Maya Evans, a 25-year-old vegan chef, and veteran activist and writer Milan Rai, were arrested on 25 October 2005 for conducting an unauthorised demonstration next to the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The Cenotaph is within the ‘designated area’ around Parliament and therefore, under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, it is illegal to protest there without prior permission from the police. They had both read out the names of people killed in Iraq – Milan reading the names of civilians, Maya soldiers.

Just over a month later Maya became the first person to be put on trial for the offence. It was a very understated demonstration: two people sombrely ringing little Tibetan bells, reading aloud a list of names without comment. The placards were expository, simply explaining the purpose of the event. It was a gentle and simple act of peaceful protest, free of any aggressive or even accusatory sentiment. And they did give notification – they just didn’t ask for permission. This is what made them serious and organised criminals in the eyes of the law.

Milan rang the police to let them know that the event would be happening and was informed of the new law. When the police sent him the form that he needed to fill in, he began to have doubts about this new legislation. He felt that he could not comply with this infringement of our freedom to protest so decided not to fill in the form. He then rang the police to let them know that the event was still going ahead but that they would not be signing the form.

As they arrived at the protest Milan and Maya were greeted by the sight of several police officers waiting at the designated spot. An officer showed them a map of the designated area, informed them that they were in breach of SOCPA and had ten minutes to move on, or they would be arrested. Maya and Milan affirmed that they understood. After about a quarter of an hour, Maya and Milan were arrested. There were 14 police in attendance at the demonstration, almost two per participant’s limb.

Milan Rai and Maya Evans were both found guilty and fined, and refused to pay. In all likelihood they will both spend a short time in prison for their crimes. Both continue to participate in peaceful demonstrations, attracting further arrests. Recently Maya had bail conditions imposed that forbade her from even entering the SOCPA zone.

To find out what has happened to Maya and Mlian please watch Taking Liberties and read the accompanying book.

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