democracy village "operation rolling thunder"
rikkiindymedia(At)gmail[dot]com (rikki and pheonix) | 29.06.2010 18:22 | London
after today's high court verdict, the democracy villagers have made another call-out for experienced activists to join them at the start of a new campaign od non-violent direct action against the government's illegal wars.
the democracy village has survived against all odds in parliament square for nearly two whole months now.
during that time they have been responsible for many direct actions, some of which have had national publicity.
with the possibility of an eviction imminent (depending on a further high court decision on friday when an appeal is lodged (see http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/5083) they are calling out for experienced activists to join them both to help resist the eviction and also to help plan and execute a continual series of non-violent direct actions in the area.
they are calling the new campaign "operation 'rolling thunder'", and believe it represents the best opportunity for years to directly confront the government over its illegal wars for profit and resources.
the square is not without problems. it has attracted a large number of homeles people, many with alcohol and substance abuse. while every effort has been made to include these people in decisions and day-to-day matters in the square, it has been a huge responsibility for many of the activists providing 'care in the community' while also planning strategies and actions.
visitors should be aware of these problems beforehand, but also shouldn't let them be a reason not to get involved in the camp and in the new campaign of action. the experienced activists have already set up strategies and processes to minimise the problems, and with help from more activists, the camp can function and succeed.
the campers are calling for other established groups like climate camp to get involved as well as individuals. if the camp can be radically expanded, it can be a real challenge to any government wanting to sweep it away at a time of huge cuts and with around 75% of the british public supporting the main demand of the camp to stop the afghanistan war.
to kick off the 'rolling thunder' campaign, this afternoon ten activists rushed the gates of parliament and managed to invade the grounds. it took some time for police to round them all up, but eventually they were dragged outside where they continued a sit-in infront of the gates with banners and press attention. (see attached short vids of the later stages of the incident).
rikkiindymedia(At)gmail[dot]com (rikki and pheonix)
Original article on IMC London:
http://london.indymedia.org/articles/5084