As long as it takes
"I want to go back to my
own kids and look them in the face again knowing
that I've done all I can to try and save the children
of Iraq and other countries who are dying because
of my government's unjust, amoral, fear - and money
- driven policies. These children and people of other
countries are every bit as valuable and worthy of
love as my precious wife and children."
How many must die?
Brian started his 24/7 vigil in
2001 to protest about the suffering of Iraqis during
the 1990s because of economic sanctions. He continues
because of all those who have, and continue, to suffer
as a result of the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
In Oct 2004 The Lancet estimated that 100,000
Iraqis have died. In Oct 2006 it was estimated that 655,000
people have died in Iraq as a result of the 2003
invasion (see
more here). And how many millions of other lives
have been blighted for ever?
Send Brian a postcard of support c/o Parliament Square,
London SW1A
This photo was taken by
Gemma Day in Dec 04 for an Independent
on Sunday article.
See all
media articles.
Mark Thomas,
comedian and campaigner, 2004
" ...Now they wish to evict
Brian from his place of protest. Maybe because he
is an embarrassment to
such a war mongering government. Whatever their reason
it is wrong. A democracy that can not stand one
man and some placards outside its front doors doesn't
seem to have much faith in itself. That is
why I support Brian for Parliament."
The heroic Brian
Haw
Letter in The Independent, 2 Aug 05
Sir: Brian Haw has struck a major blow for
international peace in his passive defiance of government aggression in the face
of his peace protest (report, 30 July). I cannot think of anyone who has sacrificed
as much as he has on a personal level in the cause of peace in this country and I
would like to see him being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Andrew Stephenson,
Newhaven, East Sussex
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useful info if you are going to stay with
Brian
legal situation
if you are arrested
important numbers
things to bring
Remember, that the spirit of Brian's demonstration,
i.e. one of peace, should prevail.
Legal info
updated Jan
2007
Under the SOCPA conditions that the police
have placed on Brian's protest, he is legally allowed to have
19 other
people joining him at any one time for his protest. In practice,
this means that people are allowed to stay with Brian if they
are supporting him without harassment from the police.
There is some risk of arrest if the police
consider that you are not part of Brian's demonstration of
20 people and
carrying on a separate protest. The police could then warn
you, arrest you or report you, or do all three.
The law:
Under section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act
it is an offence to organise or take part in a demonstration in
a public place within the “designated area” (up to
1 km around parliament) if authorisation has not been given by
the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. Participants may be subject
to a fine of up to £1000.
Reporting to the CPS: Instead of
arrest, the police are entitled to ask you for your name and address
and sign a statement if they think you are committing an offence.
This means that the police can report you to the CPS who may decide
to charge you later. If you refuse you may be arrested anyway.
If you are arrested
• Try and let someone nearby know that you’ve
been arrested.
• You have the right to know why you’ve been arrested
and under what law - so ask.
• Note the numbers of the police officers.
At the Police Station
• You do not have to give any information but if you want
to be released you need to a verifiable name and address. Giving
your date of birth may speed up being released, but it is not
legally required.
• You may be subject to a pat-down search on arrival.
• If you are injured or need medication tell the police
that you want to see a doctor.
• Fingerprints, saliva/hair samples for DNA and your photograph,
can be taken without your consent. They can use force if necessary.
• You may be asked personal questions - you don’t
have to answer.
• You have the right to have a person informed of your arrest.
• You also have a right to speak to a solicitor free of
charge at any point - the duty solicitor or your own – see
contact numbers below for a solicitor who can help.
• You have the right to a pencil and paper but may not get
it.
• You have a right to inspect the police codes of practice
(PACE).
• You have the right to remain silent, there is NO requirement
to talk to the police. We strongly advise you to answer ‘NO
COMMENT’ to all police questions and not sign any statement
written by the police or sign any police notebook, until you have
taken legal advice. If you do wish to make a statement do not
mention anyone else but yourself.
• If you are charged with an offence you may wish to make
a short statement that will be written down and read out in court.
If you are not charged you may recieve a caution but you do not
have to accept it. A caution means that you will not go to court
or recieve a penalty but it is an admittance to the offence and
will go on your record.
If you witness an arrest
• Write down the name, where they were arrested and any
other relevant information and leave the details and how we can
contact you on the post-action support line - see below.
Important numbers
If you need to see a friendly solicitor: Bindmans
solicitors on 020 7833 4433
Things to bring
If you are planning to go to Parliament
Square to show solidarity with Brian it is important that you
are as self-sufficient as possible. Don't bring
along anything that you would really not want to lose - just in
case you get arrested. Bring along:
- sleeping bag if you a planning to stay
overnight. Millets do survival bags at about £4.
- food, drink to last and cup/spoon etc
- charged and topped up mobile if possible
- plenty of clothes - it is very cold at night!
- waterproofs/umbrellas/black plastic bags for
your stuff
- toiletries, medication, your own supply of cigarettes
and matches etc
- money - the local toilets cost 50p a go!
It is likely that you will be able to sleep in
one of the tents that are down in Parliament Square as currently
tents seem to have been accepted by police and the GLA who owns
the grass on which they are put up.
You are welcome to give someone else down at the
Square any information about yourself that you think is important
- a contact number for someone in case you are arrested, information
on medical conditions etc.
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