Peace activists Maya Anne Evans and Milan Rai were both convicted under Section 132 of SOCPA after being arrested opposite Downing Street in October 2005 for reading out the names of British soldiers and Iraq civilians killed during the conflict. [B] The two others were arrested at a demonstration on the day the Act came into force on 1 August last year.

Maya Anne Evans of the peace group 'Justice Not Vengeance' said: 'We are determined to continue resisting this unjust law, through the courts and through peaceful protest. We must overturn the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act and all other repressive laws brought in by this Government.'

The protesters were represented by Bindmans Solicitors (020 7833 4433) and by Liberty, the human rights group (020 7403 3888).

CONTACT
Maya Anne Evans 07973 484 202
Milan Rai 07980 748 555

NOTES
A. Under Section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (April 2005) organising an “unauthorised” demonstration within 1km of Parliament is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment for up to 51 weeks and a £2500 fine. Participating in such a demonstration is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1000. For more information see www.parliamentprotest.org.uk

B. On 25 October 2005, Maya Anne Evans and Milan Rai stood near the Cenotaph reading the names of British soldiers and Iraq civilians who had died in Iraq, as part of an international anti-war campaign to mark the first anniversary of the Lancet Report. See: “MPs condemn arrest of woman who spoke out”, Daily Mail, 8 December 2005 ( http://tinyurl.com/zoep7)