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UK: Animal rights activists charged

01 March 1997

Animal rights activists together with supporters of the Green Anarchist magazine are currently facing charges of unlawfully inciting persons unknown to commit criminal damage. Not only are the persons unknown, but when and where these crimes were committed are also apparently unknown.

Simon Russell and Robin Webb, both ALF members, together with four activists from Green Anarchist, have been charged in connection with articles, internal bulletins and leaflets written in connection with their publications. In one case, that of Robin Webb, the evidence against him is based on a press release together with television and radio interviews he participated in. Charges against other defendants are based largely on the fact that they reported ALF activities without condemning them. In the words of the case summary prepared by the prosecution "there was overt incitement not only through the pages of the publications....but also through the medium of literature encouragingly reviewed by them...and further by other means such as the promotion of T-shirts and videos advocating the use of direct action."

Activists supporting the "Gandalf" campaign are claiming that what is at stake is an attack on free speech. They state that "this case is about the state not wanting the general public..to know about the abuse, corruption and exploitation carried out by them in so many areas of your lives". If convicted the defendants could face prison sentences of up to ten years.

For further information, donations and statements of support contact Gandalf Defendants Campaign, PO Box 66, Stevenage, SG1 2TR