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McLibel Support Campaign
Supporters Letter Dear Friends A GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION against financial institutions (banks, multinational corporations etc) is planned for Friday JUNE 18th (J18). Take the day off and join in [see enclosed leaflet for details]. 'J18' day is timed to coincide with the 'G7' world leaders meeting in Koln, Germany. So far there are actions (ranging from pickets and occupations to strikes and street parties) planned in over 72 cities (including 16 UK towns that week) in 35 countries. We encourage everyone who's opposed to the oppression, exploitation and destruction caused by these institutions to participate on the day, and to get involved with planning actions. Why not get together with friends and organise your own action on that day.
In London thousands of people will come to protest
and party in 'The City' of London. A diverse
range of groups, including London Greenpeace, have
organised events on the day. We will be picketing
McDonald's at Liverpool St Station, 12 noon, and
Aroma at 135 Bishopsgate, 4pm (McDonald's bought
the Aroma cafe chain earlier this year) [See
enclosed flyer]. Please come along. General J18
info/leaflets etc - contact RTS 0171 281 4621,
email:
McLIBEL - MORE VICTORIES. Since our last mailout
in spring 1998, the global campaign against
McDonald's has continued to grow - mass
distribution of leaflets by thousands of local
activists, millions of hits to 'McSpotlight', many
determined residents campaigns against new stores,
a crew unionisation success in a store in America
for the first time and general bad publicity for
the Corporation as a result of the McLibel case.
In March this year the McLibel Appeal resulted in
further important victories for campaigners [see
'More McAgony'].
The Defendants are now preparing an application to
the House of Lords, and after that will go to the
European Court of Human Rights if necessary to
seek to overturn the UK's oppressive libel laws.
For this reason we are
making a financial appeal for McLibel - Funds have
run very low, and we urgently need funds for legal
costs (transcripts, photocopying of papers for
court etc). Donations will be greatly appreciated
(Cheques to McLibel
Support Campaign).
Don't forget October 16th - Worldwide
Anti-McDonald's Day. Please picket your local
store (contact Veggies if you would like to
'adopt' your local store, leaflets are also
available from them at cost price. 01159 585666).
McLIBEL 2 SUE MET POLICE COMMISSIONER.
In September 1998 Helen and Dave launched
proceedings against the Metropolitan Police
Commissioner, claiming damages for misfeasance in
public office, breach of confidence and breach of
their right to privacy. Their claim results from
actions of police officers, including Special
Branch officers, which came to light as a result
of the McLibel trial. Police officers had passed
private and in some cases false information about
the McLibel 2 (and some other protestors),
including their home addresses, to McDonald's and
to private investigators hired by McDonald's to
infiltrate London Greenpeace.
During the trial Sid Nicholson, McDonald's Head of
Security and a former Met Chief Superintendent,
stated from the witness box that McDonald's
security department were 'all ex-policemen' and if
he ever wanted to know information about
protestors he would go to his contacts in the
police, (day 249 p38). This collusion between the
police and a multinational corporation against
members of the public exposes the political role
of the police in ensuring the wheels of big
business keep turning. The case is expected to be
heard later this year.
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