Liberal Democrats call for repeal of draconian anti-protest law

4.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 9th Dec 2005

Liberal Democrat MP and Home Affairs spokesperson Mark Oaten has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to repeal the new anti-protest powers that led to the prosecution of Maya Evans. Ms Evans stood outside Downing Street reading a list of the British soldiers killed in Iraq and was convicted yesterday under the new law which bans unauthorised demonstrations within one kilometre of Westminster. Maya Anne Evans was found guilty of breaching section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act of 2005.

Mark Oaten said "The arrest and prosecution of Maya Evans is an affront to free speech, the right to protest and the traditions of this country. This is yet another example of the Government riding rough-shot over our hard won liberties. The Government must take the earliest opportunity to repeal these powers, before more people are caught by this draconian legislation."