[IMC-bristol] Fairford preparations? / legal info

[kyra@rnetmail.co.uk]

two things:

1) is there already a meeting set for sometime this week to sort out what the plan of action is for Fairford?  if anyone knows of a meeting can they post details to the list?  if not, do we need to call one?

2) in case anyone going to Fairford hasn't seen this already, here's some info on the lie of the legal land:

"Section 44 stop and search powers 
 
"As of March 8th 2003 for 28 days Fairford (and the whole of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire) is subject to stop and search powers under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This is the first time these powers have ever been used. We are trying to keep a civil liberties watch - if you experience unusual policing in relation to section 44 please report it to us. 
 
 "This allows vehicles and pedestrians to be stopped and searched for no reason. You may be asked to remove outer clothing (coat, hat even shoes) but no more than that. Bags will be searched and pocket emptied. Male officers may search women although they should not touch you. You should receive a ticket after you've been searched. There is no legal requirement to provide your name and address. 
 
"Many people in the vicinity of USAF Fairford, mostly protesters but also journalists, locals and plane spotters have been searched. There are also some reports of section 44 searches near GCHQ in Cheltenham (as yet unconfirmed). 
 
 "Having the power of stop and search section 45 says:- 
 "Exercise of power. 45. - (1) The power conferred by an authorisation under section 44(1) or (2)- 
  (a) may be exercised only for the purpose of searching for articles of a kind which could be used in connection with terrorism, and 
  (b) may be exercised whether or not the constable has grounds for suspecting the presence of articles of that kind. 
 
 "However if articles are found that could be linked with criminal acts it appears other powers can then be used. For example I had a marker pen confiscated because it could used to cause criminal damage and I would be going equipped if they allowed me to retain it. Yesterday (Sat 15th) there were less searches and it seemed these were only in the vicinity of possible illegal activities... for example kite flying where the kite crossed, or could have crossed the line of the fence."

www.gwi.org.uk

this is taken from: http://bristol.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=4009&group=webcast