Network for Academic and Educational Rights Action Alert in Support of Dr. Maeckelbergh

Arrest and mistreatment of US Professor of Anthropology

www.nearinternational.org/alert-detail.asp?alertid=569

A Netherlands-based US professor is accusing Belgian police of abuse during a crackdown on recent protests for migrant rights in Belgium, Red Pepper reported on 6 October 2010.

Dr Marianne Maeckelbergh, Professor in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Leiden, was arrested on 1 October whilst taking pictures of the arrest of activists taking part in the “No Borders” protest camp in Brussels. Dr Maeckelbergh had arrived to Brussels two hours before her arrest and intended to visit the camps over the weekend as part of her ongoing academic research.


She alleges that Belgian police dragged her by her hair, chained her to a radiator, kicked and spat at her, verbally abused her and threatened her with sexual assault. She has since been released. Police removed her ID card, USB stick and her camera with photos, and have thus far refused to return her property.

Dr Maeckelbergh is the author of “The Will of the Many: How the Alterglobalisation Movement is Changing the Face of Democracy”, and focuses her academic research on the anthropology of globalisation, democracy and social movements, specifically the decision making practices within the alterglobalisation movement. According to Dr Maeckelbergh, she was due to observe decision making structures within the No Borders camps on 2-3 October, but was arrested before this took place.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The No Borders Network is an association of organisations, groups and individuals that support freedom of movement and counter migration control and strict asylum and immigration policy through international border camps, demonstrations, direct action and anti-deportation campaigns.

The “No Borders Camp” in Brussels ran from 25 September to 3 October.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Please send appeals:

1. Expressing concern over the arbitrary arrest and alleged torture of Dr Marianne Maeckelbergh.

2. Calling on the Belgian authorities to investigate allegations of police brutality against Dr Marianne Maeckelbergh and other arrested activists.

3. Reminding the Belgian authorities of their obligations as a signatory of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.

APPEALS TO:

Monsiuer Yves Leterme Prime Minister
16 Rue de la Loi /Wetstraat, 1000 Brussels
sophie.pieters@premier.fed.be (secretary to the Prime Minister)
Madame Annemie Turtelboom
Minister of the Interior
2 rue de la Loi – 1000 Brussels.
min.annemie.turtelboom@ibz.fgov.be
Fax : 02 504 85 00 – 02 504 85 80

COPIES TO:
The Belgian Ambassador to your country of residence~
* For contact details for the Belgian Embassy in your country, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/embassies_and_consulates/belgian_embassies_and_consulates_abroad/index.jsp
The Ambassador of your country of residence to Belgium.
Deputy Director
Network for Education and Academic Rights
90 London Road,
SE1 9LN
London, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7021 0884
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7021 0881
contact@nearinternational.org