About the campaign

The justice4bolton campaign is calling for charges against the anti-fascists arrested who demonstrated against the racist English Defence League in Bolton to be dropped.

Our steering committee

Stephen Bell, Communication Workers Union
Matt Foot, civil rights lawyer
Steve Hart, Unite the Union
Paul Mackney (campaign treasurer), former University and College Union general secretary
Anneliese Midgley, Progressive London
Sharon Russell, University and College Union

Statement

Defend the right to protest against fascists

On 20 March 2010, anti-racists and anti-fascists organised a demonstration in Bolton against the rally called by the English Defence League. The EDL has links to the fascist BNP, and is violently Islamophobic (racist against Muslims).

The anti-fascist protest, called by Unite Against Fascism, was severely disrupted by the police resulting in many injuries to demonstrators, and around 70 arrests. The police incident report indicated that only two members of the police were injured. One received a broken finger in an incident, and another was bitten by a police dog.

There is no suggestion that members of the police were assaulted by demonstrators.

However, a number of those arrested have been placed on bail, and face potential charges of “conspiracy to incite violent disorder”. Amongst those facing charges are Weyman Bennett (Joint Secretary of UAF), and Rhetta Moran (Joint Secretary of Greater Manchester UAF).

The use of conspiracy laws indicates an attempt to delegitimise protests against the rise of fascism. These laws require less proof than charges for specific incidents. This case is a threat to all who value the right to public protest. If found guilty, these activists face lengthy prison sentences.

We believe that all those who oppose the activity of the fascists must support the dropping of all charges against the anti-fascists involved in the Bolton demonstration.

>> Add your name or your organisation’s name to the statement