Notes On The Amsterdam March For Social Justice

50,000 people marched in Amsterdam against the recent Euro summit and were met with various charges by riot police with batons and tear gas. Bank windows were broken and EU flags pulled down. 200 Italian activists were arrested for allegedly graffiting a carriage in the train that 4,000 of them had squatted to get to Amsterdam.

Other activities around the Summit included a demo waking up delegates in their hotels - activists got away either by swimming across a canal or pretending to be Italian tourists! Some foreigners were deported when arrested. Spanish olive growers protested against the Summit by giving out olive oil and bread. The final press conference was disrupted as a banner stating ‘EUxclusion’ was unfurled at the front of the room whilst other activists ranted on the exclusion of environment, non- Europeans, and social issues from the agenda. The action was broadcast live on TV screens around the press centre.

350 people marched to the police station to demand the release of those who had been arrested but were stopped by the police: everyone sat down in protest and was arrested.

Over a hundred went on a hunger strike. 10,000 Kurdish people demonstrated against Turkey joining the EC. ASEED actions took place against genetics; another ASEED action stopped a high speed train and dressed it up as a devil. Other actions targeted Western nuclear expansion into Central & East Europe.

For more info: Brighton Autonomists, c/o Prior House, 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton.

Next Year the EU summit will be happening in UK and G7 in Birmingham in May 98 so start planning.