Editorial

As Howard notes in his introduction, all social movements feel fear. This is often engendered by repression. However, there are ways to overcome them. This edition of Broken Rifle looks at various experiences of fear and repression, and how they can be addressed.

Abraham and Myungjin's articles remind of us the personal implications of repression. Myungjin gives a powerful account of how he coped after an eighteen-month prison sentence in South Korea. Abraham speaks of the fear the Eritrean diaspora feels in speaking out against the regime. Members of this community find mutual support and empowerment online.

Miguel's piece also points to the use of social networking in bringing people together - in this case the 15M movement in Spain.

Will and Ruth tell us how their respective movements - in the UK and Israel - have responded to direct state repression, giving examples of investigation and infiltration.

In Christine's contribution, we read about the role of international solidarity through accompaniment. This theme continues in Hannah's article, as she explores fears she experienced as an observer in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Sarah writes about the power of international group-to-group support, in her case between Germany and Belarus.

Finally, Owen's article examines the repression that can occur within activist movements - which produces a different kind of fear.

We hope that this collection of experiences will give you ideas of how to counter fear and repression in your own contexts.

Owen Everett and Hannah Brock