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Immediate Press Release
Wednesday 22 November 2006

BRIAN HAW: 2000 DAYS AND NIGHTS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
Parliament Square Peace Protestor supporters gather to mark historic achievement

Thursday 23 November 2006, Parliament Square, 5.30-7.30pm

Supporters of Brian Haw will gather tomorrow to mark the 2000th day of his continuous peace vigil opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Haw arrived in Parliament Square on 2 June 2001 to protest about the suffering being caused in Iraq by UN economic sanctions at a time when the invasion and occupation of the country were unforeseen.

Over five years later, with the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the war on terror, the continuing military occupation of both countries and the associated injustices, Mr Haw continues to demand peace and justice for 'our neighbours children' and an end to the UK's foreign policy which has caused such devastation in the region for many years.

Over the five years there have been many attempts by the authorities to remove Mr Haw and silence his dissent. A landmark case in October 2002 established Mr Haw's protest as lawful when a High Court judge ruled that any obstruction caused by Mr Haw's display was not unreasonable given his right to freedom of speech. [A]

The Government finally resorted to bringing in a controversial new law to remove Mr Haw although court challenges and public support mean that he has been able to continue his vigil. [B]

Among those celebrating Mr Haw's stand will be John McDonnell MP, Jenny Jones of the Greater London Assembly Green Party Group and representatives from Liberty. [C]

Jenny Jones said, "Brian represents all of us who oppose the war. His brave vigil in Parliament Square is a protest on behalf of the hundreds of thousands who know the war is unjust, illegal, and unwinnable."

CONTACTS & INFORMATION
There will be speakers at around 6.30pm.

NOTES
A. For further information, including a timeline of events during Brian Haw's
2000 days in Parliament Square see:
http://www.parliament-square.org.uk/about.html

B. Section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA) bans unauthorised demonstrations in a Designated Area, up to 1km around Parliament. See www.parliamentprotest.org.uk for more details.

C. John McDonnell MP is fighting the leadership of the Labour party.
www.john4leader.org.uk
He has supported Brian Haw in the House of Commons on many occasions: http://tinyurl.com/yfd2w9

For Liberty's commentary on SOCPA and Brian Haw see:
www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/issues/6-free-speech/socp-act/