On Tuesday 25th October I was arrested outside Downing Street for taking part in an unauthorized demonstration in a public area, namely Whitehall. As part of the 100,000 bells ceremony Milan Rai and I were reading the names of Iraqis and UK soldiers who have died in the war against Iraq. This was the third out of the four sessions we had planned.

We started just after 9 am and almost immediately attracted the attention of half a dozen police officers. A PC told me that I was protesting in a restricted area and would be arrested in the next 5 minutes unless I moved on.

My initial feelings of fear soon passed as I concentrated on the names of the UK soldiers who had been killed in action. I was fully aware that arrest was imminent, but standing outside Downing Street on a drizzly Tuesday morning seemed the least I could do.

My attention was also taken up with the action happening on the opposite side of the street. My best friend from school was filming our two person protest. Being a Nigerian Muslim her best attempts of looking inconspicuous were futile.

I felt angry that of all the people who were documenting the protest the police had picked on her to question. A ring of four officers had surrounded her. I felt powerless to do anything as they started to search her bag and take down details.

Finally the officers came back over to our side of the street and arrested us. I felt sad that we were unable to continue a peaceful and moving ceremony which paid respect to all the innocent people who have needlessly died in the war.

Sitting in the police van my moment of meditation and reflection was being interrupted by the local pop radio station. I asked my arresting officer if forcing people to listen to 'Simply Red' was a criminal offence. I received no reply. The WPC who was sat next to me moved into the 'good cop' role and asked in a friendly tone if I was a student or if I was working. I smiled and looked away.

As the arrest procedure progressed there was a change of attitude towards me. My sergeant seemed to gather more respect as the arresting officer ran through items I had been arrested with. An A1 placard explaining the 100,000 rings ceremony, a list of UK soldiers who have died in Iraq so far, leaflets explaining what we were doing and a chest sign with similar details. The incriminating evidence left no doubt that we were protesting.

The sergeant enquired what the UK soldier body count was. I told him that an estimated 100,000 Iraqis, 98 UK soldiers and 2000 US soldiers had been killed up to date. He seemed sincerely saddened and wanted to engage in an 'off the record' conversation about the situation in Iraq.

After being charged with taking part in an unauthorised demonstration in a public area I was taken away to a police cell and held for roughly 6 hours.

My experience in the cell was fairly comfortable. I read a bit of Life of Earth by David Attenborough and slept for a while. The officers accommodated my Vegan diet by bringing me rice and vegetables; they even brought me a piece of fruit that I had requested. I did a few exercises to keep my spirits going.

While signing my release form my arresting officer and sergeant quizzed me on why we had not sought the official route to hold a demonstration. I said that I didn't think I needed to ask for permission to voice my freedom of speech. It seems ludicrous that one of the most poignant spots to demonstrate against war in this country has become restricted.

The PC kindly explained to me that this new Act had been brought in to help police organise a busy area. He presented the scenario of a pro war group and an anti war group demonstrating at the same time outside Downing Street. I was asked what I thought might happen if the two groups came into conflict with one another and who would have to step in to protect my safety.

I asked the PC if I had been arrested that morning for my own safety. He confirmed this was the case.

I was given unconditional bail and told to appear in front of a magistrates Court the following week.

I was released through the back of Charing Cross Police Station at around 3pm. I felt contented that I had made an important yet small stand for all the people who have died in Iraq.

-- Maya Evans