Planning to head out in England or Wales to protest #SaveSheikhJarrah or #SOSColmbia? Here’s our top legal tips to remember - keep yourselves & others safer by learning your rights & share these key messages by retweeting! (THREAD)
1. NO COMMENT! You’re usually not required to answer police questions, so don’t. - Say ‘no comment’. This includes ‘friendly chats’, on the streets, in a police van & during interview. PLOs (officers in blue bibs) are trained intelligence gatherers - remember ‘NO COMMENT’
2. NO PERSONAL DETAILS! You DON’T legally have to give personal details when you’re being stopped & searched & you usually don’t need to give personal details to police anyway
Exceptions:
- If you’re arrested many people choose to give their name, address, & date of birth (no more than this) when they get to the custody desk (not before) as not giving this can delay release
- If police want to give you a Fixed Penalty Notice and you don’t give your details, they’re likely to arrest you whether the fine is under the Coronavirus Regulations or not. Read more about Coronavirus Regulations: greenandblackcross.org/guides/coronav…
3. UNDER WHAT POWER? Police often rely on protesters not knowing the law. If police tell you to do something make sure you challenge them to act lawfully by asking ‘AM I LEGALLY OBLIGED TO?’ & ‘UNDER WHAT POWER?’
4. NO DUTY SOLICITOR! If you’re arrested don't take the solicitor offered by the police-they may give bad advice for your situation. Instead we recommend asking for HJA 0808 274 8226, ITN 020 3909 8100 or Bindmans 020 7833 4433. All solicitors represent at police station for free
5. NO CAUTION! A caution is an admission of guilt for an offence without the police having to show evidence. Doesn’t sound like much but stays on your record & can impact employment. Best not to accept one, unless a trusted solicitor has specifically advised you to &explained why
Bustcards are pocket-sized cards that have information about your rights & what to do if you're arrested. Find bustcards for all parts of England, Wales & NI & print & share: greenandblackcross.org/bustcard/
Got legal questions, witness an arrest or police violence or get arrested yourself? Make sure to call the Protest Support Line 07946 541 511 (write this number on the top of your arm under a sleeve). We'll be around 24hrs to take calls! (END)
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