In response to the Black Lives Matter protests, Northumbria Police have cracked down on anti-racists in Newcastle – arresting and harassing people, banning events and imposing bail conditions in an attempt to prohibit activists from joining anti-racist protests. FRFI supporters joined other defence campaign activists at an anti-racist event in the city centre – this is an important step in regaining the right to protest against racism in Newcastle.
Below we reprint a report from the Anti-Racism Defence:
On Saturday 18 July, defence campaign activists got together to distribute know your rights leaflets and run an open mic at Grey’s Monument, the first anti-racist event there since Northumbria Police issued consecutive notices in June banning anti-racist demonstrations in most of the city centre.
With support from homeless activists who linked the racist policing of black people to the constant police harassment of homeless people, participants spoke out against racist stop and searches, immigration raids, police harassment and the political policing of black lives matter protests in the city.
Drop all charges and draconian bail restrictions against BLM protesters!
Return all property taken from arrestees!
Stop the harassment of black activists!
No further bans or restrictions on black lives matter protests!
Sign the petition here:
Defence campaign page: www.facebook.com/ARPdefencecampaign
FRFI’s statement on the arrests: www.revolutionarycommunist.org/britain/police-prisons/5936-newcastle-arrests-northumbria-police-attack-the-right-to-protest
