Media Release, 26 May 2005

Don't mention the war

Police attempt to ban anti war event at the G8.

 
Just hours before Edinburgh City Council meets to discuss the events, Lothian and Borders police have moved to ban the Stop the War Coalition's plans to hold a rally in Edinburgh during the G8 protests.
 
Initial discussions with the police and the council were proceeding without any problems. The Coalition regards this move as a very serious attack on the right to protest. It is reminiscent of the governments attempts to stop the anti war movement protesting on February 15th 2003. It appears to be part of an attempt to ensure the war in Iraq is not raised during the G8.

The Stop the War Coalition have organised 11 of the biggest demonstrations overall of which have gone off without a hitch. 
 
We will not accept this attempt to muzzle the anti war movement. 
 
The coalition is holding a press conference after the Council meeting tomorrow to outline why we will continue with our plans to protest.
 
 
The press conference will be at

The Carlton Hotel,
19 North Bridge,
11.30am Friday 27th May 2005

 07930 536519 Chris Nineham
 07939 242229 Andrew Burgin