Anonymous prepares for Operation Britain

HACKTIVIST GROUP Anonymous is readying for the UK part of its Occupy campaign, and has called on UK residents to join it in Operation Britain on 15 October.

The group began calling for support shortly after the Summer riots and looting in the UK, and used them as an example of the disaffection that is spreading across the country.

"The riots that we have witnessed over the last week, whilst violent and misguided, are a product of decades of neglect inflicted on your country by various governments," it said in a statement that it re-released as a reminder of its plans. "We do not condone mindless thuggery, but that does not stop us from seeing the reality behind it."

As it has in New York, and in cities across the US, Anonymous has lent its weight to the Occupy Britain campaign and in its statement it said that it sympathised with anger in the country and the desire to bat away the iron fist of the state.

"Anonymous senses your displeasure and witnesses the iron fist of the state being used more and more often to put down dissent before it begins. The law is no longer the protector of the citizens but the protector of a wealthy few from the many, who have very little. Justice has become yet another commodity that only the wealthy can afford," it said.

"We sympathise with the anger that seethes under the facade of your country's diplomatic image. It is time to take a stand and realise that solutions will not be found in today's corrupt political landscape. You should seize this opportunity to rally for freedom. Anonymous stands with you in this struggle and will fight alongside you in the battle for permanent change. Let your enemies stand forewarned."

Anonymous has not resisted attacking government and state-backed web sites in the past, but moves to hack the New York stock exchange lead to splits within the already disparate group. Whether it will hack IT systems and networks on the 15th, this coming Saturday, we don't know.

"Saturday October 15th 2011 will be your opportunity for rebellion. We call on Britain to unite and organise peacefully. Unions, anti-cuts groups, community organisations, students, activists, citizens: you know your political system is not fit for purpose. Rally your supporters and stand together in holding mass protests in your major cities," Anonymous said.

"Together you can send a powerful message to your government: you are the people of Britain and your voice WILL be heard." µ