Network for Peace

The surveillance culture in Russia is well documented. In the digital age as we see more protests on the streets of Moscow and elsewhere the FSB (the successor to the KGB) are developing new surveillance technologies. We will be joined by those involved in a new project called Russia’s Surveillance State and other experts to discuss the surveillance practices in Russia and how they are developing.

In February this year Private First Class Bradley Manning pleaded guilty to sending restricted documents to Wikileaks in violation of military regulations, making him the source of the largest intelligence leak in US history. Ahead of his trial in June we will be examining the charges he faces and the implications if he is found guilty.
http://www.frontlineclub.com/club/events/

An evening of short documentaries, from different parts of the world, covering a wide range of topics. Shorts at the Frontline Club showcases moving, striking and funny films, exploring the different faces of documentary. http://www.frontlineclub.com/shorts-at-the-frontline-club/

With Omasius Gorgut. In the face of a life defined by exploitation and suffering, the poor of the Middle Ages dreamed up a fantastical land where their sufferings were reversed; where people lived in idleness and plenty and the rich were barred. From 14th-century Europe to 20th-century USA, this dream emerges in songs, poems, folk tales. But it wasn’t just a popular fantasy – the dream was linked to the culture and tensions of the times, and time and again rebels and heretics tried to turn dream into reality. Published by Past Tense.

With guests from War Resisters’ International.
Launch of War Resisters' International's latest book, which explores the ways in which young people around the world encounter the military and military values - and are encouraged to embrace them uncritically - and how this can be challenged.

Launch event for a new SHS publication to mark the 80th anniversary of the death of Clara Zetkin, a leading figure in the German Social Democratic Party, the Spartacist League and the German Communist Party. She was the founder of the Socialist Women's International, but also a fierce critic of what she saw as the shortcomings of bourgeois feminism. Our guests discuss her legacy and its relevance.

With Sohail Daulatzai in conversation with Sukant Chandan. A discussion of US academic Daulatzai’s new book ‘Black Star, Crescent Moon’, which considers the role of Islam in traditions of resistance to, and liberation from, Western imperialism. Areas covered in the book include the impact of the Nation of Islam on Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, to cultural manifestations in hip-hop and cinema.

Come join Frack Off London for a film evening to learn more about fracking and other forms of unconventional gas extraction coming to the UK. Many of the companies bringing these destructive processes are based right here in London. Together we can stop fracking and other forms of extreme energy coming to the UK and tell these companies to "Frack Off!"

http://www.housmans.com/events.php

2013 Huddersfield Quaker Peace Lecture.

We are very pleased to announce that this year's lecture is to be given by Philip Austin, an engaging speaker with a wealth of experience in Quaker peace work in the north of Britain and beyond. It is particularly appropriate that we welcome Philip in 2013 as this year marks the centenary of NFPB (Northern Friends Peace Board), the organisation he works for.

Public Memorial Lecture in honour of Sheila Schaffer (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2010/mar/18/sheila-schaffer-obituary )

Author and journalist Victoria Brittain presents a disturbing account of how incarceration under cover of the War on Terror affects women and children in the UK.

France and the UK have agreed the Teutates Treaties to share facilities at Aldermaston and Valduc to research nuclear weapons for the next 50 years. Join Christian CND on a trip to Valduc, also visiting Paris to join the French Peace Movement's Hiroshima / Nagasaki memorial events.

Bruce Kent, former Chair and General Secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) throughout the 1980s, and formerly Chair of War on Want, wants to make the connection between the Government’s £100bn splurge on new nuclear weapons and the “savage cuts” which “hit the poorest hardest.”

With PN co-editor Milan Rai, drawing on his peace delegation to Iran in February.

Iran talk by Peace News co-editors Milan Rai and Emily Johns, drawing on their recent peace delegation to Iran. Plus exhibition.

Prospects for Peace with Iran’. With Peace News co-editors Milan Rai & Emily Johns, recently returned from a peace delegation to Iran. 7pm: Peace and Justice Centre AGM.

4th Annual Public Lecture of Grassington and District Peace Group with Skipton Quaker Meeting.
Speaker: Chris Cole, founder of ‘Drone Wars UK’

BAE Systems is on the run but we're hot on its heels.

Arms company BAE Systems would rather its shareholders weren't reminded where their profits actually come from. It is so keen to whitewash its image, that it has moved its Annual General Meeting from a prestigious venue in Westminster back to home turf in Farnborough.

They want to hide. So it's up to us to make sure they can't.

The meeting itself will take place over two days, culminating in a public event in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 18 April featuring Dr. Tad Akiba, Chairman Middle Powers Initiative, former Mayor of Hiroshima, Karipbek Kuyukov, Honorary Ambassador, ATOM Project and more. On Friday, 19 April, there is an opportunity to visit the Faslane naval base, home to Trident, the UK’s nuclear weapons system.
Register at http://www.abolition2000.org/?p=2855#more-2855

Sounds from Eastern Mediterranea, Anatolia and Middle East.

Classical Turkish ensemble.
Nihavend is a London-based group performing classical Ottoman/Turkish music since 1999.