UAF national officer Martin Smith faces a serious charge following the demo against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on the BBC’s Question Time.
Martin, a national officer of UAF and national coordinator of our sister campaign Love Music Hate Racism, was arrested on the protest and has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.
What you can do
Please support Martin by passing the model motion (below) through your trade union branch or community group and by joining us outside the court when his hearing takes place. Please bring your banners!
Don’t forget to let us know if your organisation backs the motion – email us with the name of your union branch or group or drop us a line to the postal address below.
model motion
Support Martin Smith – Defend the right to protest
This union branch/organisation notes:
1. Martin Smith, the national coordinator of Love Music Hate Racism and an officer of Unite Against Fascism, faces a serious charge following the demo against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on the BBC’s Question Time.
2. Martin was arrested on the protest and has been charged with assaulting a police officer. He strenuously denies the charge.
3. Thousands of people joined the UAF demo on 22 October last year against nazi Nick Griffin’s invitation onto the flagship Question Time programme. The demo was backed by trade unions Unite, PCS, CWU, Bectu, Aslef, TSSA, the Musicians Union and the South East Regional TUC.
This union branch/organisation agrees:
1. This case involving a leading antifascist activist could also have implications for other antifascists in future.
2. It is important to stand up for our right to protest.
This union branch/organisation resolves:
1. To support the protest outside Martin’s hearing: 9am Tuesday 7 September
South Western Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU
2. To make a donation of …… towards Martin’s court costs.
You can donate online using the button below, or send a cheque payable to Unite Against Fascism to us at: Unite Against Fascism, PO Box 36871, London WC1X 9XT.
Individual donations are also welcome
How to get to the court
Martin’s hearing is at 9am Tuesday 7 September
South Western Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU
The court is just up the road from Clapham Junction station (see map). Nearest tubes: Clapham South and Clapham Common.
UPDATE – TUBE STRIKE: There is set to be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria). Bus routes 35, 37, 39, 49, 77, 87, 156, 170, 219, 295, 319, 337, 344, 345, C3 and G1 all stop close to the court. Please allow extra time to travel by bus because it is rush hour and buses will be crowded during the strike.
Please encourage your friends and workmates to come – and bring your trade union banners!
Pic: by **EDPHOTO17**
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