TACT1 writes "
WE ARE ALL WOMBLES!
As soon as they first hit the headlines in the press hysteria before MayDay 2001, the W.O.M.B.L.E.S. have been relentlessly harassed by the police. Falsely portrayed in the media as violent criminals out for trouble, their only crime is to stand up for themselves - in a culture where the police look more like robocops in their stab-proof vests and NATO helmets, the WOMBLES are attacked because they have white overalls on and cushions stuffed up their jumpers!
criminalising dissent
Since the anti-Capitalist movement has grown big enough to scare the politicians, and especially since September 11th, a campaign of intimidation has begun. All across Europe activists have been detained and harassed. The State is trying to criminalise dissent, using new laws and ruthlessly enforcing old laws. Surveillance and information are being exchanged throughout Europe: peaceful protestors are being designated "pre-terrorists".
their only crime is to rock the boat!
The police were scared of the WOMBLES before they had even carried out any actions - they were scared of the very idea the WOMBLES represented. Before MayDay WOMBLES were visited at their homes, followed and photographed. Since then individuals have been repeatedly arrested, charged and assaulted - sometimes purely for wearing white overalls. Activists have been singled out in crowds and referred to by name during these arrests.
naughty or nice?
The WOMBLES are being targetted as part of a strategy to divide the anti-Capitalist movement - the police want to decide what's naughty and what's nice, they want the power to draw a line : which protest is allowed and which is not. It must NOT be up to the police to decide how we can protest. We cannot let them criminalise dissent or decide how we can protest. On April 29th, as a finale to this campaign of intimidation, a week-long show trial begins. A trial of seven WOMBLE activists attacked and arrested last Halloween night. The HALLOWEEN 7 trial is an attempt to crush a group of people who tried to stand up for themselves against the bullies in blue. The WOMBLES should not have to fight this trial alone - when the State tries to criminalise dissent then WE ARE ALL WOMBLES!
Please join a huge show of solidarity outside Horseferry Road Magistrates Court, London SW1 on May 1st at 0900. Wear white overalls if you can (but NOT padding) or a white armband to show your solidarity. Whatever else you do on MayDay please do this first. Don't let the WOMBLES fight alone.
For more information:
email sevensupport@temporary.org.uk
check out http://www.temporary.org.uk or http://www.wombles.org.uk.
This solidarity action has been organised by TACT1 in support of the WOMBLES
TACT – Temporary Anti-Capitalist Teams
http://www.temporary.org.uk
WE ARE ALL WOMBLES!
"
