MARTIN ­SHAW UPDATE FOR SchNEWS
11th June 2003

---contact  franticfruits@yahoo.com---for more info----


INTRODUCTION

Last week the leaders of the world met in Evian to carry on carving up the world to benefit multinational companies and the global economic elite.
Thousands of people came from all around Europe to highlight and protest against the injustices perpetuated by the G8. During the 4 days of demonstrations police reacted brutally against protesters, using tear gas and stun grenades injuring many people.

WHAT HAPPENED

On the morning of Sunday June 1st an international activist collective attempted to carry out a peaceful demonstration of blocking the traffic on one of the main roads leading to the summit in Evian. Two climbers attached together by one piece of rope suspended themselves over the motorway bridge.
The rope stretched across the width of the road blocking the traffic. Other activists held banners saying “G8 ILLEGAL” and “IF YOU ACCELERATE 2 PEOPLE WILL DIE”. Despite repeated warnings the police cut the rope.

MARTIN'S INJURIES AND RECOVERY

Martin Shaw was seriously injured, suffering multiple fractures as a result of falling 20 meters into a shallow and rocky riverbed below. It took over an hour for the emergency services to reach him. The other protester hanging above was saved by the quick thinking of the activists as she was secured for 15 minutes until rescued.

The Most Serious Injuries to Martin are broken left ankle and foot, leading to him having his foot and ankle bolted back together. He will need a further operation to remove the bolts, two broken lumber vertabrae, responding well to treatment and a broken pelvis. It is definitely helping his
recovery that Martin is otherwise fit and strong and on wednesday he was moved out from the intensive care ward and this has lifted his (morphine quelled) spirits enormously, though he still looks like being bed bound for another six
weeks. Beyond that he faces a lot of physio and some long term problems are very likely.

SOLIDARITY AND GREETINGS

So far there has been amazing international solidarity and Martin sends a big loving shout out to all of you. He is really touched by all the emails and actions and everything. Keep up the pressure, and together we can start to challenge the increasing impunity of the forces of global imperialism.


LEGAL CASE

As far as Martin's legal situation goes; as yet nobody has been charged for cutting the rope, or the total policing of the action. There is however, an 'ongoing investigation' by the Swiss authorities. Eight of the activists have been charged, including the two climbers. The charge is akin to blocking a public highway, maximum penalty six months in prison.

Right now his support group are looking for a good lawyer to bring a civil compensation claim, and bring criminal charges against the Swiss police. We see this as an opportunity to
make a very political case (...) However the Swiss legal system is not like any entity on earth.

FINANCING SUPPORT

Immediate finances are looking quite good. A lot of money has been raised through the sale of images from the action, and of Martin in the hospital.
Although the sale of images to the press could be perceived as unorthodox, it is proving very effective, both financially and tactically. There have also been quite a lot of personal donations. The E111 forms covers Martin for 90% of the emergency medical costs and we now have access to bank accounts in UK, Spain, Germany and soon Switzerland.

A FOUNDATION?

Collectively we need to come up with a long term fundraising strategy, to raise money both for the hospital fees and
legal case though we have absolutely no idea how much at this moment. Apart from the obvious ways to raise money there is a new sexy possibility called the "solidarity non profit gamble". The principal is that people lend money to
the campaign, and then, in the event of a successful compensation claim, get the money back, no profit no loss. The catch is in the event of losing the law suit, they lose the money.

In the long term we want to create a foundation. The start up money for this foundation will come from the money raised now. The foundation will then serve as a long term fund to support others (leftist eco people) who find themselves in similar positions in the future and we have devised a financial structure and can forward it to interested parties.

CONTACTS

EMAIL: To write to Martin  love.to.martin@web.de

CAMPAIGN: Updates and questions to  dontletmedown@web.de

UK-SUPPORT GROUP:
There is also UK based support group. Contact  franticfruits@yahoo.com, if you want to help in any way and or to take part in the "solidarity non-profit gamble".

If you want to send Snail Mail and flowers to Martin, ask  dontletmedown@web.de or the UK Support group for ADDRESS and PHONE No, as he now has his own phone.