The Women Who Uncovered the Spy Cops Scandal
Learn about the ‘spycops’ scandal.
Content warning: Please note this event will deal with Police violence and State sanctioned human rights abuse.
The truth about these abusive, intrusive police units began to come to light 15 years ago. From 1968 onwards, they reported on over 1000 different campaigns and groups. Officers were deployed deep undercover, to live among those they were spying upon. They created fake cover identities and deceived women into intimate, sexual relationships.
This event will feature the Scottish premiere of a new film The Spies Who Ruined Our Lives. Online trailer at https://www.spieswhoruinedourlives.com/
For more than four decades, the police ran a covert operation spying on thousands of citizens. They reported on over 1000 political groups working for peace, animal rights, social and environmental justice. Officers were deployed for up to five years, deep undercover, using fake identities and elaborate ‘legends’ to appear to be genuine members of the groups they infiltrated. Despite being married at the time, many used their cover identities to deceive women into intimate, sexual relationships, some lasting for years and resulting in children. Some women became suspicious after their ‘partners’ disappeared without trace, and set out to find them. It is thanks to their research and dogged determination that this scandal entered the public domain 15 years ago.
In search of answers, the women campaigned for a public inquiry. The Undercover Policing inquiry is now hearing evidence. More of the ugly truth about these abusive, intrusive, undercover operations has come to light.
These officers acted with impunity; they spied on family justice campaigns; they stole the identities of dead children; they caused miscarriages of justice; they broke laws and breached human rights.
Those affected say that these abuses illustrate the institutionalised misogyny, sexism and racism that still exists in the police. The Special Demonstration Squad and its successor unit were approved at the highest levels. Successive Home Secretaries knew of their existence. However the public were deliberately kept in the dark. Join us to hear women talking about their efforts to shine a light on the ‘spycops’ scandal.
More info available from:
The Women Who Uncovered the Spy Cops Scandal
Thursday, 20th February , 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Accessibility
Glasgow Women’s Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the Mezzanine Floor. We have accessible toilets and all the bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available.
Find more information on Accessibility at GWL or contact us and we will be very happy to offer assistance.
Booking
The event is free. To attend, please book below and we will share an email invitation with you. If you would like to make a donation to Glasgow Women’s Library, you can do so when booking and we will also be taking donations at the event to the campaign groups involved.
