Eithinog Eviction

On March 31st the camp at Eithinog/Brewery Fields near Bangor (a green field site threatened by housing development) was violently evicted. 8 protestors were locked on and expected to be cut out. Instead the police tortured activists out of their lock-ons, using higher levels of pain until people unlocked screaming in agony. Activists were pressure-pointed; quick- cuffs were used to tighten a grip on wrists which were then twisted one way whilst their elbows were twisted another. All needed hospital treatment. This has implications for protests around the country.

The officer in charge claimed to be using 'approved techniques'. The evidence is now with solicitors and it appears that the case hinges on two main issues:

1) the police are able to use these levels of force but not in this context, ie these techniques are for specific life threatening situations

2) the other possibility is that the police are sanctioned to do what they like, in which case this will have to be taken to the European court of human rights.

A new camp has been set up on another part of the green field site not covered by the original eviction order. The camp is on the route of an access road. Treehouses and walkways are up. Meanwhile, work has been stopped on the Eithinog site by early morning digger diving. Contact 01248 355821 or 0836 563980.