For Immediate Release

Olympics Resistance Network Rejects Private Meetings with Police

February 11, 2009 - Olympics Resistance Network
www.no2010.com

Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory - The Olympics 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 Olympics 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 [Association] 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, Quebec). 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[ing] movements through secret dialogue. ORN will have no part of these anti-democratic tactics.