neo cons warn americans in Belgium not to protest Gitmo

[donsu]

http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/3159/2008/00/11-101609-1.htm


US warns citizens to keep clear of Guantanamo protests


I received a fairly disturbing message from the US Embassy in Brussels yesterday, a high-importance mass email warning all American citizens in Belgium not to go near a small Amnesty International demonstration that is happening this afternoon. It's so unbelievable, I produce it here:

-snip-

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Belgium from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Upcoming demonstration information follows:

According to Belgian police, a demonstration is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 11, 2008 on rue Guimard, across from the U.S. Embassy, between 2:30 - 4:00 PM. The demonstration is being organized by Amnesty International to protest against Guantanamo prison. The demonstration will encompass approximately 100 protestors. American citizens are urged to avoid the area if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. This Warden Message expires on January 11, 2008.
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-snip-


It's hard to identify the most absurd part of this. Is it the warning of a "spontaneous demonstration" that is planned ahead of time? Is it the idea that demonstrations occur spontaneously in Belgium, where nothing happens without dozens of meetings and extensive negotiations? Or is it that they are frightened of a small Amnesty International protest? Maybe it's the "Importance: High" tag on the email that takes the cake?

My Belgian friends and colleagues are rightly offended. Belgium is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, ranked 11th in the Global Peace Index (compared to the US's 96th place ranking). There hasn't been a seriously violent demonstration here since probably the 1960s. It can be a bit dangerous crossing the streets in Brussels sometimes, but an Amnesty protest? Please. One friend asked if US Embassy staff in Brussels are now receiving danger pay for this difficult posting.

-snip-

It is just incredible the US Embassy put this out at all. They are telling their own citizens to keep clear of a protest against Guantanamo, which is probably the most vivid symbol of the appalling disregard for human rights the US Administration has had since 9/11. And now we're even told not to freely assemble to protest our government's Constitution shredding? Though only half-American, I am completely embarrassed by this.
-snip-
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neo cons are control freaks - got to protect their torture camp from bad press

[SpiralHawk]

1. republicon homelander fascists hate free speech, democracy, honesty

[Fresh_Start]

2. can't have American citizens protesting US policies abroad

it might embarrass the US

[bigbrother05]

3. The military in Europe always put out such alerts

to warn about events pretty much each week. They tend to rate the different protests/demonstrations on whether they are normally peaceful or if there is a chance of counter protests that could be confrontational. Always considered it sort of a 'things to do this weekend' kind of message.

Edit to add: Actually ran into a really cool Amnesty International 'die in' once in Strasbourg.

[kineneb]

4. rather get busted by Belgian police than our own

At least you would not wind up in Gitmo or disappeared. I think they still have a few civil rights there. Kind of wish I could live there, I really like Antwerp.

[Wilms]

5. K&R n/t