HJA represents Space Hijackers at G20 demo

The prosecution of the G20 protestors – one big April Fools?

3^rd September 2009

The decision has been made to prosecute the peaceful activist artists the Space Hijackers for impersonating the police on 1^st April 2009 at the G20 Summit demonstrations. Eleven people attended the City of London Magistrates’ Court this morning. They all pleaded not guilty. A trial date has been set for 8^th – 11^th February 2010.

It is alleged that the group entered the City of London wearing police uniforms in an armoured personnel carrier with the intention to deceive the public into believing that they were members of the Police force. The Space Hijackers vehemently deny any intent to deceive or that they had any sinister motives.

The Space Hijackers describe themselves as ‘Anarchitects’ and that their aim is to challenge and provoke discussion through peaceful public performance. A spokesperson for Space Hijackers said "We are shocked and appalled by the behaviour of the Police on the day both towards us and others. We don’t feel that we were arrested because the officers honestly believed that we were impersonating the Police but because we were becoming a thorn in their side.”

Raj Chada of Hodge Jones Allen LLP, representing the defendants, said "The Space Hijackers were protesting entirely peacefully. In light of the numerous allegations of violence and misconduct against the police that have marred the event, perhaps the biggest joke is the decision to prosecute those peaceful protestors playing loud music and wearing fancy dress."

The Space Hijackers have every confidence in winning their case and welcome the opportunity to encourage further scrutiny of the policing of the event itself. The Space Hijackers will vigorously defend the charges and their legal team invites assistance from any witnesses who saw the defendants on 1 April 2009. Please contact Mr Chada of Hodge Jones & Allen LLP, London. rchada@hja.net or 020 7874 8300.

A further three people who were also arrested for separate Public Order offences at the G20 protests also appeared in the same court today. They are also being represented by Hodge Jones & Allen LLP.