22 Jan 2007

In response to the news that anti-war protester Brian Haw has won his latest legal battle to maintain his demonstration in Parliament Square, Liberty’s Campaign Coordinator Doug Jewell said:

“The sheer effort that the Government has put into trying to silence the protest of one man is breathtaking.  
 
If Government officials truly want to champion values such as freedom of speech, Mr. Haw’s demonstration should be considered a good example rather than an eyesore.”  
 
Contact: Jen Corlew on 0207 378 3656 or 0797 3 831 128  
 
Notes to Editors:
 
1. Brian Haw had been charged with breaching the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA). Mr Haw has been protesting in Parliament Square against war for more than 2,000 days.
 
2. District Judge Quentin Purdy said he had not breached conditions imposed on him by the Metropolitan Police and that the Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, rather than a junior officer, should have imposed the conditions.
 
3. SOCPA prohibits any demonstrations of one person or more within 1 square kilometre of the Houses of Parliament unless prior permission has been sought in writing from the police. Generally at least 6 days notice should be given, although a minimum of at least 24 hours notice will suffice where this isn't practicable. Under SOCPA, an individual may be charged with organising a demonstration, participating in a demonstration, or demonstrating as an individual without permission.
 
4. Artist Mark Wallinger has recreated peace campaigner Brian Haw’s Parliament Square protest in a new installation at the Tate Britain. “State Britain” will be open to the public from 15 January – 27 August 2007.