The
use of divide and rule by those in power is as old as class
exploitation itself. Over the last 30 years, the British police and
political establishment has worked to perfect its ability to destroy
effective political opposition to an unequal society. One of the key
tools used to undermine opposition movements is to promote so-called
'moderate' elements while at the same time trying to 'discover and neutralise the genuine subversive element.' Strathclyde police
officers are clearly studying their textbooks. Unfortunately for
them, so are we.
In
the wake of the police operation against the peaceful Glasgow Against
ATOS protest on 22 February, which resulted in the targeted arrest of
two members of Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!, Strathclyde police
are attempting to sow divisions and disrupt the growing campaign
against ATOS in Glasgow. Their aim is to isolate and criminalise
those individuals and political organisations deemed to be a
'threat', while seeking to divert the campaign into harmless,
ineffective channels. These attempts must be opposed and defeated.
 |
| Police move to arrest FRFI support on ATOS demo |
Today,
Wednesday 6 February, a peaceful occupation of the offices of ATOS
took place in Glasgow city centre. The successful action resulted in
no arrests or charges. Two Strathclyde police officers appeared on
the scene after 20 minutes. They took it upon themselves to warn the
activists off attending tomorrow's demonstration demanding the
charges are dropped against the Glasgow ATOS 2. They pointed to
'confrontational elements' and rogue forces, which common-sense folk
would be best avoiding association with. The officers suggested that
outside forces were threatening to hijack the growing movement
against ATOS in the city.
Luckily
for us, as is often the case, the viciousness of the police is
undermined by their incompetence.
Who
were the threatening dark forces being warned against? Presumably
supporters of FRFI Glasgow. And who were the common-sense folk they
were trying to scare? Supporters of Citizens United Against Public
Sector Cuts, the Black Triangle and others who have been working with FRFI for months to build the Glasgow Against ATOS campaign and have
helped organise tomorrow's protest!
The
occupiers of course gave short shrift to the police's attempts at
manipulation and division. However, it is an example of how the
police will attempt to disrupt any movement which is starting to be
effective. Both Glasgow Against ATOS and Fight Racism! Fight
Imperialism! and others are united in their commitment to peaceful,
legitimate protest. This is a fundamental democratic right which we
will fight for. The only 'confrontational' element is Strathclyde
police, which has saw fit to violently harass and arrest a peaceful
protest.
We
call on all those committed to fighting the cuts and defending
democratic rights to take to the streets tomorrow and send a clear
signal that we will not be divided, diverted and intimidated.
All
out for Thursday 7 March! Drop the charges against the Glasgow
Against ATOS 2!
Join
the protest!
Drop
the charges against the Glasgow ATOS 2! Arrested for speaking the
truth!
Thursday
7 February, 12.30 - 2pm
Outside
Royal Bank of Scotland, Gordon Street
All
welcome
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