University Genetics Department Occupied

Monday the 26th of October saw the occupation of part of the Biotechnology department of Leeds University in protest against genetic engineering.

Twelve activists occupied two rooms in the department while climbers unfurled a banner reading 'Resist Genetic Engineering! Resist Corporate Rule!' outside. Other activists made it up onto the roof, where genetically modified plants are grown, but were intercepted by a worker and chose to back off to avoid a confrontation. The occupation lasted for just over an hour, during which time all the paper work was re-filed and, if reports in the press are to be believed, research was irretrievably deleted from computers. There were no arrests and rumour has it that the action has so worried the department that they have introduced a 24 hour security presence.

This was the first of the 'Doin' it in the North' actions, the aim of which is to improve networking and analysis in the North of England whilst simultaneously increasing the number of actions done by EF! groups. Like future 'doin' it' actions it was followed up by a debriefing and 'what next?' discussion as well as a social event (in this case the eating of sosmix sarnies!) The next such action will be hosted by Manchester EF! (date to be confirmed).