held for 24 hours by police for flag-waving
rikki | 04.06.2009 22:28 | Anti-militarism | Repression | Terror War
police detained maria gallestegui (from peacestrike.org) for 24 hours after her arrest yesterday evening for waving the tamil eelam homeland flag at parliament square
maria has finally just been released from belgravia police station after being held for 24 hours for waving a flag that a week ago we were categorically told on film was not proscribed and so she couldn't be 'processed' or arrested.
this marks a serious turn in a farcical story that has been developing since last week. (full report at
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/1479)
police have failed to provide a clear statement on the legality of the red tamil homeland flag (which is similar to but quite separate from the outlawed tamil tiger emblem).
when asked about the film of officers confirming that SO15 (counter terrorism unit) were happy that the flag was NOT proscribed, emma stroud from the met police press bureau said "the officer was probably confused".
check out the film yourself and see if you think he might be confused.
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/videos/1478
during maria's 24 hour detention, she was photographed from every angle, had her dna, her fingerprints, her handprints, and her footprints taken. she is no doubt on some terrorist database now.
this is truly INSANE.
this marks a serious turn in a farcical story that has been developing since last week. (full report at
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/1479) police have failed to provide a clear statement on the legality of the red tamil homeland flag (which is similar to but quite separate from the outlawed tamil tiger emblem).
when asked about the film of officers confirming that SO15 (counter terrorism unit) were happy that the flag was NOT proscribed, emma stroud from the met police press bureau said "the officer was probably confused".
check out the film yourself and see if you think he might be confused.
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/videos/1478 during maria's 24 hour detention, she was photographed from every angle, had her dna, her fingerprints, her handprints, and her footprints taken. she is no doubt on some terrorist database now.
this is truly INSANE.
rikki
e-mail:
rikkiindymedia[@t]gmail(d0t)com
Homepage:
http://www.socpa-movie.blogspot.com
Comments
Hide the following 7 comments
because symbols and understanding matter.
04.06.2009 23:39
Claire
Unlawful detention compensation
05.06.2009 02:41
Please see...
Pig ignorant
Where to obtain a flag
05.06.2009 10:06
If so what the charge was?
Also where can I get a flag?
Passenger
Flags and footprints
05.06.2009 17:16
I have never heard of footprints being taken. Can you confirm that Maria's footprints were taken?
Mr Musthaveaflaglikethat
e-mail:
mrmusthaveaflaglikethat@mrmusthaveaflaglikethat.com
Homepage:
http://www.mrmusthaveaflatlikethat.com
Flags and footprints
05.06.2009 17:19
Where is it possible to buy 100 flags?
m
Flag stall
05.06.2009 20:13
Just north of the overhead railway -- flogging flags I got hold of.
Tenner.
Passenger
more info
05.06.2009 20:52
she was NOT charged
she was given a letter purporting to be from SO15 (counter terrorism command unit)
the letter stated that the crown prosecution service (cps) did not think a prosecution would serve the public interest (no shit, sherlock!), but that maria's actions on the 1st and 3rd (arrests leading to first 8 hours and then 24 hours detention) would be taken into account if she continued to act in ways likely to "arouse suspicion" that she may be in support of a proscribed terrorist organisation. if so, the cps "may" consider prosecuting in the future.
the letter was not dated, not signed, and no address or phone number was given
maria will be seeking legal advice
i think if you ask around at the square, one of the tamils will no doubt advise where one can buy the (perfectly legal) tamil eelam flags.
rikki
e-mail:
rikkiindymedia[AT]gmail(d0t)com
Homepage:
http://www.socpa-movie.blogspot.com