[ssf] Vigil at Menwith Hill April 6th

[Stephen]

Vigil at USAF Menwith Hill

Sheffield people have been active in the campaign against the US spy
base at Menwith, notable in the annual July 4th Independence from
America gathering and events such as Foil the Base.

Every Tuesday evening, between 6 and 8pm, a vigil is held at Menwith.

Below is a report of the Vigil held on Tuesday March 29th.

Next Tuesday, April 5th a group from the Sheffield area, including
Rhythms of Resistance Sheffield samba band, are going to take part.  If
anyone else from the area would like support Lindis and Anni on this
date it would be great to get yourselves up there.

If you want to co-ordinate travel arrangement then get in touch at
info at rhythmsofresistancesheffield.org.uk

Find out more about Menwith at www.caab.org.uk


Here is the report of this Tuesday's vigil


Tuesday 29 March 2005
  
 There were two protesters at the CAAB demonstration tonight - but not
for long. Lindis was arrested after twenty minutes into the
demonstration by PC Hetheringon (Ministry of Defence Police Agency -
MDPA) for an alleged 'obstruction of the highway'.  She was taken to
Harrogate police station and arrested again on arrival by the same
officer for allegedly 'resisting arrest'.  She denies both alleged
offences. The Custody officer was Derek Day (Sergeant - North Yorkshire
Police).  Lindis was later charged with both alleged offences.  

 As Lindis was being arrested, there was an incident with a 'traffic
officer' (PC 1148 McMullen - MDPA) as Anni crossed the main entrance to
Menwith Hill to speak to the officers who were using disproportionate
force on Lindis.  PC McMullen  grabbed Anni's wheelchair, tried to pull
it back and as a result it was 'skewed' sideways.  This was a totally
unacceptable action by this officer given that Anni was crossing over
the 'sliproad' when no cars were coming, the officer could have
seriously injured her and the wheelchair could also have been damaged. 
He paid no regard as to the possible effects this might have.   

 The officer refused to give his name or number, but then 'proffered'
his shoulder with his collar number on and smartly walked away.  Anni
did not get his number so had to ask to speak to a senior officer who
then gave Anni his name and number.  Anni is considering what action to
take to bring this officer to account.  

 Lindis returned after release to Menwith Hill at about 9.15 pm to find
Anni still quietly and peacefully demonstrating on her own.
 
 Tonight's two charges bring the number of cases to be heard by District
Judge Anderson to 31 on 7 April 2005 (10 am) at Harrogate Magistrates'
Court.
 
 Anni Rainbow and Lindis Percy
 Joint Co-ordinators 
 CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB)
 8 Park Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1HQ, England, U.K.
 Tel/fax no: +44 (0)1943 466405 0R +44 (0)1482 702033
 email: anniandlindis at caab.org.uk or caab at btclick.com
 Website: http://www.caab.org.uk