, and throughout his protest he and his supporters have been subjected to considerable legal and illegal harassment by the police. The arresting officer is one against whom allegations have been made by the protesters of misconduct in previous incidents.
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What are the Metropolitan Police playing at ?
Does this arrest of a political dissident have the sanction of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson, who claims to be less politicised than his NuLabour predecessor Sir Ian Blair ?
Or is it another case, like that of the introduction of armed police patrols without any local consultation, of middle ranking police commanders not telling their boss what they are up to ?
Remember , that despite their vague promises, this current Labour government has not repealed or modified their controversial Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 section 132 Designated Area around Parliament Square and far beyond, which curtails your rights to protest peacefully and your fundamental human rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.