13/11/2003

Anti-war group considers legal action over Bush visit

The Stop the War Coalition has said that it is considering legal action over fears that protesters will prevented from demonstrating in front of President George W Bush when he visits the capital next week.

Civil rights watchdog, Liberty has voiced its concerns that a decision to "ban protestors from traditional places of demonstration" may amount to a breach of civil rights.

Exclusion zones could be set up in the capital during the visit over security fears and the possible threat posed by Al Qaeda terrorists.

A Liberty spokesman: "Liberty is obviously concerned on whether the public retain their right to legitimate protest.

"We will look carefully at proposals for both policing this demonstration as well as the route that is being suggested and we will be advising Stop The War Coalition on whether there is a case to answer."

Stop The War Coalition spokesman Andrew Burgin said talks with the Metropolitan Police over a protest route had reached an "impasse". The group further claimed that the US Secret Service had demanded the exclusion zone.

He added: "It seems to us that The Met is coming under political pressure to comply with American wishes at the further expense of British civil liberties."

The Stop the War Coalition have another scheduled meeting with the Metropolitan Police tomorrow at 11.15am.

(gmcg)

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