Brian Haw : The crushing of anti-war dissent in Parliament Square

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Friday August 17, 2007 16:04 by Dunlo T. - Cosantoiri Siochana

In Tianamen Square, tanks were used in 1989 to literally crush dissent. now, bureaucratic paper tanks are used in the UK with the same effect in mind

The tents that, anti-war ikon, Brian Haw and supporters sleep in to maintain the 24 hour peace vigil in Parliament Square, have been removed by the Greater London Authority this morning with no warning. A fence has been put up around the grass. Ken Livingstone's Greater London Authority is saying that just one tent, Brian's, can remain.

However, there is an understanding with the police, based on recent court cases, that supporters need to remain in the Square at all times in order to fulfill the conditions the police have placed on Brian's protest - namely that the site be supervised at all times. Brian is also allowed to have 19 people with him at any one time.

Brian's solicitors have been in touch with the GLA over the last months about this issue but the GLA have now decided to ignore these proceedings and take action that will make it difficult for Brian to continue his protest. The Mayor's office - i.e. Ken Livingstone - are running a negative press campaign against the camp - suggesting the Square is being used as an 'open air toilet'. Most of the tents that have been in the Square recently are actually nothing to do with the peace protest and are located at the other side of the Square. In fact, Brian and his supporters keep the small area in which they have their tents very orderly and clean and have even planted grass seed to keep it looking green.

According to BBC News : "In recent weeks, homeless people have been camping out in Parliament Square and one group of Bulgarians, who were packing their tents and possessions away after being evicted by officials, told BBC News they had come to Britain 10 days ago looking for work".

GLA officials say the illegal campers risk creating a public health hazard by using the site as an "open-air toilet". But Mr Haw, who was earlier jostled by officials as he tried to prevent the removal of one of the tents, was outraged by the suggestion, saying they were as clean as anyone else protesting.

To help Brian, rage against the present obscenity by emailing Livingstone: mayor@london.gov.uk

For updates, check on Indymedia UK