Occupy Glasgow demonstrators refuse to dissipate

Anti-capitalist activists camped in the heart of Glasgow city centre have refused to leave amid concerns over disruption to the upcoming calendar of events.

Glasgow City Council ordered the Occupy Glasgow group to leave George Square in the aftermath of an attack on a 28-year-old woman at the site last week.

Until the attack council bosses had proved unsuccessful in attempts to persuade the group to move from the space needed for up-and-coming events such as Remembrance Sunday. The switching on of the Christmas lights is also approaching, for which the entire square will be needed for 17,500 ticket holders.

Glasgow City Council issued the camp with a notice of expulsion and was preparing to go to court as The Journal went to print in a bid to attain an eviction order, clearing the way for the demonstration to be forcibly removed.

Protesters pitched their tents in the square on Saturday October 15 as part of a worldwide 'anti-greed' demonstration in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street.

Colin Edgar, head of communication at Glasgow City Council, said the council supports and encourages people's rights to protest in the city. However, the problem with this demonstration lies in the fact it has targeted the city's central public space, used throughout the year for major events.

He added: “There have been three places that they could go to that we’ve offered although we would consider other places: Glasgow Green, The Broomielaw in the International Finance service district – which fits in more with the aims of the process – and Kelvingrove Park.

“They have shown no real willingness to move.”

However, a member of Occupy Glasgow, who wished to be named only as David, told The Journal: “They’ve [Glasgow City Council] issued a court summons to two individuals at the camp.

“What we’re actually being accused of is public speaking without permission, and organising public meetings without permission. What I say to them is bring it on. I have a right to free speech. People have a right to assembly.

“We will not be moved. We will not be budged an inch.”

However, 14-year-old human rights demonstrator, Ewan, who doesn’t camp at the site but protests on a daily basis, said that Occupy Glasgow have been in discussion with Glasgow City Council over possible moves.

He added: “We were happy to move completely, and get out of the way for things like Remembrance Sunday.

“We have actually been discussing with Glasgow City Council about moving to different locations, about how the camp’s sustainability is in Glasgow, and what it’s doing.

“But right now, as far as I personally know – this is not a representative view of the camp – as far as I know, we are here in George Square.

“Armistice Day, and Remembrance Day are very important dates in the calendar of the World. They mark massive occasions in the history of planet earth and the history of society in Britain, America, Germany, France, everywhere.

“We have already made clear to the press that we were willing to move and accommodate Armistice and Remembrance Day. That is fact, pure clean fact. We’ve always said that."