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<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Dear all</FONT></P>
<P>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?
</P>
<P>Jillian</P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Open Letter: G8 summit: Sheffield
people call for right to protest to be respected.</FONT></P>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
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