The National Union of Journalists is supporting UAF officer Martin Smith who is in court on Tuesday on a serious charge after last year’s protest against BNP leader Nick Griffin on Question Time.

Martin has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.

On its website, the NUJ notes:

Martin was arrested at the UAF protest at the BBC against Nick Griffin appearing on Question Time… He was being interviewed by the CBBC’s ‘Newsround’ at the time.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said:

The NUJ has worked with Martin on a number of anti-fascist campaigns and we are supporting the efforts to clear his name.

The union is backing the protest outside Martin’s hearing.

Support Martin Smith – defend the right to protest

9am Tuesday 7 September
South Western Magistrates Court, 176a Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JU
Bring your banners!

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.

>> Download leaflet here
>> Pass this model motion through your union branch
>> Send a message of support
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

The demo against Nazi Nick Griffin

Thousands of people joined the UAF demo on 22 October last year. The demo was backed by trade unions Unite, PCS, CWU, Bectu, Aslef, TSSA, the Musicians Union and the South East Regional TUC. This case involving a leading antifascist activist could also have implications for other antifascists in future.