SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 19/11/05
MSP Sheridan arrested after peaceful direct action
Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan was today arrested along with
one other protestor following peaceful direct action at the immigration
office, Brand Street, Glasgow that succeeded in preventing any dawn raids by
Home Office immigration officers.
Those taking part included Paddy Hill, founder of the Miscarriages of
Justice campaign MOJO.
Tommy was arrested just as the demonstration was ending and following a
short speech in which he thanked the police for the way they had handled the
protest.
Tommy was charged with breach of the peace and was taken to Helen Street
police station.
Protesters who witnessed the arrest said that it was completely unnecessary
and questioned why Sheridan had been picked out for arrest given that he was
only one of approximately 40 people who had attended the event including
Paddy Hill and a Church of Scotland minister.
Before his arrest Tommy had said;
"People are being removed from their homes in disgraceful dawn raids with
children being dragged out of bed in their night clothes and deported.
"I as an ordinary human being think that is unacceptable in the 21st century
and we're calling for a more humane immigration service at the very least.
"We are hopefully going to stop any dawn raids today - that's what our
target is."
