LMHR national coordinator Martin Smith will appeal against his conviction by magistrates for assault on a police officer. Martin, who is also a national officer of our sister campaign Unite Against Fascism, has issued a statement, thanking his supporters and confirming that he will challenge the verdict.
I would like to thank all those activists who joined the picket of my court hearing on 7 September, the hundreds of people who have sent me messages of support and all those who have made donations towards my defence campaign.
I am also very proud of the fact that five national trade unions have backed my fight for justice.
As you are probably aware, I was convicted of assault on a police officer at a protest against Nazi British National Party leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time.
I have been sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 80 hours’ unpaid work, and have been fined £450.
What you can do
I continue to maintain that I am innocent of the charges. I have also decided that I will appeal against my conviction. This has not been an easy decision – if I’m found guilty on appeal, my sentence could be increased and I could face a custodial sentence. But I am determined to clear my name.
I am not the only UAF official who has found themselves under police investigation. I hope you will now get behind the campaign to support two UAF activists, Weyman Bennett and Rhetta Moran, who face possible prosecution following the protest against the English Defence League in Bolton.
Ultimately, I believe my conviction has nothing to do with justice but is an attack on the right to protest against racism and fascism.
Once again, thank you for all your support – and I hope to see you all on the national UAF demo on Saturday 6 November.
Yours in solidarity
Martin Smith
>> Drew McConnell from Babyshambles slams verdict against ‘hero’ Martin Smith
>> Video of Martin’s speech outside the court
Pic by Kelvin Williams: Martin addresses supporters before his hearing.
Kaouther Ben nekissa said:
I need martin Smith contact number or email adresse very urgent please
tash said:
Hi Kaouther, I have already replied on another thread where you posted the same thing. If you want to contact us, you can email info@lovemusichateracism.com
We don’t give out individuals’ emails. Please send your message to the email I have given – thanks.
Kaouther Ben nekissa said:
My daughter s facing racist and bullying problem,shes 13 two of her friends they converted to a Muslim’s and they started wearing a head Scarf lake my daughter,since September 2008 shes suffering from racist and bullying behaivya from the head teacher… blaming my Sara for her two friend s for being a muslim’s this is way i need Mr Martin s contact number if he can help me.I SO him in TV shoe Arabic channel in London [Al mustakillah ]. Thank you
Kaouther Ben nekissa said:
THANKYOU
Kaouther Ben nekissa said:
I m coming whith alott of friend s on the 06 November for London March we support LOVE MUSIC HEAT RACISM. H
tash said:
Kaouther – sorry to hear about the problems you are having with racist bullying against your daughter. I’ve passed your message on to our office, who will ask someone from one of our local groups to get in touch with you to see how we can help.
Josiah said:
I want to send you love from Italy/India. I am a Indian musician living in Italy. I appreciate what you guys are trying to do I hope I can help you in someway. Let’s make our world a better world. We need love. Hate would only make us kill each other and thus exterminate humanity.
regards
Josiah