Snowballers injuncted by Monsatan, urm Monsanto
Five women took part in the first genetiX snowball nonviolent civil responsibility action on 4 July. The women were released without charge after being arrested for pulling up GM oilseed rape/ sugar beet at Model Farm, Shirburn, Watlington, Oxfordshire (98/R22/13). Ten days later injunction papers arrived ordering them not to pull up or conspire with others to pull up any more of Monsantoes Roundup Ready test field plants. The papers include a handy list of 'Nonsanto' sugar beet and oilseed rape trial sites complete with elusive six figure grid references. Ta!

Some of the women intend to contest the injunction and "unlimited damages claim against them. Some intend to continue their campaign referring to the recent Mori Poll which found that "77% of the population want a ban of GM crops.

Strategic lawsuits against public participation(SLAPP,s) include scary damages claims which pose a real threat to anyone involved in environment protection. They are designed to intimidate, suck our energy away from campaigning and into preparing for lengthy draining court cases. They can frighten people with houses or savings away from taking action for a better future. If we defy them and break the injunction we face prison sentences for contempt of court. We need to support each other through this fear.

The best way to keep your possessions is to give them away. Once assets are converted into cash they are untraceable. Moved assets can, theoretically, be chased up by the courts and moving them once a case has started is very risky. Basically don,t let on that you have savings or assets to the court or company (plaintiff). Property held in trust or cooperatively before any actions or court proceedings commence should be safer.

There is life beyond injunctions! David and Goliath cases like this, where the multi-billion dollar multinational company tries to stamp on its opponent can be turned to our advantage. It is a great publicity opportunity to spread the message of resistance to irresponsible release of GMO,s.

Injunctions brought against anti-road campaigners in the early 90,s were seized and broken.

This defiance acted as a powerful catalyst for the campaign.

* More information on the latest situation from genetiX snowball on: 0161 834 0295.