Leyton Marsh Protester Issued with Two Year ASBO

A protester involved in the ‘Save Leyton Marsh’ campaign has been issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) by Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The two-year order handed to Simon Moore on June 18th was granted “to prevent conduct leading to the disruption of the Olympic Games events 2012”. Mr Moore’s offences are listed as public disorder, aggravated trespass, organising demonstrations and highway obstruction. Amongst other prohibitions, the ASBO prevents him from going within 100 metres of Olympic Games’ spectators, athletes, organisers and venues.

Speaking outside the court, Moore said that this ASBO criminalises peaceful protest. He stated that he has no intention of disrupting the Games, but that he will continue to protest about other legitimate concerns, including the development of Metropolitan Open Land at Leyton Marsh, where the “exceptional circumstances” of the Olympic Games have been used to circumvent planning regulations.

Fellow activists have started an online petition entitled ‘We are all Simon Moore’, to show that they do not accept one person being singled out. They, like Moore, will continue to peacefully protest and to speak out about what is right “in the face of repression”. Like-minded individuals are invited to sign the petition and show their support.

By Ragnhild Freng Dale (@ragnhildfd)