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This was a positive
demonstration by a group of a few hundred very ordinary
people. The police seemed to making an effort to speak to
the protesters and some even carefully indicated that they
did not disapprove of our cause. One senior officer actually
said that he was pleased to see the determination of the
protesters! There is however an air of menace at all times,
with the constant video surveillance and there is a general
feeling of cynicism regarding the police appproach.
During the afternoon, we
were constantly reminded of the fact that while we were
enjoying this beautiful spring-like day, hundreds of monkeys
were trapped inside tiny cages in portacabins just a few
hundred yards from where we were standing. Speakers
described the type of treatment they were likely to receive
in the not too distant future. Graphic descriptions of
experiments were read to the crowd who listened with a
mixture of sadness and anger. We know that Shamrock exists
not to further the cause of medical science, but to make
money - lots of it - for human beings. It is a
disgrace.
A few hours after they had
gathered, the demonstrators began to leave, vowing to return
again and again until Shamrock closes down.
As far as I am aware, no
arrests were made today.
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