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Green & Black Cross

@gbclegal.bsky.social

450 followers 120 following 46 posts

🤝 Grassroots activist legal support group 📍 England & Cymru 👉 24/7 helpline 07946 541 511 ❌ DMs monitored sporadically - call us instead! 📍greenandblackcross.org

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Jan 25

Who are we? 🤔
✅ We are an independent grassroots group supporting social & environmental struggles in England & Wales.
✅ We are completely volunteer-run. We do this because we are also part of the struggle, not because it is our job. (1/12)

Drake hotline bling meme. Text reading "service provider with paid staff" next to drake looking away displeased. Below this there is text reading "volunteer-run grassroots group set up in the spirit of mutual aid and solidarity" next to drake smiling pleased.

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · 2d

The more they try to silence us the louder we will be!! No matter how much the media and state try to intimidate and suppress us - we have rights! Join us for a 101 training on your legal rights at protests.

📅 Tues 14th or Mon 20th Oct 18.30-20.30

➡️ Register NOW: www.greenandblackcross.org/events

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Reposted by Green & Black Cross

Stop Trump Coalition @ukstoptrump.bsky.social · 29d

Getting ready to protest against Donald Trump coming to the UK?

We are anticipating a big, safe & peaceful demonstration!

But, as always, we will look out for one another & keep each other safe!
So know your rights💪

Graphics & info from @gbclegal.bsky.social 🙏🙏

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 12

There's still time to sign up!
www.greenandblackcross.org/events

the world if everyone attends know your rights training. sci-fi image of the future with clean grass and futeristic buildings

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 11

Do you know the five key messages?✅ What to do if you're arrested or witness an arrest?✅ What some common protest offences are?✅

❌ Answered no to any of these? Join us online 6.30-8.30pm for a know your rights training

Register at www.greenandblackcross.org/events

Trainings Schedule | Green and Black Cross

www.greenandblackcross.org

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 9

Not all solicitors will have experience with laws relevant to protest as they can be quite niche or uncommon. So it's not that they're malicious or incompetent in general, it's more that it's better to ensure you get a lawyer with this experience :)

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 9

💜 YOU HAVE RIGHTS! Try and remain calm and ask for what you need e.g food or dimmed lighting. You have the right to have someone informed - inform the Protest Support Line (GBC) 07946 541 511 who can inform friends and family for you

meme: guy holding palms together. text reads "shout out to bustcards fr. gotta be one of my favourite things to keep on my pocket"

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 9

⚠️ NO CAUTION! This is an admission of guilt and goes on your permanent record. It’s an easy win for the police

🪪 You may choose to give your name, address and date of birth when being ‘booked in’ at the police station. You have the right to withhold this information but it may delay your release.

meme of guy labeled 'police liaison officer or police interviewing you in custody' leaning over to a girl at club labeled 'you (knows you don't have to answer any questions and should say 'no comment')

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 9

⚖️ NO DUTY SOLICITOR! The solicitor at the station often gives bad advice. Request a solicitor on the Bustcard e.g. ITN or Bindmans in London for free legal advice

Meme of Baritone instrument playing into a person's head. Text reading No comment, no personal details, no duty solicitor, no caution, under what power?

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Aug 9

Today is a busy day for protests! Here’s our key advice if you’re arrested:

🤫 NO COMMENT is the #1 rule! For ‘friendly chats’, in the van or in an interview just remember NO COMMENT (unless advised by a recommended solicitor to make a written statement)

NB - advice applicable in england & wales

Twitter @dawgpleasee meme
"no comment"... save me..
"no comment!"
save me "no comment!"

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Jul 11

No space is safe from the police 🐷 ! Be prepared for raids by knowing your rights 🚨

React
Authorisation
Identify
Departure
Search record

For more info visit netpol.org/2014/06/12/p...

Green background. White text. Light green chains as a border
Ready for raids
React. Turning devices completely off after use makes them harder for anyone else to access. Be a ware that destroying documents or deleting digital data could be perverting the course of justice and obstructing a police officer.
Authorisation. Check that any warrant is signed and dated in the past, and that the address is correct. If the police are entering without a warrant, check
what power authorises them to do so.
Identify police shoulder or warrant numbers and the items they seize (write a list!). Ensure you ask for a receipt and keep it safe. You may not get your stuff back but this gives you the best chance.
Departure. You or others may be leaving the premises in the back of a police van. Make sure any arrestees have a Bustcard and call the protest support line.
Search Record. Make sure you get a copy, and find out the contact details of the officer who can authorise return of items (the officer may not be present). You can also film the search as long as it doesn't obstruct the police.
More info: netpol.org/2014/06/12/police-raids/

No space is safe from the police
Police officers can force entry into premises without a warrant where they have reasonable grounds to believe that someone who has committed an indictable (serious) offence is inside in order to arrest them and seize evidence (section 17 PACE Act).

Upon arresting someone for an indictable offence, police can search the premises the arrestee was or had control over, if it’s reasonably required to obtain evidence (section 32 PACE).

Whilst someone is arrested for an indictable offence, the police can search premises an arrestee had some control over, if they have reasonable grounds to believe there is evidence. Usually this will be authorised by a senior officer (section 18 PACE).

Finally, they can enter if they have a signed warrant (Section 8 PACE) or if you give them consent (PACE code B).

*PACE is an ACT which governs search, seizure and arrest

Raids of a shared house
If you live in rented accommodation the police should not search the premises solely on the basis of your landlord’s consent. However, they can seek consent from someone who is on entitled to grant entry, such as a housemate or family member.

If they have come to arrest you, are conducting a search after your arrest, or have a warrant, they do not require consent.

They are only permitted to search areas that are reasonably required to find any evidence, unless further consent is given. This generally means a person’s room and communal spaces, however recently we’ve seen police searching everywhere including housemates’ rooms.

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Jul 7

Going on a #protest? 🪧
Not sure about your #rights or what the law says? ⚖️

We have three training dates for you this month!
GBC Know Your Rights training:

Wednesday 9th 6.30-8.30pm
Thursday 17th 6.30-8.30pm
Wednesday 30th 6.30-8.30pm

Sign up here: greenandblackcross.org/events/

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Reposted by Green & Black Cross

Netpol @netpol.org · Jul 5

Reminder: some info you might find helpful. We are putting together a more detailed Q&A in response to the many questions we've been asked and will publish this next week

Netpol @netpol.org · Jun 26

Netpol has published a guide on what the threatened ban on Palestine Action is likely to mean in practice netpol.org/2025/06/26/p...

A protester with their face covered holds a Palestine flag in each hand at a solidarity protest

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Jun 11

🚨New #Protest #KnowYourRights training available! 📢

Tuesday 17th June 6.30-8.30pm
Friday 20th June 6.30-8.30pm
Tuesday 24th June 6.30-8.30pm

Sign up here: greenandblackcross.org/events

Trainings Schedule | Green and Black Cross

greenandblackcross.org

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Apr 26

📣🎓May Know Your Rights Training Dates! greenandblackcross.org/events/
Sign up hear about:
✊your legal rights!
🚓interacting with police
👎what happens when arrested
🦺 how to keep safe, and much more!

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Reposted by Green & Black Cross

Netpol @netpol.org · Apr 18

🏳️‍⚧️KEY ADVICE FOR TRANS SOLIDARITY PROTESTS

Our 5 key messages are the same, but it can be extra important for trans folks whose name and gender might not match ID documents and who might face transphobic abuse and misgendering to know their rights when facing police.

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Apr 9

📢 There's still space on next week's free online Know Your Rights trainings - sign up at the link below and tell your friends to help keep you and your community safe at protests 👇

greenandblackcross.org/events

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Mar 26

📣🎓Sign up now for Know Your Rights trainings with vital information about your legal rights, guidance on interacting with the police whilst protesting, what happens if you get arrested, and more!

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Reposted by Green & Black Cross

Palestine Solidarity Campaign @pscupdates.bsky.social · Feb 26

If you were arrested or charged in relation to the Palestine protest on 18 January 2025, please join our meeting with legal representatives from various firms. Attendance is subject to verification, so please fill out the form below.

⏰ 5 March, 6-9pm

palestinecampaign.org/arrestee-sup...

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

In summary, see an arrest?🚨 Find out:
(A)lias or name💬
(A)dvocate- which solicitor (from bustcard)⚖️
(B)ustcard - give them one!ℹ️
(B)ase - where will they be taken?🚔
(B)rief the 5 Key messages5️⃣
(C)rime - offence at arrest⚠️
(C)all 07946 541 511☎️
(D)escription of arrestee👓
(E)vidence: witness details!👀

Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

It won’t always be possible to get all of this information and you shouldn’t put yourself at substantial risk of arrest to try and get it, just do the best you can depending on the situation! ✊

Any questions? Ring the protest support line (07946 541 511)
#KnowYourRights 7/8

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

5. ☎️ Call it into the Protest Support Line (07946 541 511) or the protest's Back Office. Share any info you collected: name, description, station, witness details, location and time of arrest. 6/8

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

4. Look around for WITNESSES 👀. If you find anyone who saw the arrest, get their contact details. Don’t post videos of people being arrested online without their permission. Encourage friends/ stewards or others to offer arrestee support - they can call the Protest Support Line for guidance. 5/8

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

3. Find out which POLICE STATION🚔 they’re being taken to. Be aware that this information may not always be accurate. 4/8

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

2. Give them a BUSTCARDℹ️, make sure it’s somewhere where it won’t fall out. Explain the 5️⃣ KEY MESSAGES and a recommended SOLICITOR⚖️ if you can and make sure they’re aware that the bustcard gives them good guidance. 3/8

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Green & Black Cross @gbclegal.bsky.social · Feb 25

1. NAME, DESCRIPTION & CRIME 💬👓⚠️
Knowing the NAME is not essential but can help to keep track of who’s been arrested. Some people may not want to disclose this. What was the CRIME they're alleged to have done? Memorising a rough DESCRIPTION of the arrestee as well as the time is also useful. 2/8

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