TRIALS OF ANTI FASCISTS START AS OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE OF POLICE BRUTALITY AT BOLTON ANTI EDL PROTEST EMERGES
Last Updated on Thursday, 30 September 2010 11:28 Thursday, 30 September 2010 11:25
justice4bolton www.justice4bolton.org
Press release
PICTURES: 9.30 am Monday October 4th. Show of solidarity for those on trial at Bolton Magistrates' Court
TRIALS OF ANTI FASCISTS START AS OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE OF POLICE BRUTALITY AT BOLTON ANTI EDL PROTEST EMERGES
The trials of five anti fascists, arrested at the protest against the English Defence League on March 20, begin at Bolton Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 4 - as overwhelming evidence of police brutality at the demonstration emerges.
A show of solidarity is being organised by justice4bolton outside Bolton Magistrates' Court at 9.30 am on Monday, October 4. Further presences outside the court will take place on the days of the trials which are October 4th, October 5th, October 11th, October 20th and November 4th.
The five are facing prosecution for their part in opposing the racist EDL rally in Bolton on March 20. At the same time, justice4bolton has received an alarming number of reports of anti-fascist demonstrators being subject to unprovoked violence and unjustified arrest at the hands of the police on that day.
A spokesperson for justice4bolton says: "What emerges is a picture of a determined attempt to criminalise and brutalise those who protested against fascism and racism. We call on every anti-fascist and anti-racist to stand up against such oppressive tactics. We must make clear that opposing fascism and racism is not a crime."
justice4bolton says the people facing criminal prosecution in the trials taking place throughout October and November need support and urges all anti racists and anti fascists to join the show of solidarity on Monday. "We call on all those opposed to the racist EDL, which is linked to the BNP, and all those who believe that protesting against racists and fascists is not a crime to send delegations to the court and messages of support to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ."
In addition, justice4bolton believes that this pattern of police behaviour must not go unchecked and is helping to seek accountability for those who were subjected to police violence and oppression on 20 March 2010. We are asking anyone who suffered or witnessed such treatment to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible.
For more information, please contact:
Kath Grant, Press Officer, justice4bolton 07812471047