Police to use anti-terrorism powers on eco-protesters
1,800 extra police officers will be drafted in to prevent eco-protesters disrupting Heathrow airport tomorrow. Up to 1,500 activists are expected to descend on the worlds busiest airports for the Camp for Climate Action. It is set to be a weeklong peaceful camping protest against the aviation industry’s CO2 contributions and will include debates and educational workshops. There are concerns, however, about the authorisation for police to use Anti-Terrorism powers to stop, search and arrest protesters.
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The Met’s police chief, Sir Ian Blair, said: “Should individuals or small groups seek to take action outside of lawful protest they will be dealt this robustly using terrorism powers.”
Under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 the police have the right to stop and search people and vehicles, even if there is no evidence to suspect them, and hold them for up to a month without charge. Whilst many are concerned that such over-arching powers can lead to abuse, there is certainly a strong argument for using the powers. Security at the already over-stretched airport could be severely weakened if protesters distract police from an already difficult job.
[via the Guardian]
