Disarm DSEi - London Docklands, September 11th 2001

Disarm DSEi

Before...

Two squats in south London being used as preparation space were raided on Sept 7th. Four arrests were made and props destroyed. Events were held in Brighton and London to highlight DSEi and the arms trade.

The Big Day...

At midday on Sept 11th the main body of activists set off with the London RTS samba band but were soon surrounded by police. After a short stand-off police and protesters moved towards the Excel conference centre. A lot of people were still scattered around the area trying to formulate a plan of action. The Critical Mass cyclists also began to arrive. Around 100 people and the Manchester samba band, attempted to reach the venue via back streets. They passed through housing estates, cheered on by families and school kids. For a moment it seemed as if the whole school would storm the police line. Alas not! This small group was prevented from reaching the centre but did stop delegates from leaving their hotel. A stilt walker carried a heart-shaped placard which read ‘Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity’ and a dodgy arms dealer tried to sell guns to the police. The other main group reached the edge of the centre where music continued and speeches were made. There were some arrests as police tried to contain the protestors. Meanwhile in Trafalgar Square the fountains flowed blood red.

And Afterwards...

On Sept 12th the corridor between Custom House Station and the centre was blockaded to prevent delegates from entering the DSEi. On the 13th 2 people swam across the dock towards the Excel centre with anti-arms slogans painted on their bodies; a train full of delegates heading to the fair was stopped at Royal Victoria station and a dinner party for the delegates was disrupted by activists shouting slogans.

Witness Appeals

Remember, your witness evidence could stop someone going to jail as prosecutions often rely on police witness statements alone. In particular, one man described as aged 30, 5’7”, in a white overall and bicycle helmet with a red cross symbol on it, was arrested at 2.10pm on the south side of the roundabout, south of Royal Victoria Station, whilst trying to help a woman who had been kicked by the police. His solicitor needs to trace this woman. She is described as middle aged, long greyish hair, long flowing dress with a gnarled walking stick. Other witnesses also needed.

Contact Diana Kirsch at Moss & Co
020 8986 8336
diana@mosslaw.co.uk.

Other legal info... To give or receive legal info contact: ldmg@altavista.com

More info on all the protests from:
www.uk.indymedia.org
or the Disarm DSEi 020 7281 4621;
www.disarm-trade.org;
www.reclaimthestreets.net;
www.wombleaction.mrnice.net