Protest against Pakistani dictator.
London – 25 January 2008
President Musharraf’s limousine was forced to halt in Park Lane, London, tonight (25 January), when human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell ran in front of his car in protest at the Pakistan dictator’s “suppression of democracy and human rights.”
The ambush happened outside the Hilton Hotel Park Lane, as the President’s motorcade drew close to the hotel, where he was scheduled to speak.
“To avert police attention, I stood inconspicuously at a bus stop reading a newspaper, waiting for Musharraf’s motorcade to arrive,” recalled Mr Tatchell.
“When the police motorcycle escorts drew level, I ran out into Park Lane and straight in front of the President’s car. It screeched to a halt.
“I unfurled a placard protesting against Musharraf’s massacre of civilians in occupied Baluchistan. The placard read:
“Stop Pakistan Massacre of Baluch people.”
“Musharraf could clearly see the placard. He did not look pleased.
“His driver tried to back up and drive around me, but I ran in front of the limousine again, forcing it to halt once more.
“I could see Musharraf shouting something at his driver. Perhaps he feared that I was an assassin or a suicide bomber.
“The limo reversed again and tried to swerve past me. I blocked it for the third time.
“Musharraf and his colleagues look very agitated.
“Eventually, police motorcycle escorts ran over and dragged me away from the bonnet of Musharraf’s vehicle.
“They pulled me across the road to the central reservation in Park Lane, where I was pinned against the railing.
“Shortly afterwards, the police let me go and I joined the main anti-Musharraf demonstration outside the Hilton Hotel, organised by lawyers protesting against the arrest of fellow lawyers and supreme court judges in Pakistan.
“Although my placard specifically condemned Musharraf’s human rights abuses in Baluchistan, I support all the people of Pakistan who are struggling against dictatorship and for democracy.
“It is shameful that the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is entertaining Musharraf at Downing Street on Monday. He is siding with a dictator against the people of Pakistan.
“Musharraf is guilty of crimes against humanity, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas in Baluchistan, using weaponry supplied by Britain and the US.
“Pakistani human rights groups say his regime practices detention without trial, torture and extra-judicial killings.
“Musharraf is a criminal. He should be arrested by the UK authorities and put on trial in The Hague,” said Mr Tatchell.
Peter Tatchell has written an article for The Guardian newspaper in London, condemning the Musharraf regime. Read it here:
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/peter_tatchell/2008/01/embracing_pakistans_dictator.html
Footnote: Peter Tatchell adds:
Friday 25 January was my 56th birthday. I have unusual ways of celebrating.
This year, after a birthday lunch with friends, I topped off the celebrations by ambushing President Musharraf’s limousine in Park Lane, as he was en route to a reception at the Hilton Hotel.
You should have seen the look on Musharaff’s face!!!!!
I think he thought I might be an assassin or a suicide bomber.
The police were angry and a bit rough when they dragged me away from Musharraf’s car. Then one laughed and said: “No, it’s not al Qaida. It’s only Peter Tatchell.”
They relaxed and let me go almost straightaway. I was expecting a night in the cells. Alas.
Mind you, several officers continuously followed me and hovered around when I joined the main anti-Musharraf protest outside the Hilton Hotel.
“We’ve been told to keep an eye on you,” one policeman advised me.
“You aren’t going to try something like that again when he (Musharraf) leaves, are you?” another queried. “Running in front of a speeding presidential limousine is quite insane. If you do it again we might have to section you under the Mental Health Act.”
I think he was joking. The police were quite friendly and good natured.
When I did eventually leave the protest, they escorted me until I was well away from the hotel and off home on my bike.
“We want to make sure you are going home. You’ve got up to enough tricks for one night,” said one of the officers.