Activists threaten Olympic rowing
Published 15 Jan 2012 09:30
AN ACTIVIST group are threatening to sabotage the Olympic rowing at Dorney Lake with a host of bizarre stunts if local MPs don't choose to back their cause.
New Fathers 4 Justice sent letters to Windsor MP Adam Afriye and Maidenhead MP Theresa May asking them to fight their corner in the battle for equal parental rights.
However, speaking to the Observer, the group signalled their intent to wreak havoc at the region's prized Olympic venue if the MPs don't pledge their support.
Group spokesman, and former activist, Rich Addams said: "If an MP was to come out in support of our ideals then we are less likely to target their area.
"This is an ideal opportunity to embarrass the government. We have been planning this months now and we have plans at Dorney Lake which will be one of the more unusual ones that we have done."
The two main plans include dying the lake's water to their trademark purple and also sabotaging an Olympic row mid race with an activist parachuting from a hand glider.
LOCOG, the body responsible for Olympic security, said they refuse to comment on security issues.
Mr Addams added: "We are hitting this one big time - we are a direct action group and have many plans.
"If the government don't agree to give fathers more rights and equality after families break down at the end of the month then our campaign will be back in to full scale action.
"We do take into consideration the views of local MPs and that does alter things quite a bit and may sway us significantly. We have 20 possible targets during the Olympics."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The government and everyone involved is focused on delivering a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games which the whole world can enjoy. People can be reassured that the appropriate security measures are in place."
This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 15 Jan 12
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