Leeds OpenCast

On Tuesday 30th May, 30 people stopped work at the Garforth opencast mine near Leeds, until about 20 riot police, armed with quick-cuffs, dragged protesters away by their quick-cuffed wrists (quick-cuffs are only meant for violent offenders and cause extreme agony). They used extreme physical force and arrested 19 people under the CJA - now bailed from all open cast mines in the country. They are due to appear in Wetherby magistrates court on the 4th July.

The direct action sent a large message to quarrying firms who are applying for 8 other sites in the area. Local people and Leeds City Council have turned down the proposal for the mine, but have been overruled by national government. If you’ve ever been quick-cuffed or for more info, contact Leeds EF! 0113 262 9365.