Tree Sit is Resupplied Despite Heavy Police Presence

On Tuesday a arborist hired by the University climbed into several tree sits and cut down tarps and lines as well as supplies. Th next day (February 20) people gather for a press conference and supply action. There was a large police presence and police barricades around where the supplying usually takes place. Police were on guard to keep everyone away. The press conference went ahead. One man spoke of the danger that the arborist had caused, during his quick rampage, when he cut ropes connecting the tree sits. He did not pull them down or mark them in any way. Later a tree sitter tried to go across on a rope and would have fallen if the rope had not snagged on a water jug. The speaker also pointed out how the University's spokesman claimed the action was for "health and safety" and yet endangered people's lives. Others then spoke and the tree sitters themselves, from ropes above the fence spoke about their safety concerns.

Then it was time to supply the trees. people gathered but the crowd was small and more police had come. Then tree sitters and those on the ground moved quickly to another tree that overhangs the sidewalk. Tree sitters lowered a rope and food was being attached when the police moved in. An intense scuffle began as the police tried to clear the sidewalk. People had linked arms and shouted that the University has repeatedly said, in public statements, that they are not stopping food and water from going to the tree sit (an obvious lie but useful to us). Police used pain compliance and footballer style force but after a few minutes could not break people's will to resist. The police backed off and the food and water was hauled up into the trees.

We had won again. Every time the University or police try to stop or destroy the tree sit we turn it to our advantage.

Please continue to support the tree sit. Weekly resupply actions need people on Sundays at 2:00.

For more info see: saveoaks.com