UK Antifascist Prisoners In Need Of Support: Update

“Knowing there’s guys and girls like you on the outside supporting us makes such a difference…It’s really nice not to be forgotten and I’ll be eternally grateful to everyone.” – Ravi Gill

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Seven antifascists were recently convicted of ‘Conspiracy to Cause Violent Disorder’, with four sentenced immediately to 21 months in jail, two others sent to prison awaiting sentencing, and the other released on bail pending sentence. Four others were acquitted, while a further eleven people are due to be tried on the same charges later this year. In view of the looming second trial only limited information about the case is being released, though press restrictions have already been breached by the London Evening Standard which carried an extremely biased and inaccurate ‘report’.

The charges relate to a minor incident more than two years ago when two German neo-nazis were on their way to a London ‘Blood & Honour’ gig. This was used as a pretext to raid houses around the country and to initially arrest 23 people. While there was not even the evidence to bring charges for ‘common assault’ the State have been determined not to let the matter rest, pursuing charges of ‘Conspiracy to Cause Violent Disorder’.

In legal terms, ‘Violent Disorder’ occurs when a person’s behaviour is deemed to be of such a nature that it would cause alarm or distress to someone witnessing it, though there does not need to be any actual witness or complaint made. Conspiracy to Cause Violent Disorder is an even more nebulous concept, and those convicted so far appear to have been convicted not on the basis of any evidence, but simply on the basis of prejudice.

The six comrades currently in prison have never hid or apologised for their antifascist politics, and they now wish to be recognised and supported as antifascist prisoners. We regret that over the past couple of weeks, since the seven antifascists were convicted, we have had to FIGHT to publicise their plight, opposed by a dishonest and cowardly (or simply stupid) few, who were prepared to see them incarcerated without support. We can only hope that this campaign is now at an end.

Prison addresses for the antifascists are given below. Please write to them or send them a card. Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you would like a reply. You can also send them cash, Postal Orders (made payable to ‘The Governor’), and stationery. For advice on writing to prisoners please see the Leeds ABC website.

A solidarity fund has been set up to support the prisoners in jail and upon release. If you would like to contribute to it please send a cheque (made payable to ‘The Cable Street Society’) to Leeds ABC, 145-149 Cardigan Road, Leeds, LS6 1LJ. Details for bank transfers are: The Cable Street Society. Account Number: 0827/704 169 523. Sort Code: 07 00 93.

The Anarchist workers co-op Sabcat have also produced two benefit T-shirts in support of the imprisoned antifascists. Further details on the Sabcat website at www.sabcat.com.

La lucha continua!

Leeds Anarchist Black Cross

Andy Baker (21 months)
A5768CE
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
PO Box 757
Du Cane Rd
London
W12 OAE

Thomas Blak (Unsentenced)
A5728CE
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
PO Box 757
Du Cane Rd
London
W12 OAE

Sean Cregan (21 months)
A5769CE
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
PO Box 757
Du Cane Rd
London
W12 OAE

Phil De Sousa (21 months)
A5766CE
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
PO Box 757
Du Cane Rd
London
W12 OAE

Ravinder Gill (21 months)
A5770CE
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
PO Box 757
Du Cane Rd
London
W12 OAE

Austen Jackson (Unsentenced)
A5729CE
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
PO Box 757
Du Cane Rd
London
W12 OAE

http://leedsabc.org/