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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis-protest MEP elects trial by jury
Ananova
Thursday 20 Dec 2001 A Euro MP has appeared in a Stockport court on drug charges. Liberal democrat Chris Davies was arrested during a protest against Britain's laws on cannabis. He presented himself at Stockport Police Station brandishing a small amount of the prohibited drug on the back of a postage stamp. The MEP for the North West of England appeared before magistrates in the town charged with possession after he was arrested by 12 police officers during the protest. In front of a packed public gallery, Mr Davies of Greenfield in Oldham, indicated that he will plead not guilty to the charge and elected to have his case heard by a jury at Crown Court. He was remanded on unconditional bail to appear before magistrates for committal on January 29. Reporting restrictions were lifted. Outside the court, the 47-year-old MEP said he had elected trial by jury so that he could argue against Britain's disproportionate drug laws. He said: "It is not proportionate that we can buy a bottle of whisky or any other alcohol that can cause more harm to the body and to society through the violence it engenders than a small amount of cannabis consumed in coffee or cake." Davies was supported in his action by two Italian MEPs from their country's Radical Party. Outside court, Marco Cappato said: "We came here today to express our support, which is political support for Chris Davies and for his actions." Mr Cappato then became the second Euro politician within a week to be arrested for possession of the drug after he walked from the court to the adjacent police station clutching a small amount of cannabis.
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