Demonstrating is not a crime, but judges seem to think differently
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
London, UK, 11/24, 2011: During the week commencing, depending whether you start your week on Sunday of on Monday, November 13 or November 14, 2011, the first 10 defendants from the blanket arrest of people joining the UK Uncut protest in Fortnum & Mason's were found guilty, despite their actions being described by the senior police officer on the scene as “non-violent and sensible”.
The judge ruled that the simple act of “demonstrating” is potentially intimidating, and therefore constitutes a crime.
That ordinary people can be branded criminals for taking part in such a protest is a worrying sign; and, while the magistrates court may have found these men and women guilty, it must be made clear that they are not the real criminals.
While the Crown Prosecution Service and the police have thrown vast sums of money at criminalizing those protesting against government cuts, they have done little or nothing to capture the real criminals – those who evade taxes, and the bankers who crashed our economy in the first place.
The defendants are appealing the ruling to the high court and one can but wish them the very best of luck. Hopefully the high court judges will see sense and uphold the law as it stands in Britain which, at present, still gives people a right to (peacefully) demonstrate.
If the powers that be, those behind the government, however, have their way then soon any act of “defiance” against government decrees will be regarded as a criminal act and, if we are really unlucky, as treason.
© 2011
