[17/09] Haren : Refusons la prison ! Soutenons la lutte !

planb

Peut-être vous souvenez-vous – ce n’est pas si lointain, août 2014 – le Nova, dans le cadre de son festival PleinOPENair, plantait son écran à Haren, à proximité d’un terrain de 18 ha destiné à accueillir le plus grand complexe pénitentiaire du pays. Au lendemain de notre passage, les tentes de militants d’ici et d’ailleurs commencèrent à se multiplier sur ce terrain sous pression carcérale. C’est ainsi que naquit la première ZAD (zone à défendre) de Belgique.

Quelques mois plus tard, associations environnementales et des droits de l’homme, criminologues, magistrats et fervents défenseurs des terres agricoles se regroupaient pour former la plate-forme contre le désastre carcéral, et la terre disputée se couvrait de champ de patates. Dans le même temps, le projet de prison connaissait quelques avancées – dont la délivrance du permis d’environnement

En septembre 2015, les forces de l’ordre expulsaient les occupants de la ZAD, portant un coup certain à la vitalité de la lutte. Mais celle-ci reprit de plus belle en démultipliant les actions, balades, rencontres festives et autres moments de débats sur la question carcérale et les alternatives.

Cette soirée est un coup de pouce à cette lutte de longue haleine. Tous les bénéfices iront directement au soutien des frais engendrés par celle-ci.
N’hésitez donc pas aussi à user et abuser de notre bar, le temps de cette soirée organisée en collaboration avec Bruxelles Laïque !
Au cinéma Nova
rue d’Arenberg 3, 1000 Bruxelles

10€ / 7,5€ (pour la soirée complète)

http://www.nova-cinema.org

PROGRAMME :

17h. FILM : L’intérêt général et moi
de Sophie Metrich & Julien Milanesi, 2015, FR, 82’, VO.

Il en est du projet de méga-prison comme il en est d’autres grands projets portés à bout de bras par les pouvoirs publics. Pour tous ceux-ci, la société civile a du mal à discerner l’intérêt général rencontré par ces infrastructures hors norme, au coût démesuré. On pense bien sûr à des projets très connus, tels l’aéroport de Notre Dame des Landes ou le barrage du Sivens, mais d’autres sont moins connus, tels le projet d’autoroute A65 Langon-Pau ou le projet ferroviaire LGV du Sud Ouest, qui questionnent l’usage d’utilité publique et démocratique des territoires. Qu’est-ce que l’intérêt général ? Qui le définit ? Sur quels fondements ? Habiter un territoire donne-t-il des droits sur son devenir ? A travers trois projets concrets, le documentaire creuse la (non)légitimité de leur conception et donne corps aux témoignages de ceux touchés dans leur quotidien par ces méga-structures.
La projection sera suivie d’une discussion avec le comité de Haren, des (anciens) occupants de la ZAD et des membres de la plate-forme contre le désastre carcéral.

19h. TABLE D’HÔTE

20h. FILM : Le Déménagement
de Catherine Richard, 2011, FR, 54’, VO.

Le déplacement des prisons, depuis le cœur de la ville vers la périphérie, relève d’un vaste mouvement qui n’est pas sans poser question sur le quotidien des détenus. Dans ce documentaire, ces derniers évoquent face caméra leurs conditions de vie, leurs attentes et leurs angoisses, avant et après le déménagement de la prison de Rennes (400 places), vers un nouveau Centre Pénitentiaire de 690 places construit en périphérie. A Rennes, l’établissement est surpeuplé et vétuste mais implanté au cœur de la ville, les détenus voient depuis leurs fenêtres “des habitations, les gens qui partent au travail” … A Vezin, situé en périphérie, les détenus ont la possibilité d’être seuls, bénéficient de douches en cellule, ont accès à des unités de vie familiale. Mais de leurs fenêtres, ils aperçoivent désormais “du béton, des grillages”. Et se plaignent d’une atomisation des relations sociales…
La projection sera suivie d’une discussion avec Catherine Rechard (la réalisatrice du film), Luk Vervaet (ancien enseignant à la prison de Saint-Gilles) et David Scheer (chercheur à l’ULB auteur de la thèse sur l’impact de l’architecture carcéral).

22h. CONCERT : Glü
Pour prolonger la soirée en musique nous avons fait appel à nos amis du groupe bruxellois Glü. Ils nous avaient déjà rendu visite en 2014 lors du PleinOPENair à Haren, pour partager avec nous leurs pulsations transes et drum’n’bass contre le projet de prison. Glü offre toujours une ouverture, un arc-en-ciel dans la noirceur de son ciel musical. Laissons-nous emporter par le gig pour percer la noirceur du monde carcéral !

Tomorrow/Demain/Morgen: Masse Critique contre le Maxi Prison (Brussels)

Ni Barreaux, Ni Beton; NON a la maxi prison! Masse Critique Vendredi 27 Mai 18h porte de Naumur (Bxl)

Enfourchez votre bicyclette pour une balade manifestive et informative contre le projet vivement contesté de maxi-prison à Haren. Le parcours depuis le centre de Bruxelles jusqu’à Haren sera ponctué de quelques étapes qui nous offriront l’occasion de s’informer sur différents aspects de ce projet pharaonique, de la lutte menée contre celui-ci et du système carcéral en général. La Masse-Critique se terminera en musique (avec Sole Doré) et en pic-nic (auberge espagnole) à Haren.

LA MAXI-PRISON EN QUELQUES CHIFFRES

  • Une capacité de 1200 détenu.e.s
  • 19 hectares de terres agricoles et de nature bétonnés
  • Un partenariat public-privé de 25 ans qui coûtera plus de 3 milliards d’euros
  • Un lieu situé loin du coeur de Bruxelles, difficilement accessible pour les familles des détenu.e.s

infos :
https://bxl.indymedia.org
http://placeovelo.collectifs.net

Summer time in Brussels

Piknik Elektronik

piknik

The PiKniK events wish to Kreate a relaxed atmosphere, positive and Kommunicative vibes as well to offer great musiK. For the young or the young at heart, for Kouples and singles, for bankers and artists -PiKniK is an event for everybody. We invite you to Kome together and to spend a joyful day with respeKt for each other.

Unfortunately, our lovely Brussels is influenced by the whims of nature. Please show understanding for that our events depend Kompletely on weather Konditions.

Therefore, please note that each PiKniK will be confirmed the Thursday preceding the event! While it is not so much the rain that frightens us, it is the risk to ruin eleKtroniK devices etc. that forces us to Kancel in case of bad weather Konditions.
However, we do hope to be able to Konfirm a maximum of events!

Here are our 5 PiKniK rules. We kindly ask you to Komply with them:

  • Join us at the bar, where an even more varied menu of drinks is waiting for you
  • Pick up your litter
  • Do not bring any glass bottles. They will be confisKated by our security staff
  • RespeKt nature and use ashtrays for your cigarette stubs
  • Stay KoolThank you very much for your inKredible energy and for your precious support!

www.pikniks.be/events

PleinOPENair

Stubborn annual urban event on the city’s sites of pain, taking place for four weekends every summer since 1997.

PleinOPENair’s brief is to explore the city’s ‘terra incognita’, liven them up by organizing an open-air cinema on site, and raise awareness about broader urban issues. Like a flag PleinOPENair plants its screen and claims the site for urban cultural and artistic activity. But cinema is only the opportunity, a wide variety of activities ranging from theatre over installation, performance, architecture, radio to new media and well beyond, have meanwhile joined the urban caravan.

A lot has changed since the first edition of PleinOPENair in 1997. The crowd of between 100 and 200 it pulled then, has now easily six folded. The themes have covered an area from “privatisation of public space” to “urban renewal.” And the sites have varied from adjacent to the Grand Place to the outer limits of the 19th century city, but it still free entrance and is still a project of urban buccaneers.

pleinopenair.nova-cinema.org
www.nova-cinema.com

Recyclart Summer

Recyclart is a non profit organisation founded in 1997 and located in the abandoned train station Brussel-Kapellekerk/Bruxelles-Chapelle, downtown Brussels. The organisation has a double, unique identity: on the one hand it’s a small multidisciplinary arts centre and on the other hand, it hosts a training centre for wood and metal construction (Fabrik) and catering (Bar Recyclart).

Recyclart develops projects in the city’s public space and in the neighbourhood thereby linking people, various media and artistic disciplines. The centre organises parties, concerts, photo exhibitions and debates and lectures on architecture, public space and design. Besides, there are 4 work and exhibition spaces that are temporarily offered to visual artists who can apply for a residency of max. 6 months.

The different spaces of the train station have been converted into a bar/restaurant, technical and artistic work spaces, a concert venue (capacity of 450 people) and offices. The nearby railway bridges function as an urban open-air gallery. The square in front of the station is home to both loungers and skateboarders, a summer terrace and open-air events.

Recyclart is inspired by the capital’s fascinating daily reality which is fed by the city’s varied cultures and communities. Being a true Belgian project, with fundings from the city and the different governments, both Dutch and French are used as official languages, among collegues and in public communication.

www.recyclart.be/nl/agenda
www.last.fm/venue/8779540+Recyclart

Cape Town best of the best

So you are in Cape Town and you’ve done everything on my Cape Town bucket list? Or you only have a few days to spare (maybe before or after AfrikaBurn) and want to spend them wisely? Cape Town is a wonderful city, I cannot disagree with those saying it’s the most beautiful city in the world, and you want the best of the best, right? Well here’s a little list for you.

  • Best pizza: Ferdinando’s pizza (84 Kloof Street)
    The restaurant named after the dog, but definitely no dog food here, delicious pizza’s in a very nice atmosphere. Before or after your dinner you might be able to catch a concert at Blah Blah Bar, at the same address.
  • Best fish&chips: Fish Hoek Fisheries (64 – 74 Main Rd, Fish Hoek)
    According to spear-fisher and free-diver Trevor Hutton the best in Town and who am I to disagree with him?
  • Best Greek restaurant: Maria’s (31 Barnet Street)
    At Dunkley Square (also home of Roxy’s) since forever, run by an AfrikaBurner for the last 20 years, lovely mezes and other Greek favourites.
  • Best Obz bar: Tagore’s (42 Trill Road, Observatory)
    Named after Rabindranath Tagore, a very soulful bar, usually packed with soulful people and soulful music, either live or DJ, just down the road from Café Ganesh, Obz’ second best bar.
  • Best silent disco: Octopus’ Garden (Main Road, St James)
    Right next to St James’ train station (between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay), except for silent disco (about once a month), also has concerts, very nice pizza, children’s play park and an AfrikaBurn vibe.
  • Best dive bar: Lefty’s (105 Harrington Street)
    Beers, ribs, in the cooler East side of town, nuff said.
  • Best yard food: The Dogs Bollocks (6 Roodehek Street)
    Lovely food, have their own craft beer, same yard as Deluxe Coffeeworks base and their Roastin’ Records shop.
  • Best drive: Kommetjie to Scarborough
    Even more beautiful than Chapman’s Peak drive if you can believe it, passing very aptly named Misty Cliffs (have only seen it sans mist a few times), drive both directions since they each have unique and breathtaking views.

Rhodes Must Fall and Khayelitsha riot

In the news today yesterday in Cape Town.

Disclaimer: I’ve only spent about 8 months in total in South Africa, so I cannot say I know South Africa or its history or culture or anything really, so this is an ignorant European’s view on the headlines today. I’ve been told it’s very European to be so politically correct. So maybe it’s a sign that I haven’t really integrated into South Africa that I start of with this disclaimer.

There had been some scuffle about Rhodes statue at the UCT (University of Cape Town) campus. Rhodes is seen as a symbol of European imperialism and keeping on honouring him with a statue isn’t right in post Apartheid South Africa, according to protesters. They are supported in this by
Julius Malema and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who became the third largest political party in South Africa at the elections last year, after the ANC, which has held an absolute majority since the first free elections and the DA, who has the majority in Cape Town.

The UCT decided to remove the statue, although this will take some time, since it’s national heritage. It will probably go to a museum. Also today some Afrikaner organisations like Front National (which I hope doesn’t have a link to the French racist party with the same name) called for respect of Afrikaner culture and heritage and against the removal of other statues like of Jan Van Riebeek. They call for respect of their culture and as a minority.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand all the cultural sensitivities of apartheid, but my impression, in comparing with the Belgian/Flemish/European context I grew up in and know well, is that while in Belgium and throughout Europe, the right and nationalist politicians ask minorities such as Muslims to integrate into Europe, and as such give up (part of) their culture, in the South African context, the white minority ask for the opposite: the right to be different, which in my very limited understanding is what Apartheid (literally apartness) stood for.

The other headline was riots after an eviction of an informal settlement in Khayelitsha. Khayelitsha is the biggest and best known township in Cape Town. Townships come in different forms, from officially allowed buildings, built of stone and with connections to electricity, water and sanitation, to shacks, built on government or privately owned land without consent. These last are regularly evicted by the police and the so called “red ants”. Here in Cape Town this is done by the DA, who has the majority and the ANC opposes it, while in other parts of the country they do exactly the same.

Here to the EFF plays a role as they stand with the squatters in saying that they have right to build houses there because there isn’t any space any more in the legal parts of Khayelitsha. Police used stun grenades and rubber bullets, the residents who only started building a few days ago and who’s unfinished buildings got torn down, threw stones at police and vehicles on the nearby highway and looted.

This is unfortunately nothing new, these confrontations between government/police who want to enforce law and discourage and remove illegal settlements and people living in shacks and trying to find a place for themselves are a recurring news item. From mu Western/European perspective it is the most visible result of the huge economic divide between almost European wealth of a (mostly, but definitely not only white) minority and the African economic conditions of a black (not just South) African majority.

What both stories show to me are the difficulties of a country where there are so many divides, in race, in culture (where Afrikaners and whites of English decent over a century after the last Anglo)Boer war still seem divided in some ways) and economic terms. Can the Rainbow Nation that Mandela put forward really work? Last year, when Madiba as South Africans lovingly call him died, radical voices pointed out that he sold out his militant ideals when he became president and made deals which opened the way for neo-liberalism.

Can all the different cultures which make up South Africa live gracefully apart? Or is that just a lighter version of apartheid and imperialism? What is the future of South Africa? Can large conflicts be avoided in a country where there is such a huge divide between a rich minority and a poor majority? Is there really a Rainbow Nation? And if not, what is the alternative? South Africa has a lot of questions,

This weekend: Inauguration of the ZAD…

This weekend: Inauguration of the ZAD Keelbeek in Haren (Brussels)http://dia.so/12y

After the potatoes, then the cabin and its neighbors, a party and meetings, yards, a yurt, tents and a visit to a future expulsion … Still no prison! We won’t let go! Come join us from 13 to 14 December! For one night, a few hours, for a time, for long!

Where is it?How do I get there?Learn More

#ZAD #Keelbeek #Haren #Brussels #Belgium #PataZAD #occupy #resist

Ce weekend: Inauguration de la ZAD du…

Ce weekend: Inauguration de la ZAD du Keelbeekhttp://haren.luttespaysannes.be/evenement/inauguration-de-la-zad-du-keelbeek

Après les Patates, puis la cabane et ses voisines, une fête et des rencontres, des chantiers, des Tentes une Yourte, et une visite pour une future expulsion…Toujours pas de prison !
On lâche rien ! Venez nous rejoindre les 13 et 14 ! Pour un soir, quelques heures, pour un temps, pour longtemps !

C’est ou?Se rendre sur le terrainSavoir plus

#ZAD #Keelbeek #Haren #Bruxelles #Belgique #PataZAD #occupy #resist

Dit weekend: Inwijding van de ZAD van…

Dit weekend: Inwijding van de ZAD van de Keelbeek te Harenhttp://haren.luttespaysannes.be/evenement/inwijding-van-de-zad-van-de

Na de Aardappelen, de cabane en haar buren, een feest en ontmoetingen, werven, tenten, een yourt en een bezoek voor een nakende uitzetting…. Nog steeds geen gevangenis ! We lossen niks ! Kom ons vervoegen op 13 en 14 december. Voor een avond, enkele uren, voor een tijdje, voor een lange tijd !

Waar is het?Hoe geraak ik er?Meer weten

#ZAD #Keelbeek #Haren #Brussel #België #PataZAD #occupy #resist

Watching “Miners Shot Down”

Watching Miners Shot Down and it’s giving me goosebumps. After spending 7 months in South Africa I feel I’ve only scratched at the surface, only started to understand this country in all it’s complexity. It is not black and white, it is much more intricate than that. The role of Cyril Ramaphosa in the Marikana story is but one example of this. It is strange to notice how much I feel for South Africa and hope the people can overcome the great challenges of inequality, poverty, violence, corruption. Even in this documentary about one of the darkest and saddest episodes in South Africa’s recent history, somehow I see glimpses of hope that South Africans can overcome these problems.

The gentrification of Woodstock

As a European who lived in Woodstock and wrote with so much praise about it, I guess I am also part of the gentrification process. I don’t have the money to buy a house there, not even with my Euro’s, but I’ll probably still be able to afford rent, unlike families who have lived there for generations and are thrown out because they cannot pay the higher rents and are forced to live in Blikkiesdorp or other settlements. Or how gentrification is extra harsh in South Africa, compared to in Europe