On the 4th of July, at Menwith Hill Spy Base, protestors came to declare Independence from America. They were joined by Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA) and Sheffield Samba Band.
Clown Bloc were the highlight of the day, especially when we stopped at a gate, with 100 ft giant golfballs from space surrounded by razor wire, fences, fluoro police etc. The clowns formed a wall and waved us on..."Move on please, nothing to see here!"
Reports of the day were all positive, except for the complaints about the heavy handed policing. They "surround[ed] the demo with cops, not letting people leave the demo when they wanted too, and generally using their power over people to make them feel controlled and disempowered." "There were far too many police present and they were a little rough to, begin I saw a bit of pushing and shoving". "Refusing access to public footpath, which nearly kicked off at the start of the march".
Police took the names and address of drivers as they arrived, filming car number plates and passengers. The woman guiding round the base "said (after the pushing/shouting incident), that the organisers of the demo had really tried to work with the police, and as the police were being so aggressive with people, maybe they shouldn’t work with them next time."
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"Nothing to see here!"
Police forcibly clearing entrance to 'public' footpath
