14th June 2008: Press Release

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  • telephone: Hoody – 07939212721, Ron - 07512930335 or STG- 07512973305
  • email: edinburghanonymous@yahoo.co.uk
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edinburgh Scientologists Attempt to Block Protests

Protesters from the anti-Scientology group Anonymous are to act against the wishes of the council and police, after they were refused permission to protest in Hunter’s Square due to actions taken by the Hubbard Academy for Personal Independence, Edinburgh’s Scientology Centre. The Edinburgh Scientologists had acquired a permit for the use of Hunter’s Square, the usual site of Anonymous protests, on the scheduled date of the international Anonymous protests against Scientology, June 14th. Edinburgh Anonymous have had to move their protest to Castle Street, the closest public area to Hunters Square for which a permit was granted.

In response to these developments, at 1pm, up to a hundred masked protesters will be holding a brief "flash protest" at Hunters Square, alongside the Scientology camp, against Police and Council advice. They have been warned that any intimidation can be in breach of section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986. Organisers believe that it is entirely reasonable that demonstrations of support for Scientology are seen alongside its opposition. In response to concerns of intimidation cited by the police, they point to their peaceful and law-abiding track record, and pledge: "every practical step will be taken to ensure that the short protest will not intimidate Scientologists. Hopefully, we will entertain them."

Edinburgh Anonymous have been protesting on a monthly basis in Hunter’s Square, just opposite the Edinburgh Scientology Centre. These protests are both globally and locally organized, information about the location and date of the protests is easily available on the internet. Edinburgh Scientologists applied for a permit for the Hunters Square venue to coincide with the planned international Anonymous protests in a bid to prevent the Edinburgh Anonymous protest.

This blocking tactic has been used before by Scientologists attempting to block Anonymous protests in Philadelphia in the U.S.

Edinburgh Anonymous have confirmed that local Scientologists do not usually apply to the Council for permits for their “Stress Test” stalls, so it is clear that the sole purpose of this move is to block Anonymous protests.

Edinburgh Anonymous applied to protest in the area surrounding Hunters Square, but was refused by Edinburgh Council who cited police concerns about public order as the reason for refusal. Edinburgh Anonymous believes that given their proven track record of peaceful monthly protests directly opposite the Hubbard Academy for Personal Independence since the 2nd of February 2008 police concerns are unfounded. Edinburgh Anonymous believes that the refusal of their request for a permit to protest outside Hunters Square on the 14th of June is a suppression of their right to protest.

Edinburgh Anonymous has been threatened by the police with arrest under breach of the peace regularly at the smaller weekly protests. These protests, typically consisting of 3-8 people, take place opposite the HAPI in Edinburgh and Glasgow protests of Scientology “Stress Test” stalls. Threats of arrest have been made for a variety of reasons including using the word “cult” in reference to Scientology, standing too close to the HAPI during protests, despite explicit Council permission to do so on protest permits, and use of a portable stereo at reasonable volume. All threats of arrest followed after police received numerous complaints from Scientologists, which the protesters claim have "no founding in common-sense or the law".

Edinburgh Anonymous invites the public and press to Hunters Square at 1pm this Saturday, to witness a few minutes of enjoyable protest.

About Anonymous

Anonymous is a collective composed of many Internet users, combined under one name. The group gained fame through popular image-boards and accrued influence both on the Internet and the real world. They have launched offensives against a wide variety of targets, including various White Supremacy entities. Anonymous played a direct role in the capture of Canadian paedophile Chris Forcand, as reported in Canada’s Global News.

Contact

  • telephone: Hoody – 07939212721, Ron - 07512930335 or STG- 07512973305
  • email: edinburghanonymous@yahoo.co.uk
  • Message Board: http://forums.edinburghlulz.com/ - general questions are best posted here, no registration is necessary.
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