Green & Black Cross

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Kill the Bill Prison sentences totalling more than 112 years In 2021, thousands across the country took to the streets in protest of the anti-protest legislation being proposed (which later became the PCSC Act 2022). In Bristol, heavy police violence and excessive force ended with many protesters injured. Despite the protest having been peaceful and calm until the police arrived, police alleged over 500 people had been involved in "disorder" and nearly 200 people were put on wanted lists for riot and arson. Over 30 (mostly in their teens/ 20s) were convicted and many given lengthy prison time. Ryan Roberts, who was 25 at the time, received the longest sentence: 14 years. Many others received around 2-5 years. Bristol ABC have information on how you can write to the prisoners and show your solidarity. No one is free until all are free!

On the 9th day of ACAB... over 30, mostly teens and 20 year olds, were given prison sentences following Bristol Kill the Bill protest which faced violent attacks from the police.

Bristol Anarchist Black Cross have information on how you can write to the prisoners bristolabc.org

#12DaysofACAB

8th day of ACAB...
#12DaysOfACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Ziegler Case law requiring courts to consider rights to freedom of expression & assembly DSEI, one of the world's largest arms fairs, is held in London's ExCel centre every two years. Many protests take place against it. In 2017, four protesters blocked the road leading to the centre, by lying down with arms locked into lock on tubes. They were arrested and charged with wilful obstruction of the highway. In 2021, the Supreme Court established case law stating that, for obstructive, peaceful protest, the courts must consider whether a criminal conviction would be a proportionate interference with one's rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Later Judgements have eroded this, confining the test to offences where there is a defence of "lawful excuse".

On the 8th day of ACAB... there was significant case law requiring courts to consider protest rights in their judgement

#12DaysofACAB

Have you booked for this training yet? More tickets have been released! Get them while you can!
➡️ digitalselfdefence.net

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 8: "LOOK OUT FOR THE LEGAL OBSERVERS – they're there to monitor the police and support protesters"

On the eighth day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "LOOK OUT FOR THE LEGAL OBSERVERS – they're there to monitor the police and support protesters" #12DaysOfACAB

7th day of ACAB...

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Court of appeal overturns anti-frackers' prison sentences for public nuisance Three anti-fracking protesters were sentenced to 15-16 months in prison for causing (common law) public nuisance, after spending days on top of lorries carrying drilling equipment to Cuadrilla's Preston New Road fracking site (in 2017). This was the first prison sentence for environmental protesters since 1932. The court of appeal concluded that immediate custodial sentences was excessive and, given that the three had already served 3 weeks in prison, the judge granted them conditional discharges for two years. As there were no sentencing guidelines, this case was used as guidance. In 2022, the government made public nuisance a statutory offence. See our website for more info on public nuisance. #12DaysOfACAB

On the seventh day of ACAB... the court of appeal overturned prison sentences for anti-fracking protesters convicted of public nuisance, in 2018.

➡️ See our website for more info on public nuisance
greenandblackcross.org/guides/laws/...

#12DaysofACAB

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 7: "CARRY A BUST CARD – they have key advice and legal support numbers. Grab one from a legal observer or the GBC website"

On the seventh day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "CARRY A BUST CARD – they have key advice and legal support numbers. Grab one from a legal observer or the @gbclegal.bsky.social website" greenandblackcross.org/guides/bustc... #12DaysOfACAB

6th day of ACAB...

#12DaysOfACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Terrorism charges for preventing deportation flight, quashed on appeal In 2017, 15 protesters broke into Stansted airport and obstructed a deportation flight of 57 people, preventing its departure. They were charged under terror legislation, Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990, with an offence carrying a potential life sentence. After 18 months of uncertainty and a gruelling 10-week trial, all 15 were found guilty. The judge gave suspended sentences or community orders, not prison time, accepting they had “genuine reasons” for their actions. After two more years, the convictions were successfully quashed on appeal. 11 of the passengers who were on the deportation flight were still in Britain, including some who’d been granted right to remain. #12DaysOfACAB

On the sixth day of ACAB... 15 protesters were charged with terrorism offences after successfully prevented a deportation flight. After 18 gruelling months these charges were finally dropped!

#12DaysofACAB

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 6: DON'T TALK TO THEM – Police Liaison Officers are there to gather information on you and your friends

On the sixth day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "DON'T TALK TO THEM – Police Liaison Officers are there to gather information on you and your friends " #12DaysOfACAB

Protesters hold signs saying "don't talk to them" and "don't talk to 'blue bib' cops. They're here to gather intelligence on you and other protesters", as two "police liaison officers " look on nervously

This kind of action is a great way to help others know there are intelligence gatherers hovering in our protests. You can download these placards created by @darrencullen.bsky.social here www.spellingmistakescostlives.com/policeprotes...

Shout out to @samwalton.bsky.social

5th day of ACAB...

#12DaysOfACAB

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 5 – NO CAUTION – a caution is a legal admission of guilt – it's an easy win for the police #12DaysOfACAB

On the fifth day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "NO CAUTION – a caution is a legal admission of guilt – it's an easy win for the police"
#12DaysOfACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Walton & Woody Acquitted after breaking into an airbase In 2017, Sam Walton & Daniel “Woody” Woodhouse, broke into a BAE Systems airbase intending to disarm fighter jets heading to Saudi Arabia. These jets were to be used in Yemen, causing the world’s biggest humanitarian catastrophe. Meters from the fighter jets they were caught by security, arrested and charged with criminal damage. In court, they argued they had intended to prevent war crimes and save lives by physically disabling the jets. The judge commended them as “impressive and eloquent men who held strong views about what they were doing” and found both not guilty. Check out our guide on criminal damage, on our website.

On the 5th day of ACAB... we recall the times you could be acquitted for breaking into an airbase💥

➡️ Check out our guide on criminal damage greenandblackcross.org/guides/laws/...

#12DaysofACAB

4th day of ACAB...💥
#12DaysofACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Fortnum & Mason 150+ funnelled into a kettle and arrested after being told they'd be free to leave. During the 2011 anti-cuts protests, a mass sit-in was held in Fortnum & Mason department store. A Chief Inspector informed protesters they would be free to leave once "disorder" outside (i.e. other protesters) had been dealt with - a clear example of how police pit groups of protesters against each other. Despite being reassured they would be free to leave, the 150+ protesters, including 5 minors, were directed into a police kettle and arrested. The Chief Inspector was fully aware of this plan but chose to outright lie to and deceive the protesters. 10 were later convicted of aggravated trespass. Check out our guide to aggravated trespass on our website.

On the 4th day of ACAB... 150+ protesters were mass arrested after a Chief Inspector lyingly told them they'd be free to leave. The police protect the state not us!

➡️ Check out our 'Should I notify the police?' guide
greenandblackcross.org/guides/plann...

#12DaysofACAB

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 4: "NO DUTY SOLICITOR – use one of Netpol's recommended solicitors with protest experience". #12DaysOfACAB

On the fourth day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "NO DUTY SOLICITOR – use one of Netpol's recommended solicitors with protest experience" netpol.org/solicitors/
#12DaysOfACAB

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 3: "UNDER WHAT POWER? Challenge the police to give a legal justification for their actions"

On the third day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "UNDER WHAT POWER? Challenge the police to give a legal justification for their actions" #12DaysOfACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Alfie Meadows. Successful civil claim following life altering police assault The 2010 student protests faced severe police violence and repression. Alfie Meadows, a 20 year old student at the time, was struck on the head by an officer’s baton, causing life threatening brain injury. He and many other students, were charged with violent disorder. In 2013, he was finally acquitted following numerous trials. 12 students who plead guilty, likely due to the immense pressure to do so, were given prison sentences, despite the police failing to produce evidence of unlawful violence. Over a decade later, the Metropolitan Police issued a 6 figure pay out and formal apology to Alfie. Whilst a victory, it is far from justice and we know Alfie's story is not an anomaly. See our 'Holding the police to account' guide for useful information.

On the 3rd day of ACAB... we remember the immense violence and repression faced by students in 2010, including Alfie Meadows who faced life altering injury at the hands of the police

See our 'Holding the police to account' guide for helpful info
greenandblackcross.org/guides/holdi...

#12DaysOfACAB

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act has finally passed after gaining Royal Assent on Tuesday. The Act overhauls immigration policy by implementing a counter-terror approach for the first time. It uses the premise of tackling intermediaries (who the Government calls “smuggling gangs”) to enact further violence against migrants, focused on those who have no other choice to seek safety besides moving along criminalised routes, including making the dangerous crossing the Channel.

There are deeply worrying concerns around the Act steadily cutting off routes to claim asylum. It also criminalises migrant solidarity in this situation, drawing on powers in the Terrorism Act 2000, by severely limiting permitted forms of assistance. There are also clauses that expand powers to seize and search migrants’ mobile devices, which means that Border Security officers will be able to search children’s mouths for SIM cards or other small electronic devices.

People can also be asked to remove outer pieces of clothing to be examined. This measure in the new law works to legalise the Home Office’s policy of blanket seizures of devices belonging to people who crossed the Channel in small boats, which was found unlawful in 2022. The new law clearly shows that the Government prioritises punishing people seeking safety over protecting them.

🔈 The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act finally passed.

If it wasn't evident before, it's now crystal clear the Government prioritises punishment not protection of people seeking safety.

Stay tuned for more analysis in our upcoming Hostile Office Weekly newsletter.

Excited for this training next week!!

The 12 Days of ACAB, Day 2 – NO PERSONAL DETAILS. You don't have to give your details under any stop and search power, so don't" #12DaysofACAB

On the second day of ACAB, my true love said to me... "NO PERSONAL DETAILS. You don't have to give your details under any stop and search power, so don't" #12DaysofACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Mengesha Case law on rights in police kettles In 2011, 100 people were kettled at an anti-cuts protest in London. In order to leave the kettle, individuals were required to provide their details and allow officers to film their faces. Mengesha, a Legal Observer kettled at the protest, took legal action against the police. The High Court later ruled these details were taken unlawfully. It was ruled that the police power to kettle in order to prevent breach of the peace cannot be used for any other purposes. Police cannot demand your personal details or forcefully take a photo of you as a condition of leaving a kettle. Stuck in a kettle? Check out our 'Know Your Rights' mic check! #12DaysOfACAB

On the 2nd day of ACAB...
we don't give personal details to the police when released from a kettle because of Mengesha case law 🤫

Stuck in a kettle? Read our 'know your rights' mic check to remind yourself & others of your rights!
www.greenandblackcross.org/know-your-rights-mic-check

#12DaysOfACAB

Follow #12DaysOfACAB

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Grey background. Green border with darker green stars. GBC logo bottom right. Black text reading Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty 7 11 years for conspiring to blackmail - 2009 Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, was an international animal rights campaign against Huntingdon Life Sciences, Europe's largest contract animal-testing laboratory. In 2009, seven members were convicted of conspiring to blackmail and sentenced to between 4 and 11 years. This followed intense police surveillance, including the bugging of meetings and a series of raids involving 700 police officers. There is a long history of police repression of animal rights groups. Check out netpol.org/policeraids for info on your rights during a police raid

On the first day of ACAB, my true love taught me...
in 2009, animal rights activists were imprisoned for 11 years for conspiring to blackmail, following police surveillance and a series of raids.

➡️Check out netpol.org/policeraids for info on your rights during a police raid

#12DaysOfACAB

Grey background with light brown stars. 12 green squares in two rows with the numbers 1 to 12 in each in black writing. top of image, black text reading '12 days of acab'. GBC logo top left.

ACAB day (13/12) is nearly upon us! And it's time to celebrate the 12 days of #ACAB🎉

Each day we'll be sharing a significant protest court case from the past, with some useful resources and important facts...

#12DaysOfACAB

In the run up to Netpol's winter fundraiser on 13/12 #ACABDay, we'll be celebrating the 12 days of #ACAB!

Every day we're sharing a key piece of Know Your Rights information for protest movements and political organisers.

Beause all we want for Christmas is... an end to police repression.

On the first day of #ACAB, my true love said to me... "NO COMMENT - you don't need to answer police questions, so don't."

#12DaysofACAB