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The first People Against the Terrorism Act activists meeting will be held on Monday 25th March 2002, 7pm at Conway Hall (not Thursday 22nd as originally planned). All those who are interested in getting involved in the campaign are invited. Below follows a report by Beth Handley on the PATA campaign launch meeting: PEOPLE AGAINST THE TERRORISM ACT � CAMPAIGN LAUNCH Comrades from the Socialist Labour Party London Region have been involved in launching a new campaign against the Terrorism Act 2000 � People Against the Terrorism Act (PATA). The Terrorism Act and the various amendments to it (TA), represent a fundamental attack on human rights in this country. The new legislation gives the police powers to detain, interrogate and arrest without the need for any evidence or even any suspicion that a person has been involved in "terrorist activities" or committed any offences. The government says that this act is necessary to prevent a terrorist attack on this country, but in fact this law is not targeted at any real or proven threat. Take the experience of two of our party youth members, Fahim Ahmed and Sukant Chandon, both were detained under the TA in recent months� their crime: Being Asian it seems, plus wearing a badge in support of the Palestinian struggle. Before the TA was the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) which was directed at Irish people during the 1970s � 80s. Over 7,000 Irish people were arrested under the PTA but 97% of these people were released without charge. The damage had already been done however - many of these people went on to lose their jobs and were stigmatised. The law had served its purpose � to create fear, to create division, and to intimidate people from speaking out against injustices. This is the aim of the TA and this is why we must unite and stand against it. A successful launch meeting was held in London on 16th March 2002. Around 25 - 30 people attended. Suggested aims of PATA were: To mobilise the working class and all oppressed communities to fight against the TA To educate people about the TA To support those affected by the TA To promote maximum unity of the working class and the oppressed communities. PATA hopes to engage in the following actives: providing free legal advice and support to those arrested under the TA; setting up pickets outside police stations were detainees are being held; establish a telephone tree to mobilise large numbers of people quickly; distribute leaflets, posters, pamphlets and cards; set up stalls on estates and high streets and at meetings, colleges, schools and community groups; have a presence on demonstrations, organise public meetings and concerts; contact unions and other progressive organisations; fundraising activities. This is an important campaign and we would be grateful for your support. If you would like to be involved in the campaign, or to be notified of events, or if you would like to set up a branch of PATA in your area, please contact Beth Handley 0208 752 1588 or Fahim Ahmed 07818 026 883. --------------------------------- Do You Yahoo!? Get personalised at My Yahoo!. --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9617B Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
