Blockade Workshop Infos Englisch

8/14/2019 Blockade Workshop Infos Englisch

1/16bolognaburns.org [email protected]

11.3.

46 Bildungsminister*innen laden zum Sektempfangin die Wiener Hofburg und wollen zum

10-jhrigen Jubilum des Bologna-Prozesses

eine katrastrophale Hochschulreform feiern!

GEMEINSAM BLOCKIEREN!

LOCKBOLOGNA

ABENDS

ffentliche BlockadeworkshopsTermine auf der Rckseite und auf bolognaburns.org


2/16

Civil Disobediance

It is important to explain the method of civil disobediance when

preparing a protest with means such as street blockades.

What is civil disobediance? Where does the idea come from? In

which case does one speak of civil disobediance? What does not

belong to it?

All these are questions which need to be claried before a

blockade workshop in order to make participants aware of theframe in which they are operating.

Method

Civil disobediance is about a conscious breach of rule as symbolicaction. Thereby, either the exact rule/law is violated, which is conside-

red to be unjust (direct civil disobediance), or a rule/law is violated (for

example road trafc regulations through a sitting blockade) in order to

point out injustive of other rules/laws (indirect civil disobediance).

This means that civil disobediance can be understood as disobediance

of citizens, which does not aim at changing the dominating order, but

concrete injustices within its framework. Therefore it is not a very ra-

dical means, but one with a low threshold and takes protest onto the

streets more accentuated than a demonstration.


3/16

Sanction

In Austria, there is no right to civil disobediance, but also no element of crime of

civil disobediance. Only the respective administratory offence will be punished

(e.g. the violation of read trafc regulations through a sitting blockade, which will

be ned with app. 50-70 EUR).

We are thinking about civil courage, which is needed to openly say no to injusti-

ces and the courage and decidedness to actively confront them.

Action Consensus Block Bologna

De-escalation

There will be no aggression against the police from our side. Our tool of

action is that of civil disobedience using sit-in blockades. We will not res-

pond to confrontation with the police and will only peacefully try to reach

the blockade points.

Mass blockadesOur blockades are public, human and en masse. We will not carry mate-

rial suitable for blocking roads. Our only tools of deployment will be our

bodies.


4/16

Transparency/Solidarity

Our action is a collective one. We will try to reach our goals in soli-

darity and in accordance with the action consensus. For the public

we remain as Block Bologna, but are in solidarity with other forms of

action.

Formulation of Goals

Our human mass blockades are intended to disposess the Bologna Sum-

mit held in the Hofburg of any public legitimisation. The idea of congesting

the streets is intended to show the participants of the summit what it me-

ans to be confronted with entry restrictions.

Co-ordination

Every blockade is bound to the action consensus and apart from that is

acting under its own authority. Decisions are being made by delegates

from working groups in general assemblies. The coordination is collecting

information and is passing it on. It makes no decisions!

ImplementationDuring the actions we want to create a situation which is transparent for

all those involved and in which the participants show solidarity by taking

care of, and supporting one another. For the mass blockades to succeed

every participant needs to assume responsibility. The personal limits and

the various forms of protest are to be mutually respected. In the event of

police violence, such as in the clearing of a blockade, we act together by

showing solidarity and using the methods of civil disobedience.

Why Action Consensus?

The Action Consensus represents the broad scope of our movement. It

is the generalisation of different forms of action and ideas, with which as

many as possible can identify. The action concensus is legally secured


5/16

Mobilisation, Movement, Coordination

and Communication

Mobilisation

Preparation

Education of workshop moderators in the blockade workshops:

multiplication principle.

Find coordinators and ag carriers for the strings already during

workshops. Inform planning group in case of interest.

During Demonstration

Distribution of yers in 6 different colours among the blocks

respectively. Each colour represents one (blockade) string.

Distribution of 2-3 coloured and numbered ags per string.

Distribution of coloured cloths.

Movement

After the end of demonstration: Start. Flags go in front.

Blockade strings try to reach the blockade points de-escalatively

Registered manifestations will serve as secore areas of retreat. The

Police must allow access to these manifestations.

Coordination

Input of Information

Central point of collecting information from coordinators of the

blockade strings, scouts and manifestations

Overview of media coverage (Internet, Radio, TV, ...)

Processing of Information

Development of suggestions

Output of Information

Sending out suggestions via WAP, twitter, indyticker and Radio


6/16

Kommunikation

Coordination Telephone: Communication between coordinators of

blockade strings, scouts, manifestations and coordination

Information Telephone: Available for all blockade participants

(number on yers)

WAP Ticker: Available for all blockade participants

(number on yers) Radio: (frequency on yers; reception via (mobile phone)

radio / headphones)

Twitter: Available for all those with internet connection

Indy-Ticker: Available for all those with internet connection

Afnity Groups

What?

Afnity groups are groups that constitute for a single event or for a longer

period in order to commonly act more coordinated and consciously. They

group themselves for a common action. Afnity groups consist of per-

sons, which know each other, which know about each others strengths

and weaknesses and which support each other. The group is intended to

create an atmosphere of courage and to help judging ones own power.In mass actions, afnity groups are the place where decisions are taken.

The bigger councils serve for coordination and exchange of information.

Who?

The optimal size is about 6 persons. Before the action, the group should

nd a concensus about the approach, so that it can stay together during

the action. Within the group pairs, so called buddies or tandems, should

be constituted. The buddy is the person that one should especially com-

mit oneself and react to. Buddies always stay together and keep an eye

on each other.

How?

The afnity group should excercise quick decision making. Acting self-re-

sponsibly means that everyone perceives ones own limits and has them

respected by the group. If someone wants to leave the blockade in caseof an eviction, this person should not have to go alone, but be escorted by

persons from the afnity group. Take time to get to know each other and

exchange your views on how you want to behave during the action and

what you expect from your afnity group.


7/16

What to talk about in afnity groups?

Introduce yourselves to each other and exchange your

complete names, addresses (of residence) and dates of birth. In

case of repression against a group member, the other group

members will give this data to the legal team.

Make sure everyone takes an ID / passport to the action.

Talk about your motivation to take part in the action.

Talk about your past experiences, fears and expectations.

Tell each other about your limits for this action.

Carify how you want to react in case of a police exertion or aneviction.

Choose a calling name for your group.This way you wont have

to call each group member by name and youll be able to (re)

gather quickly. Avoid possible/common individual names

(Hannah, Thomas, ...) and those that could express danger

(Dogs, Police, Fire, Water Cannon, ...).

Make sure your group is represented in the delegates council.

Practise quick consensus nding.

Agree on meeting points for before, during and after the action.

Consider how to react towards people in your environment

doing things that are hardly in line with your action or your

needs during these actions.

After the action, it might be important for you to talk about your

experiences in a circle of persons you trust especially if you

were confronted with violence.


8/16

Delegates Council

The delegates council makes sure that a big group acts and decideds things to-

gether. The delegates council assesses in which areas decisions are needed,

exchanges information and possibly formulates solution proposals. Things that

consider the whole action and that cannot be decided in the afnity groups are co-

ordinated in the delegates council. Every afnity group sends one delegate to thedelegates council.

This delegate serves as a mediator to carry opinions, appraisals or decisions of the

afnity groups into the council and to take new information, decisions, opinions, etc.

back into the group (e.g. we would remain seated in case of using water cannon.).

This procedure produces a powerful action, which is based upon and supported by

all activists.

Concensus DecisionsWe want to take decisions by concensus. This will guarantee that everyone sup-

ports the action and nobody is ignored. Concensus doesnt necessarily mean that all

are of one opinion. But it always means that all are feeling O.K. about the decision

and nobodys needs are ignored.

FlashlightWhen things have to be done quickly, the ashlight round is a useful tool: One after

another says one sentence maximum. Before that, a clearly formulated question or

exclamation is needed: e.g. How do I feel in this?, Do I think I can remain seated

when water cannon is used?, Am I for directly getting onto the street?

Helpful RulesI-Language: Speak for yourself and not for others.

Listen: Let others talk to the end and try to understand them. Try to listen between

the lines what the need behind a certain position might be help each other to dothat!


9/16

Things to take with you

Valid ID card of passport

coins for public phones; telephone card

practical, impermeable clothes and rm footware

blanket, insulation mat (something you can sit on)

notebook and pen (possibly needed for a memory protocol)

rst aid kit (band aids, compresses, bandages)

food and drinks (only plastic bottles!)

mobile phone without personal contacts only save the num-

bers youll need for the action

medication that you need regularly

city map

small radio (or mobile phone with radio)

(we will have a radio station to our disposal)

cloth / hat/cap / sunglasses as protection against unwanted

photo and video documentation and coldness (mummery for

the prevention of identication by police is forbidden and can

have legal consequences)

Things not to take with you

alcohol or other drugs

everything that could be interpreted as a weapon (e.g. glass

bottles)

address books, appointment calenders contact lenses, skin cream with oil (danger of irritation in case

of pepper spray use)

ear rings, necklaces


10/16

Basic Legal Information for Blockade Workshop

Suggestions for behaviour on actions at a glance:

Ask for the legal aid teams telephone number and write it on your

arm or leg with a water-proof pen

dont take alcohol, other drugs or weapons with you

dont take address lists or other sensitive data with you

take a valid ID card or passport with you (otherwise police can take

you with them for identication)

take a piece of paper and a pen with you

(to write a memory protocol) Touching or grabbing a police ofcer can already be interpreted

as resistance agains state authorities (obstructing police ofcers in

the course of their duties). Always consider precisely what you do

and how far you want to go.

General Information

1) Distinction: Criminal Law / Administrative Law

Criminal Law

punishable actions

decision taken in court

criminal record, penal record, possible prison sentence

Administrative Law

decision taken by public authorities

ne (like for illegal parking or driving too fast)

no criminal record, no publicly visible penal record,

no prison sentence

Blockades

Simple sitting blockades, blocking roads, remaining at places of dissolvedgatherings, etc. are only violating administrative law and ARE NOT crimi-

nal acts! In the worst case you still only get a ne.


11/16

2) Spontaneious Demonstrations

Spontaneious Demonstrations are legal and are protected by the

constitutional right of freedom of assembly (= human right). They

may only be dissolved by police when public order or security is in

danger. In practice, this can be the case very quickly, e.g.

when walking on the road.

Dissolution of an assembly

If police decides to dissolve an assembly, these are the steps:

Police orders to leave the place through megaphone After a short deadline, the dissolution by police starts

Those that dont follow the police order violate administrative law

(ne), but DONT COMMIT A CRIME!

The police are not allowed to randomly use violence, but they are bound

to laws:

use of violence in a proportionate/relative way in a peaceful mass blockade, which does not use violence, police

may only carry (or in some cases push) persons away.

Hitting, kicking or using pepper spray is forbidden.

Resistance against state authorities / obstructing police ofcers in the

course of their duties

punishable criminal act!

one who obstructs police from their duties with violence or the

threat of violence

Passive Resistance (e.g. sitting blockade)

NO crime

passive remaining in a certain position

also when holding on to a trafc sign or another person

is NOT resistance against state authorities / obstructing policeofcers in the course of their duties


12/16

3) Obligation of Identication

No general obligation to carry IDs for austrian citizens

Foreign citizens must carry an ID with them

identication needs a reason

always ask ofcers WHY you should identify yourself

Police only have the right to check your identity, when a concrete reason

is existing (e.g. suspicion of violating administrative law or commitment of

a crime).

4) Service Number

You have the right to ask a police ofcers service number if you are the

person concerned of a legal act (as soon as police interact with you, this

is a legal act).

ofcers are obliged to give out their numbers, when asked

always insist on it and tell ofcers about their obligation

Exception:

Closed Unit

Multiple ofcers that act as a unit can refer to their commander / ofcer-in-

charge.

In this case: Ask ofcers for the number of the commander / ofcer-

in-charge!

5) Arrest

Your Rights:

Right of two sucessful (!) phone calls. Call the legal aid team and aperson of trust to inform the legal aid team.

Dont make any statement or testify. You have the right to refuse to

give evidence. A refusal of evidence can NOT be used against you.

Only tell your full name, date of birth and your residence address.

Duration of Arrest

violation of administrative law: max. 24 hours. You must be released

after 24 hours.

violation of criminal law: max. 48 hours. You must be released after

48 hours or a custodial judge has to decide if you are getting into

pre-trial custody.


13/16


14/16

Dealing with Media Requests

The blockades are public and announced actions. This means that

they are open for any potential participants and that we like to to medi-

ally support our legitimate concern. Because of this, blockade workshopsshould possibly take place in public space, which serves purposes of mo-

bilization as well as satisfying interested journalists.

If you hold workshops the way they are sketched in this brochure, no le-

gal problems can derive for you.

Nevertheless, should you or other workshop participants feel intimidated

by media representatives, you can still ask them to go. In this case refer

to the one workshop ofcially declared as press event (date to be issued

soon).

In general, the action concensus is our basis to respond to questions

by journalists. This means that the focus is on peaceful mass blockades

to carry out civil disobediance. Whenever informations exceed this basis,

please consider the next point:

For legal reasons, it is very important to stick to certain rules con-cerning language. Calls for criminal acts should be omitted. Saying so-

mething using the conditional form or generalised fomulations about

blockades is o.k.. We dont provide the media with information about a

concrete concept of blockade, blockade points or similar details.

When media representatives accompany blockades on-site, it crea-

tes a certain security for the activists in regard to police. Moreover, the

concept of peaceful mass blockades can better be communicated on-siteand the reason of the blockade be carried to the outside.

Invite trustworthy journalists, who are present at your workshops, to ac-

company actions. For more detailed information, give them the number of

the press mobile phone (0650/5439833) .


15/16

FAQ

What is the aim of the blockade?

Our human mass blockades aim at disposessing the bologna summit in the Hofburg of

any public legitimisation. With the concept of congested streets we will show the summit

participants what it means to be confronted with access barriers / entrance restrictions.

Where is the boundary between civil disobediance and resistance agains state au-thority / obstructing police ofcers in the course of their duties?

Civil disobediance means passive resistance. Resistance against state authority, on the

other hand, means to be accused of actively obstructing an ofcer to execute a legal act.

On a blockade, people sit passively, hooked into others and can have themselves car-

ried away (e.g. in a wet sack position) in case of an eviction. From a legal point of view,

this is no act of violence. To actively and corporally intervene agains legal acts of police

does not represent the concept of civil disobediance. The implementation of this concepts

needs a certain extent of self discipline, since also reactions in the heat of the moment

can be used as evidence against you.

What are afnity groups?

Afnity groups are groups that constitute for a single event or for a longer period in order

to commonly act more coordinated and consciously. Afnity groups consist of persons,

which know each other, which know about each others strengths and weaknesses and

which support each other.

What to do if I want to take part in a demonstration / blockade on my own?

Every single person that goes out on the street and actively advances ones own opinionis important. Just come to the demonstration and dont be shy to talk to people and get to

know them.

On other forms of actions, like blockades, it is important to have people around you that

you can trust. Thus, look out for people in advance (e.g. on the demonstration), with

whom you can form an afnity group. At least, try to nd a buddy. Approach other activists

and try to explain them the concept of afnity groups.

Who decides what is going to happen on a blockade?

Every blockade string is committed to the action consensus of Block Bologna. Beyondthat, it is self-responsible. Decisions are taken within the afnity groups and in delegates

councils. The coordination team is collecting information and passes it on. It does not

take decisions! It is important that you know your onw limites and that you communicate

them.

actively defend yourself against police acts. This includes: hitting (lashing about), kicking

or similar. In general, one should be careful about touching police ofcers.

How is communication working?

The afnity groups should have talked about as much as possible in advance. A delegate

should go to the delegates councils to pass on information and decisions. Information

on-site are usually distributed through yers, an information telephone, twitter, WAP-ticker

and radio.


16/16

How can I leave the blockade?

During a sitting blockade, one should consider well, whether to leave the chain or no. Once

hooked on to ones neighbour, leaving the chain is not possible at any time anymore and

can be problematic. If you decided to go, your immediate neighbours need to be informed.

In standing blockades, it is usefull to agree on a code word to clearly and quickly commu-

nicate leaving the chain. With this signal, the chain can be left easily and closed again in a

stressful situation.

How far do we want to go?

It always depends on the respective action and situation. Before an action takes place, you

should inform about what is (being) planned. Clarify the limits of each member of your af-

nity group.

From which point on can behaviour be legally persecuted and punished?

You can only be legally persecuted if your behaviour has included an element of crime ac-

cording to criminal law, e.g. resistance against state authorities / obstructing police ofcers

in the cause of their duties. Since it is only passive resistance in the case of civil disobedi-

ance, one is only violating administrative law. You can be persecuted for resistance against

state authorities / obstructing police ofcers in the cause of their duties, if you actively de-

fend yourself against police acts. This includes: hitting (lashing about), kicking or similar. In

general, one should be careful about touching police ofcers.

What to do in case of arrest?

Tell other activists your full name and your date of birth and, if possible, the police station

you are taken to. Ask them to inform the legal aid team. At the police station, insist on your

right to two successful phone calls and contact the legal aid team. Dont make statements

or give testimony to the police. Only tell your name, date of birth and residential address.

Dont have yourself drawn into a conversation and dont sign anything. As soon as you are

released, inform the legal aid team and start writing a memory protocol.

What kind of punishment to expect?

Civil disobediance, i.e. passive resistance, is no punishable act in the legal sense, but a

violation of administrative law. In the worst case, you can get a ne.There is no criminal record, no publicly visible penal record and no prison sentence.

Is it legally problematic to hold a blockade workshop?

To hold a blockade workshop, which informs about techniques and approaches on a gene-

ral level, is not problematic from a legal point of view. Calls for criminal acts should be omit-

ted. Make statements about blockades in the conditional form and on a general level. No

statements about concrete plans.

Is there a short version of the action concensus?We act de-escalatively. There will be no agression from us against the police. Our blocka-

des are made public, human and en-masse. It is our aim to congest the streets and to dis-

posess the summit of any public legitimisation. We therefore employ civil disobediance. We

Documents

Blockade Workshop Infos Englisch