Two key anti-racist activists are among those facing very serious “conspiracy” charges, following a demonstration in Bolton against the English Defence League – which has links to the fascist British National Party.

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, and Rhetta Moran, joint secretary of Greater Manchester UAF were both arrested on the demonstration on 20 March.

The charges they face represent a worrying use of conspiracy law against anti-racist campaigners – and could have wider implications for civil liberties and public protests. They carry substantial prison sentences. Activists arrested on the demo also face restrictive bail conditions.

Speaking shortly after the demonstration, Rhetta Moran, who was arrested while she was reading out a message of support to the demo from TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, said:

My bail conditions say I am not allowed to attend any EDL or UAF meeting or gathering anywhere until 10 May 2010. This is a gross violation of my human rights. While I was detained in Bolton police station, police took my house keys, went to my home, took papers and copied files from my computer.

Weyman Bennett was bailed on a charge of “suspicion of conspiracy to organise violent disorder”. He said:

I’ve been going on anti-racist and anti-fascist demonstrations for 30 years. It’s the first time I’ve been arrested.