[Media-watch] Brian Haw released - 10/05/2004 - Fwd and BBC link

[Julie-ann Davies]

Dear Friends

Brian has now been released and has been speaking to lots of press in
the Square.  If people can still get down there (with placards) that
would be helpful. Westminster City Council turned up very shortly after
his removal with a police order to finish clearance of the site but
Maria managed to hold on to Brian's personal possessions.

It seems his stuff can be released from the police station but needs
transportation back to the Square.  If anyone is able to help with a van
or car, give Brian a ring.

Various people will be working on how to maximise the public/press
impact of this incident and challenge it legally.

More news as we get it.


Emma
020 8806 6272

Brian 07743 689 045

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3699475.stm

Commons war protester is arrested
An anti-war protester who has camped outside the Houses of Parliament
for three years has been arrested and had his banners removed.
Brian Haw, 55, was held on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and
obstruction but was released on Monday and says he will resume his
protest.

He refused to move during a security alert in Parliament Square on
Sunday.

His protest against Iraq sanctions began on 1 June 2001 and was later
extended to include the war.

Westminster Council tried to evict him, claiming his banners obstructed
the highway, but a High Court judge refused to back them.

And MPs have complained about the noise after he started to use a
loudspeaker to protest.

But Mr Haw has attracted many messages of support - as well as verbal
abuse - from people from all over the world.


This is a terrorism-free zone
Brian Haw
He was back opposite the Houses of Parliament on Monday morning, but
without his banners which are still in the possession of the police.

The father-of-seven, from Redditch, Worcestershire, has slept under a
plastic sheet with his numerous placards for nearly three years.

In March he resisted attempts from police to scale down his protest.
They said terrorists could put bombs under his placards without him
knowing.

He said: "This is a terrorism-free zone. I don't allow terrorism here.
I'm here to stop all terrorism whether it's small backpacks in Madrid or
big bombs from a B52."

Police say the owners of the car which triggered the security alert were
traced.

It is believed Mr Haw's posters were taken away for "safe keeping" and
he will be allowed to resume his protest.