“Since the 2010 student demonstrations, Defend the Right to Protest, have worked tirelessly to campaign against aggressive and inflammatory policing techniques and campaign for those who were unfairly charged because they were protesting. “As many of our members were victims of violent policing, kettling and bogus or excessive criminal charges during and after the 2010 demonstration we fully support Defend the Right to Protest’s campaigns.
“We will continue to work with Defend the Right to Protest to protect our civil liberties, clear the names of unfairly charged protestors and campaign for increased accountability among the police.”
Liam Burns
NUS President
NUS President
“Defend the Right to Protest is a vital campaign helping to protect the right to protest. It has provided crucial assistance to student protestors and will continue to be important to challenge unfair policing and prosecution in the upcoming period of protest.”
Matt Foot
campaigning lawyer
campaigning lawyer
“University and college staff have a proud history of marching alongside students in defence of education. UCU stands together with all those who defend this fundamental democratic right.”
Sally Hunt
University and College Union general secretary
University and College Union general secretary
“People reacting against the Government’s austerity policies by exercising their right to protest are having the full force of the state thrown at them. The Right to Protest campaign is playing a key role in co-ordinating the defence of our democratic right to protest.”
John McDonnell
MP
“Defend The Right To Protest has been crucial in helping us build a campaign at the University of Sussex in support of Zenon who was sentenced to 15 months of prison after throwing a placard stick. The campaign put us in contact with his family and we wrote Zenon letters signed by a number of students and staff to express our solidarity whilst he was imprisoned. “Over 200 people attended an Emergency General Meeting in which we put forward a motion for our Student Union to offer its full support to the victimized students and facilitate Zenon’s reinstatement. We were also able to hold a big public meeting with over 250 people attending, defend the right to protest were crucial in providing publicity materials as well as providing speakers.”
Sonja Coquelin
Sussex University student
Sussex University student
“Defend the Right to Protest gave me great support during my trial and backed it up with helpful info throughout the whole ordeal. Much appreciated!” JJ Johnson
Activist, spoken word artist and former defendant who was acquitted by jury
Activist, spoken word artist and former defendant who was acquitted by jury
“The right to protest is an indispensible part of a civil and democratic society. “Defend the Right to Protest has worked tirelessly to support activists who have had their rights systematically violated by authoritarian and violent policing, and disproportionate sentencing in the courts.
“Defend the Right to Protest was unequivocally supportive of me when I was arrested at Fortnum & Mason and I am extremely grateful. My only regret is that the right to protest is one which must be defended from, and not protected by, the government.”
Ellie Mae O’Hagan
UK Uncut
UK Uncut
“The support of DTRTP has made all the difference to us as to many families, friends and defendants. “A court case is a gruelling experience and the waiting is the worst bit – for the case to come up, for the verdict to come through. All the way through, the solidarity and support of the campaign has been wonderful.”
Susan Matthews
Mother of Alfie Meadows and UCU member
Mother of Alfie Meadows and UCU member
“Defend the Right to Protest has supported me every step of the way, providing practical help and collective encouragement. The legal process is very isolating, and the support DTRTP has offered to me and other defendants has been essential for keeping our spirits up and feeling confident enough to fight for justice.”
Alfie Meadows
Student defendant
Alfie Meadows
Student defendant
The Right to Protest is essential for a healthy democratic society. Protest against fascism and restrictive legislation has helped to mould all that we cherish and hold dear.