Letter to the press

Almost exactly two years ago the US - with British assistance - launched a massive assault against the Iraqi city of Fallujah. Hundreds of civilians were killed, tens of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes and white phosphorus - a substance that burns down to the bone - was used as a weapon. According to the US State Department 50% of the city's housing was severely damaged or rendered uninhabitable.

Since then the killing has continued. Indeed, according to the figures in the recent Lancet survey, _coalition_ forces have killed 186,000 Iraqis since the 2003 invasion and were responsible for over one-in-four violent deaths during the period June 2005 _ June 2006.

At 12 noon on 29 October, to mark the anniversary of the attack on Fallujah hundreds of people from around the UK will take part in an "unauthorised" 24-hour peace camp in Parliament Square as an act of civil disobedience against the occupation.

Under Section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA).
participants will be risking arrest, a criminal record and a possible £1000 fine. As organisers we will be risking a £2500 fine and a 51 week prison sentence.

The time has long since passed for those of us who oppose this war to move from dissent to nonviolent resistance. We urge you to join us.

Glenn Bassett
Steve Barnes
Gabriel Carlyle
Maya Anne Evans
David King
David Polden
Jonathan Stevenson
Sue Wood