Yesterday afternoon, the London Police raided a house and confiscated thousands of dollars worth of computers and video equipment. Their justification? A single act of graffiti.

Mike Roy and Bailey Lamon are both members of The Indigants, a media collective that covers stories relevant to the marginalized and under-represented. Mike is a founding member of The Indignants, he and Bailey have traveled far and wide covering indigenous, social, environmental and animal rights issues. The Indignants is probably best known for thier breaking coverage of Occupy London Ontario, the protests around closing the Caterpillar manufacturing plant, and of IdleNoMore actions in the London area. Mike Roy and the Indignants are also contributing members of the Media Co-op.

The London police have released a statement that they are being investigated for graffiti, specifically a graffiti on a downtown building reading "I'm not just another brick in the wall". Mike Roy and Bailey Lamon are being charged with mischief and possession of "marihuana" as is a third person. The confiscation of computers and other devices was also noted in the police statement. Mike and Bailey were released this afternoon with a notice to return to court on August 18.

This fits in with a pattern in London, Ontario of persecuting activists severely for minor charges. In the lead up to the 2010 G20 protests, activists were arrested and jailed overnight for putting up posters in London, Ontario.