Mahogany Action Week

On Saturday 14th June, as part of the Mahogany Action Week, Manchester EF! re-visited Texas DIY. The continual lack of response to a set of highly reasonable demands concerning the cessation of the destruction of irreplaceable eco-systems and communities, lead to a slightly more insane action. A stencil bearing the slogan 'DEAD RAINFOREST' was made and the message liberally painted over mahogany in the store. The police arrived with six vans and three cars! The artist was arrested along with another protester (for glueing a factually correct information leaflet to a mahogany table). All charges were dropped.

Other activities included leafletting, talking to customers, trolley runs, moving timber around the store and re-labeling bar codes. Protesters were eventually ejected and were able to continue the protest outside.

The cost to Texas DIY was 'thousands of pounds' according to their own staff. Manchester EF! have subsequently been contacted by Texas head office and asked not to do it again.

Norfolk Friends of the Earth organised a vigil and fast outside Bonds Department Store in Norwich. They are demanding that the parent company, John Lewis Partnership, suspend the purchase of Brazilian Mahogany immediately. The vigil started with a 11 day fast by Mark Simon which ended on June 12th. Since then the fast and vigil has been continued in relay. If you would like to help please contact Norfolk FoE on 0603 625 394.

Meanwhile in Brazil the Parakana Indians who live in the Apyterewa reserve took justice into their own hands and destroyed all logging equipment and installations left inside the reserve. In the Xicrim reserve the loggers attempted to invade Indian lands but were stopped by FUNAI and the Federal Police.

Things are hotting up. The pressure must be kept up on the timber industry to stop this murderous trade. Further information on the mahogany campaign on 0865 201706.