Hi Kelvin and the rest,
I think it is very important to support Brad, but we should not forget
about the research participants either. I think the wrong message is
send out if we only defend Brad because he is doing academic work that
is of high value, especially since he participants are involved with
this as well.
If I would write a statement, I would mention the participatory
methods used, but would stress that I do not want to create the divide
between the researcher that is more privilegded and is allowed to do
more and the 'ordinary' citizen that can get arrested and charged for
the same things.
Please go ahead with the letter of support, it is obviously completely
up to you what you write about it. The above is my reaction to what
you write, but since it is a personal letter, I can only pass this on
as a comment. If something would be written from the PyGyRg group I
would press harder for the inclusion of the things I said above.
All the best,
Sander
On 30 March 2014 19:42, Kelvin Mason <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear colleagues
>
>
>
> A good number of you will, I'm sure, be familiar with Bradley Garrett and
> his valuable work on urban exploration ( if not, you can begin to check it
> out online http://www.placehacking.co.uk/).
>
>
>
> On the 17 July 2013, Brad was arrested by British Transport Police, taken
> from a plane at Heathrow Airport in handcuffs and had his passport seized.
> British Transport Police then broke into Brad's home and confiscated
> computers, hard drives, cameras, phone and notebooks - all the research
> materials from his project. Along with eleven research participants, Brad is
> set to stand trial on 28 April 2014 charged with conspiracy to commit
> criminal damage.
>
>
>
> Brad's case obviously raises vital issue for participatory geographic
> research. Personally, I intend to write a letter of support for Brad,
> stressing - in particular - the acknowledged epistemic value of
> participatory action or deeply engaged ethnographic research and its
> significance to society.
>
>
>
> If any colleagues think they too might see their way to writing a letter of
> support for Brad from a legitimate academic standpoint, i.e. not just a
> personal message of emotional support (the law doesn't do emotion or
> personal), then I have more information on the case which I will happily
> pass on.
>
>
>
> Many thanks and best wishes
>
>
>
> Kelvin
>
>
>
>
>
> Kelvin Mason
>
> Visiting Research Associate
>
> University of Liverpool
>
> Banc y Mor
>
> Blaenplwyf
>
> Aberystwyth SY23 4DW
>
>
>
> Tel: 01970 610 185
>
> Mob: 07817 596 285
>
>
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