[g8-sheffield] assuring our right to demonstrate

[Jillian Creasy]

Dear all

The negotiations with the police seem to be at a standstill - I suggested a route to Sgt Roche, but he has not got back to me. In case things don't progress, it would be good to have some public pressure ready to apply. John Smith has drafted this letter which we could spread far and wide by email/web and get load so signatures from individuals and organisations. What do people think? Is there someone out there who could set up a way of signing up to it on the our website? Or offer a postal address for collecting "hard copy" addresses? 

Jillian

Open Letter: G8 summit: Sheffield people call for right to protest to be respected.


On June 16, the interior ministers of the world's seven richest nations (along with the decorative presence of Russia) meet in Sheffield to discuss how to step up the offensive against our human rights and our democratic rights which is being conducted under the banner of the 'war against terrorism'. Sheffield Against the G8 and other organisations (name them...) are joining together to organise a mass demonstration to protest against the disgrace brought upon our city by their presence. 

Negotiations with the police to arrange a route are presently stuck, as local police representatives are awaiting instructions from 'higher up'. We are concerned that the police/government will attempt to suppress our right to protest in the centre of our city, and instead attempt to marginalise our demonstration by forcing it to the fringes.

This demonstration will be peaceful and self-disciplined. Young and old; families with children; the able-bodied and the disabled - in short everyone - is invited  to participate. Anyone who does not respect the defined route of the demonstration and the stewards who will be appointed to keep order is not welcome and will be told to go away. We believe that any attempt to deny our right to march through the city centre on the grounds of our inability to protect the character of the demonstration would be a grave and unacceptable infringement of our rights.


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