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Protesters occupy BBC over Gaza appeal
Kiran Randhawa27.01.09
HUNDREDS of people are sending their television licences to the BBC today in protest over its refusal to air an emergency appeal for Gaza.
Stop the War Coalition has been inundated with emails from licence payers who are making a stand against the corporation's decision by demanding refunds for paying the licence fee.
The move follows a string of demonstrations nationwide, including a sit-in at Broadcasting House by anti-war protesters.
Around 15 students, members of the School of Oriental and African Studies' branch of Stop the War Coalition, occupied the reception area of the BBC building in White City and demanded to speak to a senior member of the corporation.
They were part of a crowd of protesters outside the building waving a banner reading "Hands off Gaza", decorated with blood-red handprints. They chanted: "BBC - shame on you."
A number of them set fire to their television licences while a line of police officers guarded the entrance to the building.
ITV, Channel 4 and Five all showed the televised appeal, made by the Disasters Emergency Committee, last night.
Chris Nineham, a Stop the War Coalition officer, was among those who burnt their licences. He said: "We're hoping the BBC are going to change their decision."
The protests came as more than 100 MPs signed an early day motion criticising the BBC and Sky News for refusing to show the appeal.
Reader views (17)
this is not a matter concerned with saving the world, it is a matter concerned with civillians being killed, yes Hamas was democratically elected, but let the fighters do the fighting and the others who have no choice but to remain where they are, should not be subject to white phusphrus bombs and blocades on their food
With the help of the DEC there wil be more chance of supplies being able to help cilvillian so they can help themselves.
- Wendy, Manchester UK
Unbelievable.
The BBC's stance is that they are avoiding bias in what they consider to be 'political' issue.
And then we have left wing students 'occupying' the BBC. I think the protestors have just 'proved' that the BBC was correct all along.
This is followed by 100 MPs signing a petition. Again, 'political pressure'.
Clearly, those who disagree with the BBC cannot see the BBC's stance here.
- George, London
The left wing tree huggers will never be happy... Police not be a lot tougher on these idiots who bore us with this mindless nonsense about saving the world!!! I am GLAD the BBC and SKY aren't stupid enough to side and enter into this pointless debate.
- Adam James, Melksham, UK
Fully support the BBC and Sky's decision not to show a propaganda appeal on behalf of a the terrorists of Hamas. The Gaza Palestinians voted for Hamas now live with it!!. The Palestinians of the West Bank don't have the same problems, as they elected a responsible and realist government in President Abbass and the Fatah party. The Gaza Palestinians need to start supporting themselves and stop being the worlds most professional scroungers and beggers. Israel has no interest in Gaza territory so there shouldn't be any further conflicts.
- Pat, South of England
To Bob of Cheam - Too right! I wish there was a device whereby my set could be tuned to receive everything BUT the BBC's dire offerings.
To R Barker of London - sadly, I believe you are spot on too!
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx
So the Blair Broadcasting Corporation won't support aid for a nation run by a terrorist government, what a surprise.
Talking of which I see Blair has obviously done a great job as middle east peace envoy. No doubt he will run away from that job before the real crisis hits, a bit like he did with his last job.
- Tom, Watford (UK)
Completely agree with this story - TV tax should be scrapped NOW
- Taxfeetv, London
The BBC and Sky should be congratulated by everyone. Through their "stance" more people have been alerted to the appeal than if they had quietly gone ahead and broadcast it. I for one would never have seen nor heard of it without this publicity, not that I am going to give anything.
- Dereck, London, England
I could understand it if it people were sending back their licenses for the dreadful quality of BBC programmes but to ask them to compromise their impartiality seems a bit brainless.
- Bob, Cheam
Have people really got nothing better to do with their hollow lives than add negative comments to an online article while others go out to protest against the bbc's inhumanity?
- A, London, UK
The BBC have the complete right not to show the appeal. Let the middle eastern countries deal with there problem. Does the majority of people in this country really care what happens in Gaza. i know, that i do not................
- Jonny, London
End the occupation!
Freedom for the BBC!
- Todd Swift, Maida Vale
Oh please. instead of protesting about the fact that the bbc wont show the appeal, why not donate money off your own backside and actually protest against the violence itself.
- Natty, London
The BBC has the right in a free country to decide what it broadcasts
- James, Maidenhead U.K.
Fully against the BBC showing the appeal. The Saudis and other Middle Eastern governments have more than enough money to throw away in support of terrorist organisations. The monies will only be used to buy more rockets and ensure the cycle of violence continues.
- R Barker, London, UK
Personally I'm glad they are not broadcasting it, and SKY.
- P Staker, London
Have people really got nothing better to do with their hollow lives than stand outside the BBC ranting?
- Steve, London
