Here is an excerpt from a letter received recently by a friend of Steve Gough:
...my accommodation has been upgraded from the punishment cell out back in the cold, to one off one of the halls -- think of "Porridge", the comedy on TV, and it's not dissimilar. I've got a bit more room to walk back and forth (four steps instead of two), and there's a TV, kettle and heating.
I'm still kept separate from the rest of the inmates, only allowed out for a shower once a day. To be honest, it doesn't bother me much (isolation) as it means I have the whole cell to myself, everyone else shares, so I've got more room and I can do exactly what I want without compromise.
I wouldn't be surprised if my stay inside is for a good deal longer, maybe even stretching to years. My plan, at least for my next trial (Nov 7th Dingwall) is to again represent myself, but this time insist on my nakedness in court to the extent of refusal to cooperate if it is turned down. This runs the risk of contempt, but it's a joke for the trial to be considered fair if the judge considers it improper for the naked human body to be seen in a public place, such as the court.
I'm not interested in getting off on technical grounds, it means nothing and gets us nowhere. The acceptance of naked humans as innocent is a premise that needs to be brought into people's consciousness through acts that challenge conventions based in fear.
I saw a programme last night that documented Gandhi in his fight against the authorities in South Africa. His first stint in prison was for nine months. Even things so obviously wrong as the rights he was fighting for needed individuals prepared to suffer for their cause.
In fact, he did it with an acceptance and dignity of someone who knew that truth would win the day -- eventually. I'm convinced that what we are fighting for will also win -- we've just got to show them we are serious...
...my accommodation has been upgraded from the punishment cell out back in the cold, to one off one of the halls -- think of "Porridge", the comedy on TV, and it's not dissimilar. I've got a bit more room to walk back and forth (four steps instead of two), and there's a TV, kettle and heating.
I'm still kept separate from the rest of the inmates, only allowed out for a shower once a day. To be honest, it doesn't bother me much (isolation) as it means I have the whole cell to myself, everyone else shares, so I've got more room and I can do exactly what I want without compromise.
I wouldn't be surprised if my stay inside is for a good deal longer, maybe even stretching to years. My plan, at least for my next trial (Nov 7th Dingwall) is to again represent myself, but this time insist on my nakedness in court to the extent of refusal to cooperate if it is turned down. This runs the risk of contempt, but it's a joke for the trial to be considered fair if the judge considers it improper for the naked human body to be seen in a public place, such as the court.
I'm not interested in getting off on technical grounds, it means nothing and gets us nowhere. The acceptance of naked humans as innocent is a premise that needs to be brought into people's consciousness through acts that challenge conventions based in fear.
I saw a programme last night that documented Gandhi in his fight against the authorities in South Africa. His first stint in prison was for nine months. Even things so obviously wrong as the rights he was fighting for needed individuals prepared to suffer for their cause.
In fact, he did it with an acceptance and dignity of someone who knew that truth would win the day -- eventually. I'm convinced that what we are fighting for will also win -- we've just got to show them we are serious...
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