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Black Blocs: Masking up saves incarceration

@ | 07.04.2011 03:01 | Policing | Public sector cuts | Repression | Workers' Movements

Without being overtly judgemental, the 16 faces police released on April 2nd (who they say are involved in criminal damage, scuffles with police on March 26th) are not 'sterotypical black blocers' - ie those who dress the part. No doubt it's great they joined our cause, but it goes to show that wearing BLACK trousers, hoodies AND covering faces with a bandana, scarf or balaclava avoids further questions by police about your identity. Not to mention keeping it on at all times and only 'dressing down' away from any action.

Regardless however... Solidarity to all those arrested, charges, undergoing a witchunt by the state and those no doubt pending raids. Let this be a tip for anyone intending to join a black bloc in the future - mask up properly or expect to be victimised for it.

Well done to all those that did mask up and wear black though. This is exactly why there are 16 pictures and not 160. There were hundreds of us covering our faces showing how strong our movement can be if we pull together.

@
- Homepage: http://infoshop.org/page/Blackbloc-Faq

Comments

Hide the following 6 comments

Take a leaf out of the football casuals book

07.04.2011 11:00

The only trouble with masking up and dressing all in black is that you look suspicious. Instead take a leaf out of the football casuals book and wear none suspicious casual clothing instead. You and still cover your face with a hat and scarf or hankerchief. In the same way that many football fans. As long as you wear clothing at demonstrations that is different and that you never wear anywhere else you will be very difficult to recognise. So keep a set of smart casual clothes for demonstrations only.

Wise demonstrator


mr blobby

07.04.2011 12:38

this is where a Mr Blobby costume would come in handy!

BLOBBY BLOBBY BLOBBY!

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Prescott

mr blobby!


disagree with 'casual'

07.04.2011 13:08

Sorry to state the obvious, but if everyone wears the same stuff, it makes it imposiible (unless the face is exposed) to charge individuals over specific actions. Anything that stands out, like different trainers, hair colour, a marked bag etc is the kind of thing that allows you to be identified and taken to court. Casual clothes = identifiable people. We offer each other security in this way, whether or not we get involved in a direct ctions.
As for looking suspicious, I've yet to hear of anyone getting banged up for looking suspicious. The worst that can happen is you get stopped and searched, which is annoying but hardly life-threatening. When you see what people are facing in the way of oppression in other countries, yet they still get out onto the streets, we need to get some perspective about 'risk'.

anon


not BBing

07.04.2011 14:08

most those people werent caught doing any black bloc actions. one you can see in black was acting as a medic and only had her face out a short amount of time, and the others are largely F&M occupiers, who i had assumed were arrested anyway?

anchoredwunderlust


Other lesson...

07.04.2011 18:01

Don't just mask up yourself - bring spare stuff to share with anyone who joins in....

Anon


do you remember when black block meant Mahnos black cossacks

08.04.2011 05:21

who defeated marshall denekins white army before betrayal, or international brigade+ vvdiscrete dirty dozens. I always take black on demosor have it ready when at work, just incase literal defence is needed from nazis on street or incase their brethen seize parliment.

1What does it mean now?!, the way its used at mo makes it easy for agent provocatuers from right wing corporations etc.
2police have their excuse to crackdown hence the black bloc are occassionally allowed to form & kick off, giving the smart gold commander an excuse to press the kettle button again.
3a field day for reactionary press barons.
4fun day out for lunatics& thugs from left to right.
5fun day out for innacurate drinkers who are usually more trouble than their worth.

Isnt black bloc meant to be a honour gaurd!only to be used as a vvvlast resort


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