Wednesday 8 September 2010

Drew Babyshambles: disgust at verdict for ‘hero’ Martin Smith

Drew McConnell of Babyshambles has condemned a magistrates court verdict against LMHR national coordinator Martin Smith.

Martin, who is also an officer of our sister organisation Unite Against Fascism, was arrested at last year’s protest against BNP leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on the BBC Question Time programme.

Magistrates have now 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.

What you can do

>> Send a message of support

>> Donate towards Martin’s defence campaign


Protest

Drew joined the 200-strong protest outside the court to support Martin, and played Albion – with a megaphone for amplification – on the steps of the court (see video).

Longstanding LMHR supporter Drew – pictured above with Martin at last year’s LMHR festival in Stoke – slammed the verdict against Martin, saying:

Martin Smith is a hero and an inspiration to every good person who knows him. Not least the musicians who have worked alongside him in his tireless Love Music Hate Racism work. I know I speak for every artist and fan of LMHR when I say that we’re disgusted with the outcome of today’s trial.

When such a blatantly fabricated charge is upheld, one must seriously questions the motives behind those responsible. Indeed, its ramifications in light of the impending economic crisis are sinister at best. But I know this could never deter Martin from continuing to fight fascism with all of his being, or us from supporting him and the spirit of the anti-nazi movement.

YouTube Preview Image

Here’s Drew, playing live outside South Western Magistrates Court, London

1 comment

  1. Joe Norman said:

    Its f***ing sickening how people can still have these views of extreme intolerance and hatred in this day and age, and people just trying to promote love and union get convicted for shit they didn’t do!! Drew say hi to pete for me if you see this ;) x

    [slightly edited...]

    25 January 2011 at 10:19pm

Go on, say something

Drop your comment in the box below.


Search this site

Video

YouTube Preview Image

Toddla T backs LMHR!

You were saying...

  • Antonio Chana said: It was very good night. This event was proof that the Love music defeats racism.Not only did the...
  • Seamus said: Thanks for the link! For all those in London, and further, get involved on Sunday July 17th!
  • ladyofthecanyon said: Follow link to myspace to hear 2 tracks by Ciara Clifford.
  • Bunny La roche said: Well done to everyone who helped organise such a fantastic event in Ramsgate yesterday, and to...
  • Stuart said: Hi Jackie – the date is on the bottom of the post :) 9 July all day – and the evening is...

Contribute to this website