[imc-scotland-discussion] A big thank you to all supporters of the clowns

[Sophie -]

To everyone who supported the clowns yesterday in their wrongfull detention at the biofuels protest and then subsequent arrest, I would just like to say a huge thank you on behalf of all the clowns.

The targeting of the clowns by the police yesterday was clearly a form of intimidation designed to put off people  from their right to freedom of speech and expression in the city of Edinburgh. Their under hand tactics included relentless questioning by the CID, a lack of basic care and overall bullying. The police suggested to us that the clowns are being scape goated for other political activity going on in Edinburgh - so they are clearly clutching at straws. 

Yesterday was a sad day for the right to protest without fear of intimidation or repression in the UK, but it was a brilliant day for experiencing the amount of support and love that is out there in our community. Support at St. leonards police station, the turn out of 25 people to support the clowns in court, supplies of food and tea and calls and emails of support and other behind the scenes help made the whole experience so much more bearable for all involved. 

Knowing that there are so many amazing people in Edinburgh willing to drop everything to help each other in times of vulnerability is more powerful than any amount of police repression. Thank you all so much :)

The police may have stolen our uniforms and red noses but CIRCA will live to laugh another day!

Lots of love from waffle (on behalf of the Edinburgh Clown Army).



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> Five members of the Edinburgh Clown Army were wrongfully arrested at a
> peaceful anti-biofuels demonstration yesterday and are due up in court
> 2moro morning, Wednesday 16th.
> 
> They are due to be seen by the sheriff at 11am.
> 
> This is part of ongoing campaign by the Lothian and Borders police force
> to repress peaceful protest in Edinburgh, that includes early morning
> detentions of activists for interviews, asking people to become paid
> informers, and harassment from intelligence gatherers.
> 
> Please come and support the Clowns, and resist police repression!
> 
> Solidarity,
> 
> Jon
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