By Siobhan Tillett

We are living in an age of fear, where all around us are threats on our safety. From pickpockets on trains to terrorists on planes, nowhere is safe! Do not fear though, the government is watching over us.

The newest threat comes in the form of the World Wide Web; more difficult to monitor and control that anything that has gone before. The vastness creates a new problem for those protecting us and Europe has decided it must do the only thing it can, for the good of us all. To protect us from the constant ever-underlying threat, EVERYTHING will be watched.

On the 11th October, Europe and beyond protested against the growth of mass surveillance under the banner of 'Freedom not Fear 2008'. In the capital cities of over 15 European countries people converged to uniformly express their distaste for the growing infringements on personal liberty. At the core of these protests is anger at the European Union's passing of the Directive on Mandatory Retention of Communications Traffic Data.

Basically this means that ALL records of phone calls, emails and internet sessions are recorded and can be kept for up to two years. Passed by the EU in March 2006 it was required that all EU countries passed this into national law by September 2007. This hasn’t actually happened though, practical reasons along with concerns regarding the weakening of privacy laws has held back a number of countries. However others have gone beyond this so-called defense against the threat of terrorism with even stronger surveillance and control. 

Those involved in organising action against the growing ‘Big Brother’ society argue that mass surveillance threatens the fabric of democracy and open society. While our freedoms are slowly being taken away, the fear from which we are being ‘protected’ is growing thus ‘Freedom not Fear 2008’.

Various activities took place throughout Europe; many people participated in the stand against constant surveillance by giving something to watch. Prague was one such place and offered a carnival style march. Over 2,000 people joined in the parade, which started and ended at Prague Stvanice. The route circled the city though it had been altered from the original planned track, due to objections from Prague City Hall.

A plethora of colours, costumes, and sounds overwhelmed the streets. Decorated cars and vans pumping out music played Pied Piper to a mass of individuals’ egger to express their protests and listen to the funky tunes. Outfits ranged from simple fairy wings and face paint to full blown elaborate costumes and masks. There were also a few people on stilts, later seen hitching a ride on the top of a van.

The parade started around 4pm after people had gathered and spent a few hours putting the final preparations to vehicles and costumes. Then winding its way through the streets of Prague stopping regularly to convey its message and attract passers-by to the celebration of individual freedom and expression. The music rocked and the atmosphere was open and friendly, although mostly young there was a mix of ages and even those of an older more conservative generation could be seen among the party.

As the parade peacefully made its way back, the police helpfully and respectfully drew the march to a close, showing there can be protection of freedom without the need for fear.

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