Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Occupy St Paul's protesters lose eviction battle

 

Kevin Rawlinson
Thursday 19 January 2012 11:00 GMT
Comments
Lawyers for the Occupy London protesters are appealing
Lawyers for the Occupy London protesters are appealing (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Demonstrators camped outside St Paul's Cathedral were last night discussing whether or not to resist eviction after a High Court judge ruled that their "Tent City" protest could be cleared as early as next week.

The protesters were dismayed by the judge's ruling. Some of those in court indicated they would disobey the order, while others said it was a decision "each individual has to take".

A spokesman for the movement insisted in the weeks before the ruling that there would be "no Dale Farm-style resistance" to an eviction, but a meeting was being held last night to discuss the movement's response.

Luke Wilkins, a 33-year-old Occupy protester from Reading, said: "I will base my decision on whether I think we have had a fair hearing. It is a decision I will make in peace and quiet when the time comes. It is entirely up to the individual, it is their choice alone."

Outside the court, protester Tammy Samede, who appeared on behalf of the movement, said she would continue to peacefully protest, adding: "This is not the end, onwards and upwards."

John Cooper QC, who represented the protesters, said: "This is an important judgment. It marks the start of a legal analysis as to the extent of protest in this country. What Occupy has done is push the boundaries of public law on protest."

Mr Justice Lindblom granted orders for possession and injunctions against Occupy London – which has attracted support from civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke.

He said the proposed eviction was "entirely lawful and justified" as well as necessary and proportionate. He ruled that anyone who attempted to reinstate the occupation or move it around the corner faced a fine or jail.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in