A 70-year-old Irish granny appeared in a London court today after defying a new law banning demonstrations outside Parliament.
Ann Clancy, from Harrow, north west London, was one of 10 anti-war activists charged under a section of the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act, which prohibits organised protests within one kilometre of Westminster without police authorisation.
Ann Clancy
The controversial measure came into force at the start of August, and the protesters, including Mrs Clancy, were arrested in demonstrations in the following days.
They pleaded not guilty when they appeared at Bow Street magistrates' court in central London today and were bailed until further hearings on August 30th.
Following her brief appearance in the dock, Mrs Clancy, who is originally from Dublin, was defiant.
"I have had a good life in this country and it's very, very sad to see what is happening. This is a terrible law which is outside international law and I think it's all wrong.
"This Government is trying to bring in laws which take no account of the people. The people must have democracy. I just couldn't sit back and see what was going on," she said.
The campaigners say they were holding a civilised demonstration against the British role in the invasion of Iraq but were arrested.
The new law requires organisers of demonstrations to write to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police for permission to protest. Failing to do so carries a possible penalty of jail and a fine of up to £2,500.
One purpose of the law appears to have been to remove Brian Haw, a peace campaigner who has been camped outside Parliament since June 2001 and whose banners stretch for 60 feet outside the capital's most famous landmark.
The High Court recently found in favour of Mr Haw's contention that the legislation did not cover protests begun before August 1st this year. That has left Mr Haw (56) with the distinction of being the only person in Britain allowed to demonstrate outside Parliament without seeking permission from the police.
Today he briefly abandoned his post to support his fellow protesters at Bow Street.
PA