G8 Repression : June Court Cases
feature | 10.06.2004 13:27 | G8 2005 | Globalisation | Repression | Social Struggles | London
Saturday 26th June will see the beginning of the preliminary hearings for the 29 Italian policemen and officers who face charges related to the brutal night time raid on the Diaz school (pics) in Genoa, Italy during the Anti-G8 demonstrations there in 2001, where scores of people were beaten, many left unconscious and hospitalised, before later being tortured in Bolzaneto detention centre. For more see Indymedia Italy
At the same time in Switzerland the court case against four people from the Aubonne Bridge action at the 2003 G8 Summit in Evian will begin. UK climber and activist Martin Shaw was cut from the climbing rope he was dangling from by police, falling over 20m onto a riverbed and sustaining very serious injuries [see pics 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | video | collected reports]. While the policeman who cut the ropes remains on duty, ironically, the four protesters, including Martin and the other climber, have all been charged with blocking the traffic and endangering human life! Alongside a European anti-repression meeting will take place on 26-27th June, to promote wider awareness as to the many different cases of repression that have happened recently and to discuss proposals and strategies for creating a stronger and more effective anti-repression network in Europe.
For more see: www.aubonnebridge.net | Indymedia Switzerland
At the same time in Switzerland the court case against four people from the Aubonne Bridge action at the 2003 G8 Summit in Evian will begin. UK climber and activist Martin Shaw was cut from the climbing rope he was dangling from by police, falling over 20m onto a riverbed and sustaining very serious injuries [see pics 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | video | collected reports]. While the policeman who cut the ropes remains on duty, ironically, the four protesters, including Martin and the other climber, have all been charged with blocking the traffic and endangering human life! Alongside a European anti-repression meeting will take place on 26-27th June, to promote wider awareness as to the many different cases of repression that have happened recently and to discuss proposals and strategies for creating a stronger and more effective anti-repression network in Europe.
For more see: www.aubonnebridge.net | Indymedia Switzerland
Regarding the Genoa cases, the members of the various police forces have been charged with brutality, defamation and perjury. Other police officers are facing various charges relating to the simultaneous raid carried out at Pascoli School, where the Genoa Social Forum and Indymedia had their headquarters. The trials are going ahead after all of the appeals by the various police officers, including the defence of "we we're just following orders", were rejected by the prosecutors. Up to fifty victims of the brutal raid are expected to attend the hearings in Genoa, including some from the UK.
The trials of another 43 police who stand accused of various levels of assault and torture at the bolzaneto detention camp are expected to follow.
At the same time the Italian authorities are pressing ahead with charges against scores of protesters. It seems they want to charge at least as many protesters as the number of police facing charges. Reports indicate that around 106 activists face charges this year. Out of the first 26, 20 are still on remand. Reports also indicate that the Italian authorities wish to press ahead with cases against members of the Austrian Publix Theatre Caravan.
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