Martin, who is also national coordinator of Love Music Hate Racism, was arrested at last year’s protest against BNP leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on the BBC Question Time programme. Magistrates today convicted him of assault on a police officer on the word of a single police officer, despite the lack of evidence against him. He has been sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 80 hours’ unpaid work, and has been fined £450.

Mark, who spoke in support of Martin at a rally outside the court, issued an immediate rejoinder after the verdict. He said:

I am shocked at the verdict delivered in a magistrates court today, in the absence of any evidence, that Martin Smith, national co-ordinator of Love Music Hate Racism, was guilty of assault on a police officer at the demonstration outside of the BBC on 22 October 2009, against Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time.

What you can do

>> Send a message of support

>> Donate towards Martin’s fine and legal costs

Martin was present at a perfectly legitimate protest against the BBC for giving airspace to a fascist and racist organisation and their repugnant views.

The sentence of 80 hours’ community service that has been handed to Martin is a travesty of justice.

There is a danger that verdicts such as these provide encouragement for the abhorrent views of racist and fascist organisations and therefore it is crucial that across the labour movement we stand united in our condemnation of it.

At PCS we will re-double our efforts to campaign against the far right, including organisations such as the BNP and English Defence League and we will continue to support Martin and other anti fascist campaigners when they are treated in such an unjust, outrageous way.

PCS will work with UAF and LMHR to fight the far right wherever we can and also to highlight the unequal way in which anti-fascist campaigners and activists are treated in comparison with racist and fascist thugs.

Martin, who is also national coordinator of Love Music Hate Racism, was arrested at last year’s protest outside the BBC against nazi British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on question time.

Union backing

Five national trade unions gave Martin their backing ahead of his hearing, along with many other trade unionists, activists and musicians. >> Read messages of support

Around 200 demonstrators, with placards and union banners, gathered outside the court to show their support. Amid a tube strike, protestors came from across London – and included Oxford postal workers and supporters from as far afield as Manchester.

But magistrates convicted Martin on the word of a single police officer, despite the lack of evidence against him. He has been sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 80 hours’ unpaid work, and has been fined £450.

Innocent

After the verdict, Martin thanked his legal team and his many supporters. He told those gathered outside the court that he maintained his innocence:

I never did it, and everyone knows I didn’t do it. What’s really going on is they are trying to criminalise antifascist protests.

But Martin pledged to continue the struggle. To applause, he said:

I ain’t going away. I ain’t going to back down. I’m going to continue to fight against the BNP and the English Defence League. That’s my promise. They will not intimidate me or anyone else.

UAF joint secretary Weyman Bennett said:

There was no justice done today – none at all… What happened today to Martin is an insult to all of us, to everyone who wants a fairer society.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS civil servants’ union, who spoke to protesters before the hearing, described the verdict as a “travesty of justice” in a statement issued immediately afterwards.

Video: Martin speaks to supporters before his hearing.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Martin, who is also coordinator of our sister campaign Love Music Hate Racism, was arrested on last year’s demo against BNP leader Nick Griffin and has been charged with assaulting a police officer. Martin strenuously denies the charge.

UB40 said:

Hey Martin…just want to let you know that everyone here in UB40, the musicians and the road crew send their utmost respect and support to you for tomorrow. Without guys like Martin Smith, Nazi Nick Griffin has an easier time spreading his hate. It’s guys like Martin Smith that carry the banner for us all…it’s guys like Martin Smith that carry the torch that lights the way for us all….Stay strong Martin.

LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM…UB40

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday – details below. If you are unable to come, please send a message of support.

>> Send a message of support

>> Read more messages backing Martin

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

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

TUBE STRIKE: There will be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria) which is just up the road from the court. 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
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

Martin, who is also coordinator of our sister campaign Love Music Hate Racism, was arrested on the UAF protest against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearnce on the BBC’s Question Time programme last year. Martin has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.

NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney, who will speak at a protest to support Martin outside the court hearing, said:

The National Union of Teachers sends its support to Martin Smith and has full confidence in the aims of UAF and Love Music Hate Racism and support their democratic right to demonstrate.

Other trade unionists have also been lining up to back Martin. Sue Bond, vice-president of the PCS civil servants’ union, said:

I fully support Martin Smith at his hearing today. The right to promote multiculturalism and protest against fascism is fundamental to all trade unions and to all those who oppose fascism, racism and homophobia. How outrageous that Martin should be charged with protesting against the very people whose stated aim is to silence others and deny them their rights.

Speaking in a personal capacity, David Crouch, NUJ Foc at the Financial Times added:

Many journalists were concerned at the BBC’s decision to invite Nick Griffin onto Question Time. The move appeared to be a grubby attempt to boost the programme’s ratings by pandering to racism. Unite Against Fascism spoke for a significant section of the public by holding its protest at the BBC.

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday – details below. If you are unable to come, please send a message of support.

>> Send a message of support

>> Read more messages from union leaders backing Martin

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

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

TUBE STRIKE: There will be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria) which is just up the road from the court. 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
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

>> Download here

After the elections: stopping the BNP and EDL
6pm – 7.30pm
Main Hall, Mechanics Centre,
103 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD

Chair: Sabby Dhalu (UAF joint secretary)

Speakers:
Sarah Veale (TUC head of equality and employment relations)
Billy Hayes (CWU general secretary)
Matt Wrack (FBU general secretary)
Mark Serwotka (PCS general secretary)
Glyn Ford (former MEP and lifelong antifascist)
Weyman Bennett (UAF joint secretary)

Martin was arrested on the UAF protest against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearnce on the BBC’s Question Time programme last year. Martin has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.

Gary added his support to the many union leaders and public figures who are backing Martin, saying:

Martin – They used to give medals for fighting fascism. God help us when it becomes a crime.

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday – details below. If you are unable to come, please send a message of support.

>> Send a message of support

>> Read more messages from union leaders backing Martin

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

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

TUBE STRIKE: There will be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria) which is just up the road from the court. 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
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

Martin was arrested on the UAF protest against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearnce on the BBC’s Question Time programme last year. Martin has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.

Bob, whose RMT members on the London Underground begin a strike this evening, took time out to send a message backing Martin ahead of the court hearing. He said:

Martin is a principled, committed and dedicated fighter against racism and fascism and has my full support.

The picture shows Bob (wearing cap) on a Unite Against Fascism demonstration.

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday – details below. If you are unable to come, please send a message of support.

>> Send a message of support

>> Read more messages from union leaders backing Martin

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

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

TUBE STRIKE: There will be a tube strike on the day of the hearing – use Clapham Junction rail station (5 mins from Waterloo or Victoria) which is just up the road from the court. 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
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

Martin was arrested on the UAF protest against British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearnce on the BBC’s Question Time programme last year. Martin has been charged with assaulting a police officer – a charge he strenuously denies.

John Duffy, secretary of FBU Scotland, said:

The Fire Brigades Union – Scotland support Martin Smith and his right to protest. We condemn any attempt to deny Martin’s right to oppose and protest against the fascist BNP.

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday – details below. If you are unable to come, please send a message of support.

>> Send a message of support

Dundee Trades Union Council has also given Martin their backing. Dundee TUC secretary Mike Arnott said:

Dundee Trades Union Council sends its support to Martin Smith, National Organiser of UAF, pending his court case commencing Tuesday 7th September 2010. The Trades Union Council is aware that Martin faces charges arising from events surrounding the appearance of BNP scumbag Nick Griffin on BBC’s Question Time programme… and so wish him a successful outcome to the legal proceedings.

>> Read messages from union leaders backing Martin

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

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

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
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

We are urging UAF supporters to join the protest outside Martin’s hearing on Tuesday 7 September – details below.

>> Send a message of support

Here is a selection of messages of support sent in advance of the court date.

Reggae stars UB40

Hey Martin…just want to let you know that everyone here in UB40, the musicians and the road crew send their utmost respect and support to you for tomorrow. Without guys like Martin Smith, Nazi Nick Griffin has an easier time spreading his hate. It’s guys like Martin Smith that carry the banner for us all…it’s guys like Martin Smith that carry the torch that lights the way for us all….Stay strong Martin.
LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM…UB40

Guardian journalist and author Gary Younge

Martin – They used to give medals for fighting fascism. God help us when it becomes a crime.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow

Martin is a principled, committed and dedicated fighter against racism and fascism and has my full support.

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes

In recent months there have been a number of legal attacks upon anti-fascists. Those who defend multiculturalism and equal rights are being victimised, while Islamophobes and racists are being encouraged. The charges against Martin Smith should be dropped.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear

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

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka

I have known Martin for 27 years. He is a committed and principled campaigner against racism and fascism. The charge against Martin has everything to do with trying to curb the right to protest and intimidate those who are trying to combat the BNP and the racist EDL. I would urge all those who can to join the protest in support of Martin on 7 September.

NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney

The National Union of Teachers sends its support to Martin Smith and has full confidence in the aims of UAF and Love Music Hate Racism and support their democratic right to demonstrate.

PCS vice-president Sue Bond

I fully support Martin Smith at his hearing today. The right to promote multiculturalism and protest against fascism is fundamental to all trade unions and to all those who oppose fascism, racism and homophobia. How outrageous that Martin should be charged with protesting against the very people whose stated aim is to silence others and deny them their rights.

RMT London Fleet 960 branch has donated £200 towards Martin’s court costs. RMT rep Kieran Crowe says:

Our branch voted to support Martin because the authorities are soft on the BNP and EDL. It is complete hypocrisy to launch an attack on someone who is trying to defend democracy against neo-fascists. We need to defend Martin, because if we don’t, we’ll be next.

Dundee University branch UCU

The Dundee University Branch of UCU wholeheartedly and unanimously support Martin Smith in his fight to show his innocence of the charge brought against him. The very best of luck and the very best of advocacy when his case is heard. We sincerely hope his charge is laughed out of court.

Protest details

Please join us outside the court – and bring your placards and union banners.

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

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
>> Donate towards Martin’s court costs – use the button below

More union support…

Mark Serwotka will be speaking at the protest outside the court, along with NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney, Unite the union’s London and Eastern regional secretary Steve Hart and CWU head of policy Steve Bell.

Also speaking will be musician Drew McConnell of Babyshambles, former UCU general secretary Paul Mackney, Zita Holbourne, joint chair, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (Barac), Rock Against Racism founder Roger Huddle, and Love Music Hate Racism supporters The King Blues.

The demonstration was part of coordinated protests across Europe, organised by the European Network Against Racism.

Scores of Roma camps have been broken up by French police, and President Sarkozy has vowed that there will be 300 dismantled within three months. Roma people, including young children, have been forcibly deported.

‘Stop the deportations’

The London protest (see pictures below) was organised at just three days’ notice by the Irish Travellers Movement in Britain and supported by UAF. Protestors chanted “Roma rights are human rights”, “Stop the deportations” and “Sarkozy has got to go”. A delegation delivered a petition against the attacks on Roma to the French embassy.

Pics show: demonstrators with placards attacking Sarkozy and calling for equal rights for Roma. Florence (above), who is a French Roma woman, addressed the protest, as did UAF’s Simon Assaf (left).

More protests

Thousands of people marched in Paris and other French towns in protest against the government’s attacks on Roma. See this report and video from the BBC.

‘Round-ups’

In France, many antiracists have attacked Sarkozy’s brutal policy towards the Roma. One MP from Sarkozy’s own party used the term “rafles” – the French word for “roundups” – to bring home what the policy means. The word is associated with the Second World War roundup of Jews by French police on behalf of the occupying Nazis.

The new attacks on the Roma carry a frightening echo of the Holocaust, when around half a million Roma people were murdered by the Nazis alongside six million Jewish victims.

>> Read our full statement on the French expulsions