1997 REVIEW
Produced by: Anni and Lindis
E-mail: caab.lindis_anni@virgin.net
There have been lots of court appearances and complicated cases. The Writ against the USA was highly involved and hard work as Lindis represented herself. It reaffirmed the lack of legal redress for the British citizen when a serious crime is committed against them by a member of a visiting force. We are now on the long route to the European Court of Human Rights. The question remains - "Will this be incorporated into English law before we get there ...?"
One of the on-going struggles over the year has been trying to pursue the American Complaints Review Board which was convened over a year ago to investigate the incidents of violence to peace campaigners as long ago as 1994/5 by American military personel; notibly at USAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall and the Air Force Space Command base at Feltwell. We do not have any confidence that anything will come of the investigation but under the Visiting Forces Act 1952 they have a duty to go through with it.
The problem is at present the investigation is stuck because of the appointment of a British Solicitor called Lyndon B. James as the Administrator to the Board. He has, in fact, been acting for the Americans, perverting the course of justice and even representing them in one of the incidents complained of. We have been trying to get him replaced for some time as, with him on it, the Complaints Review Board cannot be deemed to be fair and independent, as it should be according to their own instructions.
A lot of time and energy has been taken up with some of the issues around strip searching and medical standards in prisons. Lindis and Chris Tchaikovsky (Director of Women in Prison) met Colin Allen (Deputy Director of the Prison Inspectorate) at the Home Office in April. Some of the points raised at this meeting were incorporated into the thematic report called 'Women in Prison' by Sir David Ramsbotham. There is an on-going investigation into the nursing and medical standards in the Medical Wing of Holloway.
We had hoped that the New Labour Government would be different. However, parliamentary questions are being answered as evasively as ever and the exemptions in the Codes of Practice to Access to Government Information is being used fairly frequently. Norman Baker MP for Lewes is happy to continue Max Madden's work in asking Parliamentary Questions, as is Lord Kennet. However, as a result of continuing to ask questions, a significant document was recently released to the Public Records Office showing how easily MHS was handed over to the Americans after the Second World war.
Over the years we have regularly monitored proposed planning applications at MHS and have alerted people to put in objections to Harrogate Planning Department. We have spoken at public meetings of the Harrogate Planning Committee and at long last some of the Councillors have grasped the idea that democracy does not apply at MHS and have openly said so. Dennis Harling (Planning Officer) spoke out for the first time to the press, the MOD and in his recommendations to the Committee expressed his concern about the proposed major expansion this year.
The year brought temporary injunctions against two more women at MHS and another permanent injunction against Lindis at Feltwell. It gets harder to find out what is going on there (some interesting documents have come into our possession) however the MOD seem to have got it 'sewn up' for the moment. Molesworth and Alconbury may be next. It's hard to argue when the land is given over to a foreign power who come and go as they please.
We have continued to use the US Freedom of Information Act which gets us nowhere and pursue the appeal process if information is denied ... which also gets us nowhere! And we also keep up the correspondance with all kinds of characters... and write numerous articles, some of which have been published.
The press and media have covered quite a lot of the stories and issues ... MHS security of tenure (which we are still pursuing), the major expansion at MHS, the Writ against the USA, injunctions, pollution of the land at MHS and Lakenheath, American housing outside Mildenhall etc. etc ... it's been a busy year.
JANUARY 1997
New Years Day - Lindis served with summons to appear in the High Court for an application for committal to prison for being in breach of permanent injunction at USAF Lakenheath (researching the nuclear weapons store which is still there).
No new planning applications at MHS this month.
Anni dealt with enquiries, press and media, interviews, visits, MPs and much more while Lindis in prison.
FEBRUARY
1st - Quaker Meeting for Worship outside main gate at MHS.
MARCH
5th - Anni interviewed for first story on BBC 9 pm news about abuse of Lindis in Holloway and strip searching in prisons.
While in Holloway Lindis warned (first warned in 1995) that procedings will start for temporary injunction at Feltwell if 'trespass' continues.
17th - Three members from US Citizens for Peace in Space meet CAAB before meeting in Leeds. Lindis speaks at evening public meeting arranged by Yorkshire CND.
APRIL
4th - Notified by Harrogate Planning Department that security lighting planning application is withdrawn after objections - will be resubmitted with anti-glare lighting.
Lindis gave several interviews about time in Holloway and issue of strip searching in prisons to Yorkshire Post, Health Visitors Journal, Big Issue, Hull Daily Mail, Radio and article in British Medical Journal.
MAY
1st - New Labour government elected!
JUNE
3rd - Proposed application for resubmitted security lighting - objections sent.
JULY
1st - Major expansion at MHS with further radomes, buildings and security lighting for European Ground Relay Station for new Space Based Infra Red System. Alerted press and put details on Internet. Further statement re American violence from 1994/5
AUGUST
2nd - Quaker Meeting for Worship outside main gate at MHS.
SEPTEMBER
1st - Lindis gave interview for Middle East Television Broadcasting in London.
OCTOBER
1st - (Day 3) Mr. Thomas Stipendary Magistrate finds 'no case to answer' to all charges except criminal damage to byelaws sign valued at £10. No cost, fines or compensation awarded against Lindis - given conditional discharge over three years.
NOVEMBER
10th - MOD successful in application for temporary injunction against Laura and Jenny in High Court.
Lindis gave talk to Leeds University students at lunch time.
17th - Lindis in High Court for permanent injunction application by MOD at AFSC Feltwell - granted by Judge Curtis.
Meet Norman Baker MP and political researcher at House of Commons in evening.
Leaflets handed out to American military personnel at USAF Mildenhall re Iraqi crisis.
DECEMBER
6th - Quaker Meeting for Worship outside main gate at MHS.
AND THE REST IS FOR THE FUTURE AND 1998....................
Please contact us at:
UK CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB)
Tel No. 01943 466405 or 01482 702033
9th - Sent planning documents of Air Force Space Command base at Feltwell, Norfolk to American group Citizens for Peace in Space.
22nd - Lindis hands herself in to Hull police station after returning from Dubai after hearing the night before that a bench warrant had been issued due to her non-appearance at High Court hearing on 13th January 1997. Lindis had written to the Court on 2nd January 1997 to say she would be out of the country until 21st January and had assumed that the hearing would be adjourned. Held in police cell in Hull overnight and taken to hospital handcuffed under escort for outpatient treatment to abscess in ears.
23rd - Lindis transferred to Birmingham Central Lock-up by two High Court Tipstaffs after another visit to hospital for treatment to ears. Held in police custody at Lock-up, with no visiting rights until case is heard at Birmingham Crown Court on 27th January.
27th - At Birmingham High Court Judge Tucker finds breach proved and sentences Lindis to 9 months in Holloway (imposes 6 month suspended sentence from previous breach and adds on 3 months for present one) plus 5 days for non-appearance at earlier hearing on 13th January (already served in police custody). Lindis taken back to Lock-up for night. Lost appetite because of medication.
28th - Lindis transfered to Holloway. Declines to be strip searched on arrival and is forcibly strip-searched by four officers despite being held on medical wing due to ear infections and loss of weight since being in custody. A nursing sister stands by and watches. A vicious cycle of threatened and actual strip-searching begins resulting in severe stress related anorexia.
31st - Anni meets Japanese reporter to discuss US bases.
6th - Anni had to abandon MHS medical negligence case from 4th July 1991 against Sergeant Barlow due to adverse witness statement and legal aid refused for appeal of HMS Forest Moor and Menwith Hill Station byelaws to the Lords - costs ordered against her.
17th - Notified by Harrogate Planning Office that P6 building is withdrawn after letters of objections (later resubmitted as 'Mission Support Building'.
19th - Lindis forcibly strip-searched again against independent medical advice that it will endanger her health; strong protest from independent doctor to the Governor saying it was now 'gratuitous sadism'. Max Madden MP and John Prescott MP involved; referred to Director of Prisons and Home Office (Ann Widdecombe).
25th - MHS planning application for portacabin to north of building 48A.
13th - Lindis in High Court - Official Solicitor appeals against her sentence on medical grounds. Judge Tucker reluctantly orders her immediate release saying he had not intended her to be punished to such a degree. Securicor refuse to release her and take her back to Holloway due to administrative mix up. Lindis finally released from Holloway in the evening after Anni jumped up and down and Lindis' Solicitor threatened to sue Governor for unlawful detention.
5th - Quaker Meeting for Worship outside main gate at MHS.
15th - Lindis arrested at MHS and reported for Criminal Damage to a byelaws sign, going equipped and 'assaulting an Officer'. Not charged and bailed for a month.
16th - Lindis reported for breach of injunction at MHS.
11th - Visited Fellowship of Reconciliation Eirene Center at Clopton, near Molesworth to inform re USAF Molesworth.
13th - Lindis charged with 5 spurious charges and one admitted offence of criminal damage to byelaws sign at MHS (taking it down).
14th - Another statement (one of many) given to DC Young (Ministry of Defence Police) about American violence dating back to 1994/5 at USAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell.
(Americans have claimed jurisdiction on all complaints).
16th - Further statement given re above.
20th - Further statement given re above.
22nd - Yorkshire CND 'Trash Trident' day in Hull. Lindis among speakers at Friends Meeting House in evening.
27th - Lindis arrested for 'theft' of byelaws sign at MHS - bailed - no further action.
30th - MHS security of tenure expired and was not renewed -
questions pursued in Parliament. Lindis met Chief Inspector Drummond (new C/I brought in by Americans to 'lick MHS into shape') giving complaint to him against MDP.
31st - Visited John Prescott MP for Hull East in Hull about MHS, security of tenure and American bases.
7th - Quaker Meeting for Worship at MHS outside main gate.
10th - Lindis arrested under Criminal Justice and Public Order Act section 68/ 69 at National Intelligence Centre at Chicksands - bailed and no further action taken.
12th - Visited 'RAF' Oakhanger (requested by US Citizens for Peace).
13th - Lindis served with summons in High Court for breach of injunction at MHS.
23rd - Lindis in High Court for breach of permanent injunction at MHS - sentenced for six months suspended for one year.
24th - Lindis in High Court. Temporary injunction obtained for US Air Force Space Command at Feltwell. Visited USAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell.
25th - Lindis at hearing at Ripon Magistrates' Court for six 'spurious' charges at MHS.
26th - Another statement given to DC Young re American violence in 1994/5 at Tower Grange Police Station, Hull.
3rd - CAAB (3rd-6th) camp overnight outside main gate for demonstration next day.
4th - US Independence Day at MHS - (more 'low key' than previous years) - blockaded main entrance and leafletted cars etc all day, interrupted flag raising and lowering ceremonies morning and evening. 'Trespassed' and took down byelaws notices.
9th - Visit from Felise Cohen-Joppa - Editor of US Nuclear Resister.
10th - Master Trench in High Court allows Writ against USA, Colonel Carter and Lieutenant Byrd brought by Lindis to be re-issued in USA.
14th - Researched at Irton Moor, near Scarborough.
16th - Lindis at Ripon Magistrates' Court for pre-trial review re spurious charges at MHS. Three charges discontinued.
29th - Planning application for new dog kennels at MHS.
19th - Public meeting at Ripon Town Hall (after enough objections were submitted) about major expansion at MHS -
Lindis spoke against all applications - some councillors abstained and asked for review of lighting and landscaping and for resubmission of sub-station with new radomes before any building starts.
5th - MHS Byelaws declared invalid by Judge Crabtree at York Crown Court.
8th - Lindis arrested and charged under MHS byelaws after asking MDP to take them down.
10th - Anni and Tracey arrested and charged under MHS byelaws after asking MDP to take them down.
22nd - CPS drop 'assault charge' against Lindis one week before trial at Harrogate Magistrates' Court.
23rd - MHS planning application for skate pad for children.
29th - (Day 1) Lindis' trial at Harrogate Magistrates' Court for four charges. CPS try to serve two further charges - not accepted by Stipendary Magistrate.
30th - (Day 2) Prosecution finish their case - MDP witnesses give conflicting evidence.
4th - Quaker Meeting for Worship outside Main gate at MHS.
6th-7th - Lindis in High Court for hearing of Writ against USA, Colonel Carter and Lieutenant Byrd. Certificate of immunity entered into court by Americans. Jurisdiction of court tested. Judgement reserved for three weeks.
8th - Planning application for one x three hazardous waste storage building at MHS.
15th - Lindis in Ripon Magistrates' Court to make application for byelaws case to be heard rather than adjourned to 21.1.98 - failed.
16th - Lindis arrested under MHS byelaws for 'criminal damage' having carefully removed sign and taken it to Harrogate Police Station for safe keeping. Harrogate Police refuse to let MDP have sign. Lindis bailed and not charged.
17th - Laura and Jenny served with interim injunctions at MHS.
18th - Mixed action outside main gate in support of Laura and Jenny.
20th - Supported Sylvia Boyes and TJ Hart at Hull Crown Court re Fylingdale action.
21st - MHS Planning application for refurbishment to gymnasium.
22nd - Master Trench rules in High Court that Certificate of Immunity re Writ against USA etc. is valid.
24th - Lindis lodges 'bundles' in High Court for leave to appeal 'red line' on permanent injunction at MHS.
27th - Lindis answered to bail at MHS re alleged criminal damage to byelaws sign - no further action but charged under byelaws. Further arrest and charge for attempting to remove invalid byelaws sign on highway. Conditions imposed - immediately breached conditions (to test validity of byelaws) by attempting to remove invalid byelaws sign. Held overnight at Harrogate Police Station.
28th - Lindis in Harrogate Magistrates' Court for breach of bail. CPS ask for remand in custody - released on bail with no conditions.
30th - Write to North Yorks Country Highways Department and MOD Defence Lands Agent requesting invalid byelaws notice is removed from grass verge. Immediate response and sign moved back inside claimed MOD boundary.
13th - Vigil outside main entrance to MHS because of crisis in Iraq. Leaflet produced to give to US military at American bases.
14th - Lindis arrested for attempting to remove byelaws notice - arrested in custody for 'assault' after making formal complaint for assault on her by custody Sergeant.
After over five hours in custody at MHS taken to Harrogate Police Station for taped interview. Requested to view video recording from cameras in custody area - unable to view as American system is not compatible with British system. Bailed to 28.11.97
18th - Visit to Annis' from Robin Robinson (Truth and Intregrity in Public Affairs and ex-civil service 'whistle blower').
20th - MHS Planning Application for antenna to water tower and antenna and mast to guard room.
28th - Lindis answered to bail re 'assault' arrest and to view video. Only 10 minutes of video available despite being in custody for nearly six hours (not yet changed from American format to VHS). Bailed to 12.1.98 for MDP to 'apply' for complete video while in custody.
8th - Lindis in High Court for 'leave to appeal' MHS permanent injunction.
11th - Anni at Harrogate Magistrates' Court for application for byelaws case to be heard before 21.1.98 (Anni bailed for four months).
Indigo, 8 Park Row
Otley, West Yorkshire
LS21 IHQ, UK
Fax No. 01482 702033
E-mail: caab.lindis_anni@virgin.net
