Amdani Juma
Market Square
off South Parade
Nottingham NG1
There is to be another demo in the Market Square on Monday 2nd. June at 17.00 in support of Amdani Juma. It is requested by the organisers that everyone wears black if possible.
[Amdani Juma, a Burundian refugee community and HIV prevention worker now living and working in Nottingham, was detained on Thursday May 30th. Removal to Burundi has been set for Wednesday June 4th.
For background information, please refer to NCADC archive:
http://www.ncadc.org.uk/archives/filed%20newszines/Newszine88/AmdamiJuma2.html
For further information contact Rob 078 4676 5761 or Leo 077 4288 4335]
Please note that the police are saying that without prior permission we cannot hold this demo. We say we do not need permission and will hold the demo regardless.
This is an important principle for us in Nottingham Over the years there must have been thousands of demos in the square and none have been required to have prior permission.
So why now? This could be the beginning of the long expected crack-down on public protest and demonstrations in The Market Square. On the other hand it might just be an over zealous copper trying to make a name for himself. Either way we must resist.
It is OUR square and it is OUR right to protest in it whenever we want.
Spread the word to all and sundry.
Come to the demo to support our dear friend Amdani and to support the right to free assembly in Nottingham.
Dave.
From: Miriam Hollis
And
"Gina Musa"
The relevant sections of the public order act 1986
01.06.2008 11:45
"Sections 11-14 of the Public Order Act 1986 state that organisers of a 'procession' (ie a march/moving demonstration) must give prior NOTIFICATION to the police, and may have conditions imposed upon it, or be banned (ONLY with the assent of the Secretary of State, and only by the police applying to the COUNCIL of the district to issue such an order - the police themselves cannot do it). It does not, however, need prior PERMISSION. Organisers of an 'assembly' (ie a static demonstration) do NOT need to give notification, and though they may still have conditions imposed on them at the time of the assembly, these are more limited than those that can apply to a procession - furthermore, an assembly CANNOT be banned." - The above is paraphrased, with added emphasis.
Reference: Public Order Act 1986, which can be seen at http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/
* I would recommend that you contact the police with a statement that reads as above, or similar, and take a copy or two of the relevant sections of the Public Order Act in their entirety. Then you can fight your case on a legal basis against the police on the scene if they turn repressive. Knowing your rights, and having proof of it, is a powerful weapon. I would also recommend you read the entirety of Part II of the Act, as there are particular sections on trespassory assemblies, delegation of powers, etc, which may be relevant to your case. *
NOTE: The legislation as it reads on that link has since been amended to change the meaning of "assembly" to include 2 or more people, rather than 20 or more. I am not aware of any other significant amendments.
Rogue
Our Square Isn't It? - use of the new square for deportation protests
01.06.2008 14:13
Our Square Isn't It?
imc-notts features | 26.03.2007 21:04 | Free Spaces | Nottinghamshire
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/03/366265.html
Following the new Square's opening event a demo against deportations (to Congo) was just about the first use of the square for political purposes...
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/03/366462.html
Earlier this year an anti-deportation protest (against sending asylum seekers to Zimbabwe) was also the first use of the temporary Speakers' corner as far as we know.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2008/03/395015.html
It's essential that the square continues to be used to highlight state injustice without state interference!
Friend of Amdani
Homepage: http://www.afed.org.uk/nottingham