Dear RN, As many of you may already know, most of the people arrested at the Seattle WTO demonstrations have had their charges dismissed. As far as I know, the only person on our list who was arrested was Aaron Koleszar, of PEI, Canada. He sends us these updates below. As you will see, the need to protest and educate is still there, and there are people like Aaron who are still there too! all the best, Jan ******************************************* Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2000 04:09:37 -0800 From: Aaron Koleszar <•••@••.•••> Subject: WTO Charges dismissed Charges dismissed The prosecutor has made motions to have most WTO charges dismissed due to lack of evidence. Charges are being dismissed for Canadians Josh Weale, Alan DeWald, and Aaron Koleszar (and surely others). Aaron is, however flying to Seattle on Saturday as the plane ticket is non-refundable. He will file police misconduct reports and investigate the possibility of a civil suit against the city of Seattle to hold them accountable for police violence. He can be reached as of Saturday, Jan.8 at 206-568-6191, and •••@••.••• ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thanks to everyone for their support & solidarity. Aaron ********************************************************** Aaron Koleszar <•••@••.•••> _________________________________________________________ "This is not about cops. This is about corporate greed." - a WTO protester, as the police advance on demonstrators We are going to have either fascism or democracy. If you sit on the sidelines it will be fascism." - Richard K. Moore "For we the people fight for freedom While the cops just fight for pay And as long as the truth is in our hearts We're sure to win some day." - a Seattle '99 minstrel ******************************************************************* Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 15:39:20 -0800 From: Aaron Koleszar <•••@••.•••> Subject: The Biosafety Protocol in Montreal jan.21 From: lorraine <•••@••.•••> A DEMONSTRATION is planned for Saturday, January 22, 12:00 PM, outside the ICAO building (999 University), for the last day of the informal meeting between delegates (a march may be organized). Greenpeace and the Council of Canadians are preparing a public forum in the evening, during which public personalities, internationally reknown public figures and specialists will speak out. MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONALITIES FROM ACROSS CANADA ARE READY TO PARTICIPATE TO THESE EVENTS, as this negotiations round is critical. We are thus forming a coalition, but there is work to be done. We have tools, but we need volunteers... IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET INVOLVED, PARTICIPATE AND IMPACT ON THE OUTCOME OF A CRUCIAL EVENT, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE. We will have but about 20 days to participate in the preparation of these events, but, again, we have tools and means. Help in, bring up resources you know about, inform organizations and people you know. We want a big turnout. he NEXT BAM MEETING will be: Wednesday Jan. 5 , 7: PM UQAM 320 St-Catherine East 3rd floor, room DS-3195 Montreal, Quebec <snip> YOU ARE ALL INVITED. Don't wait before telling your intention to participate. For purposes of privacy, please inform us of your participation by leaving a message at (514) 987-3000 extention 4077# or by writing to the following e-mail address •••@••.••• Please leave us your name and phone No and, if your choice is made, the committee you want to get involved into (optional). We will call you back subsequently. What is the Biosafety Protocol??? The preparation for the Biosafety Protocol Conference, which will be negotiated in Montreal, January 20 through 28, 2000, is underway. In short, it is the last round of negotiations (involving 130 countries)before the adoption of a treaty (the Biosafety Protocol) that will regulate the global trade of genetically engineered living organisms and (possibly) their by-products. Canada is the leader of the Miami Group : six countries (Canada, Australia, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the US, the latter not being entitled to vote) who a pushing for a outrageously weak and unrestrictive protocol. The Miami group is somewhat opposed to the rest of the world. If Canada gives in, the other countries will also probably do (the US is not entitled to vote). THE CANADIAN CITIZENS THUS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR OPPOSITION TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT'S POSITION AND TO SUPPORT THE REST OF THE WORLD DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS. THIS CONFERENCE IS A CRITICAL EVENT AND ITS IMPACT WILL DETERMINE THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S BIODIVERSITY AND SECURITY. <snip> ********************************************************** Aaron Koleszar <•••@••.•••> _________________________________________________________ "This is not about cops. This is about corporate greed." - a WTO protester, as the police advance on demonstrators "The first step is to penetrate the clouds of deceit and distortion and learn the truth about the world, then to organise and act to change it. That's never been impossible and never been easy." Noam Chomsky