news told direct from the streets of Falluja to the streets of Oxford

Last night, after the schnews gig, a group of people got together at OCSET (Oxford Centre for Social Empowerment and Transformation - TESCO backwards :) to discuss actions we can take to address events in Iraq, particularly in Falluja. One of the things that came out of that was the idea of reading eyewitness stories aloud.

Using a microphone and amplifier, we read Jo Wilding latest report from Falluja six times over (taking about half an hour each time) on Oxford's busiest shopping street. We took turns reading, to vary things a bit and allow people to get a rest.

We also had banners, free cake, a few leaflets, etc...

Lots of people seemed to be stopping and listening, although they didn't tend to stand around for long times. Others came to chat - most were fairly supportive, some very much so. A few arguments, as always, but very little hostility.

The report is pretty harrowing, particularly for those shopworkers who had to hear it so many times over (sorry...). But however hard it is for people, this is something that's actually happening, right now, supported by our government - so people need to hear it!

Jo's report:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/04/289171.html