Updates from Belfast

by James McKenna Mon Apr 07, 2003 17:23

The murderer is not now arriving in Aldergrove until 18.30hrs and taking helicopter to Hillsboro where Blair is waiting. Returning tomorrow around 14.30 to Aldergrove by helicopter.

The US Propaganda wing are hoping to get a photo of a "small gropu" of protestors for domestic consumption .

To this end they may attempt to allow a "small group" to walk by Hillsboro tomorrow as an apparent concession to protestors. It is a propaganda trick if they do. They should only get television pictures of a large group.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 17:33

Police are due to begin sealing off the side roads that a number of protesters have already used to get into Hillsborough over the next few hours. The police prescence in the center of the town is relatively light- 6 or 7 armoured landrovers and 40 or so officers.

A picture in the Belfast Telegraph shows corrugated metal walls and the normal crowd barriers around the castle.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 17:53

protesters stuck in Lisburn describe the situation as "boring"

by frothing at the mouth continues - our wall dustbin lids tin pot pans and spinning wheels. Mon Apr 07, 2003 17:59

Practise a form or equal worship.
Worshippers sit in a circle if possible and hold a period of silence before God.

This form of worship can be very moving and teh tendancy for the first members of "The Society of Friends" to start "quaking" with emotion gave the religious group it's name.

Not all meetings of the society of Freinds however are silent, and there is no "ban" on noise at such meetings, frequently a friend will recite a poem, psalm or even sing a hymn. It is at the other friends discretion whether or not they join in, and singing gradually peeters out at the third verse. If members of the group presistently make noise however they can be redirected by the "elders" of the community to desist from attending meetings.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 18:00

People travelling on foot and singly are not being stopped. At least 15 people in the town itself, people starting to arrive at sprucefield roundabout.

They are encouraging other people to use this approach to get through- Try to look "normal".

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 18:30

Radio Ulster reports "about a thousand" demonstrators marching towards Hillsborough.

Stephan Rea is marching too.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 18:43

According to radio Ulster, Bush will be landing away from the castle and travelling in a motorcade to the castle.

Reports from protesters marching from Sprucefield indicate a four figure number- they are filling the road for about 1/4 mile.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 18:58

30 - 40 protesters from the outside, plus locals in (really noisy) protest in centre of Hillsborough.

Some (15) trapped behind second police line.

Two helicopters en route, one Chinook overhead at Hillsborough.

Police blocking off the crossroads at the centre, cyclists still on the way.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 19:10

...and a van with a PA system set up for speeches.

Bush's helicopter and it's escort seen near Lurgan.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 19:37

Protesters inside Hillsborough staging a die-in on the road have been dragged off the street by riot police, who then pushed them the whole length of the hill. No serious injuries, no arrests, but much intimidation and threats.

Bikes not Bombs have made it into the town.

4 or 5 locals have staged a "support our troops" protest- supporting, that is, the bringing home of British forces from Iraq before they get killed by American airstrikes.

Also, Radio Ulster reports a Dubliner with the RIR in Basra killed in fighting.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 19:48

People are making it into Hillsborough from the main demonstration in dribs and drabs. Phone 00353879471364 to find out how...

At the main demo itself, nothing much is happening. Chants, noise etc. One banner nabbed by the cops.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 20:01

One man arrested for talking back to a riot cop. Protesters inside the town were moving away and being pushed when the man made a comment. He was wrestled to the ground, handcuffed and dragged away. The other protesters have not been able to get to the man to establish his identity.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 20:10

A Co. Down farmer was arrested just before 7 in Hillsborough, this news just coming through now...

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 20:55

With the exception of a few people staying on for a vigil- including the Catholic Workers, the main protest seems to be winding down at the moment.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 21:21

One arrest outside McDonalds for writing on the ground.

Two people in white overalls were dragged out of a van as they were preparing to leave and had their details taken.

by steve Mon Apr 07, 2003 22:32

and police have indicated they intend to charge the two arrested indside Hillsborough. There are still people inside the town, but the protest has ended.

by steve Tue Apr 08, 2003 18:14

The two arrested yesterday in Hillsborough have been released. The man who "spoke back" to police was charged with assault.