ORN Rejects Meetings with Police

Olympics Resistance Network - www.no2010.com - Olympicresistance@riseup.net

For Immediate Release

Olympics Resistance Network Rejects Private Meetings with Police
12:00pm - February 11, 2009

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.