Contact: Alissa Westergard-Thorpe 778-668-0790 alissawt@shaw.ca
Garth Mullins 604-831-6967 garth@resist.ca
Olympics Resistance Network - www.no2010.com - Olympicresistance@riseup.net
Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory - The Olympic Resistance Network
(ORN) rejects meetings with the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security
Unit (VISU) and demands police end intimidating approaches to
individuals in the anti-Olympics movement
On January 22, 2009, outside of Vancouver City Hall, Alissa
Westergard-Thorpe and Garth Mullins, activists with the Olympic
Resistance Network, were approached by members of VISU for a meeting.
Both had just finished addressing council regarding their concerns
about Games financing and proposed changes to the City Charter
regarding street activities, zoning, leafleting, and restrictions on
signs during the Olympics.
ORN has not met and is not interested in meeting with any police or
intelligence agencies. Experience shows that such meetings are not
about dialogue, but are aimed at intimidation, controlling the
visibility of protesters, and gathering intelligence on community
activities.
Further, in an attempt to intimidate activists, police have approached
over a dozen anti-2010 Olympics movement activists (that we are aware
of) for information.
ORN members have decided unanimously to reject private meetings with
police. Further, the Network demands that law enforcement stop
harassing members of the anti-2010 Olympics movement.
The Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) views protesters
as the number one 'security threat' to the Games, without explanation
or evidence. Police statements in the media about 'consulting with
activists' are misleading and attempt to divide and intimidate
activists. Police interest in 'dialogue' is disingenuous. The BC Civil
Liberties Society encountered a 'brick wall' after attempting to enter
into talks with police.
According to Alissa Westergard-Thorpe, an ORN member approached by
police: "The ORN is not interested in talking with police about the
conditions under which we exercise our rights to assembly and
expression. They can read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
Bob Mackin of 24 Hours, reported that VISU are considering the use of
"free speech zones" during the Games. According to another ORN member
approached by the VISU, Garth Mullins: "If Canada is a democracy in
more than name, the concept of free speech zones should be repugnant –
the whole country ought to be a free speech zone. There is nothing to
meet with police about."
"It has been the experience of social movements that police and spies
do not engage with them in good faith," added Mullins. The police have
a history of infiltrating and monitoring activist groups (such as
during the lead up to APEC, the FTAA, and the G8) and using agent
provocateurs in demonstrations (such as in Montebello, PQ). Police
have targeted native movements in particular for intimidation,
surveillance, and infiltration. ORN will not assist state agents in
criminalizing dissent.
The Olympic Resistance Network is a broad and public group. ORN events
are open and well publicized with posters, press releases, and on-line
materials. Members of the public and VISU are already able to avail
themselves of these resources.
ORN advises anybody contacted by police for an interview about their
concerns regarding the Games that the best response is to just say
"no." Individuals are under no obligation to talk with police. ORN
urges the public to document any contact or harassment by CSIS or VISU
and to let others know as soon as possible.
While Vancouver city council "urges" VANOC to hold promised "open and
transparent" security consultations with communities, police are
instead attempting to intimidate activists through approaching
individuals and surveil movements through secret dialogue. ORN will
have no part of these anti-democratic tactics.
