Liberty has sent legal observers to the anti-arms fair protests being held in London’s docklands. The protest is set to mark the opening of the biennial Defence Systems and Equipment International arms fair.

Last time the arms fair was held many peaceful demonstrators were effectively denied their right to protest. In many cases powers given to the police under the Terrorism Act 2000 were used to stop and search people; despite there being no suspicion of any criminal activity.

Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, said:

“The return of this particular arms fair reminds us of constant attempts to abuse anti-terror laws in ways that Parliament never intended.

This year more than ever, we will be watching the police approach to cherished democratic rights. Peace protesters, however inconvenient, are not terrorists.”

Liberty Press Office: 020 7378 3656 or 07973 831 128


NOTES TO EDITORS
In the wake of the widespread use of stop and search powers by the police at the last DSEI arms fair Liberty sought a judicial review of the decision by the Metropolitan Police to use anti-terrorist legislation against protesters. When the case was in the High Court comments from the Judges led to policing practice being changed.

The case will reach the House of Lords in January 2006.

The Liberty solicitor dealing with the case at the time, Mona Arshi said: “The Home Secretary gave a clear undertaking to the House of Commons that section 44 notices would only be used where there is good reason to suspect terrorist activity. The people in docklands are legitimate demonstrators and it is quite shocking they are being treated as potential terrorists. We will do everything in our power to protect the right of every citizen to peacefully protest”.