Gun Culture

Thursday, January 13, 2005

EU crushes dissent

Reproduced in full, Nikkie Sinclair’s statement regarding and incident in the EU ‘parliment’ this week

Statement by Nikki Sinclaire

As the political assistant/advisor to Mike Nattrass MEP I was present in the
European Parliament this week.

Yesterday I was assaulted by the EU Security guards while peaceably making
my views known about the proposed European Constitution. I along with
colleagues from several other countries held banners espousing ‘NO’ in
various languages. It should be noted that I was located on the 4th floor
and not in the thoroughfare of MEP’s leaving the chamber. We were previously
informed by the security that we were not permitted to display the banners
over the balconies. I decided not to antagonise the guards and display the
banner vertically in front of my 6 foot seven frame. The guards unhappy that
an alternative opinion was being espoused decided to forcibly retrieve the
banner. I was punched in the breast, pushed to the ground and kicked before
being dragged more than twenty yards along the ground by five guards. Other
female staff was also manhandled. No action was taken by persons displaying
‘YES’ banners’

I sustained several bruises and was visibly shaken. I needed medical
attention and was prescribed medication. I was initially detained but
released.

In all my years of political campaigning (21 years) I have never being
treated in such a deplorable way. It was like being transported back in time
to the days of Nazi Gestapo. It is indicative of the European Union and
their lack of tolerance for any alternative view that does not adhere to
their unrelenting, obsessive amalgamation of Europe against the will of the
people.

UKIP MEP’s including the Party Leader made points of order seeking
clarification on who ordered such heavy handed treatment. No answer was
given.

I will be making a formal complaint and considering the legal position.