GANDALF Gets Three Years...
On Thursday 13th November the GANDALF trial resulted in 3 editors of 'Green Anarchist' magazine each being sentenced to 3 years imprisonment. The State had brought charges against the editors of Green Anarchist and the Animal Liberation Front Supporters Group Newsletter (hence 'GA aND ALF') for 'conspiracy to incite persons unknown to commit criminal damage'. one ALFSG newsletter editor was found 'not guilty' and other defendants will be tried at a later date. An appeal is being prepared.
The 3 convicted defendants had merely been publishing news of a wide range of current direct action (in the UK and in other countries) by progressive and alternative activists. The court had found this to be 'incitement': simply reporting direct action news or discussing political questions around it in abstract are now crimes, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. Passing sentence, Judge David Selwood claimed, "Those who incite such actions and who hope such actions will increase and proliferate are, at least in my view, as guilty as those who take part in violent direct action" .
Freedom of expression, association and lifestyle are supposedly guaranteed by the UN Charter but the way the conspiracy/incitement laws have been used in the GANDALF case has demonstrated how easily these rights are violated in the UK
In the wake of the trial Green Anarchist is being published as usual and some 40 alternative publications have signed up in support of Green Anarchist and carried statements condemning the GANDALF prosecution. A statement of solidarity signed by over 150 publications and individuals pointed out that, "Without a fearless and free press there can be no informed discussion and participation in public life...It is not the reporting of direct action which incites further direct action; environmental degradation, animal abuse, economic injustice, attacks on freedom, weapons exports, nuclear weapons, lack of democratic process - these, among many others, are the inciting factors."
A public organising meeting has been called by the McLibel Support Campaign and London Greenpeace for all those who wish to help defend and support the independent, radical press and to encourage successful, widespread defiance of State censorship; and to free the Gandalf 3. The meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th December, 7pm, Conway Hall, Red Lion Sq., WC2 (Holborn tube)
The GANDALF 3 need your letters and support - write to Steve Booth CK4323, Saxon Burchnall-Wood CK4322 and Noel Molland CK4321 at HMP Winchester, Romsey Road SO22 5DF