On Saturday, 23rd January, a demonstration consisting of four thousand people between migrants and activists started from the “jungle”, as the Calais refugee camp is called, and headed towards the city. While protesting against racial discrimination, vouching for right to mobility, and speaking out against poor living conditions in the camp due to extreme overcrowding, the demonstration approached the port. There, it culminated as hundreds of migrants began to overcome the fences and undo the enclosures, striving for a dream: to board the “Spirit of Britain” ferry towards better chances for a dignified life.
The police, baffled by the resonance of the protest, reacted with tear gas and water cannons, and then proceeded to evacuate the ferry and carry out arrests. Thirty-five people were held in custody, including three Italian activists who reside in France. These latter activists were charged with mischief and breaching of the public order, and are now facing the risk of expulsion from the country and removal from the place where they live and work, all due to the state of emergency that is in effect. Leggi tutto “SPIRIT OF FREEDOM | Martina, Ornella, Valentina and the migrants arrested in Calais must be released immediately!”