Trenton Oldfield was recently found guilty of “public nuisance” for disrupting the Oxbridge Boat Race in April as part of a protest against inequality and austerity.
His statement since the verdict has been: “As inequalities increase in Britain and across much of the world, so does the criminalisation of protest; my solidarity is with everyone everywhere working towards more equitable societies”.
The charges were modified from a Section 5 of the Public Order Act to the charge of “public nuisance,” which carries a maximum life sentence, as a way for the prosecution to ensure a custodial sentence. His sentencing is set for the 19th October at Isleworth Crown Court.
We stand in solidarity with Trenton and call for an end to the criminalisation of protest.
We encourage people to come and show their support for Trenton on the day of his sentencing.
We are also pleased that Trenton has also agreed to speak at our upcoming conference ‘Austerity, Injustice and the Power of Protest.’
For more info on Trenton’s case see:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19733385
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-19716315
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/sep/26/boat-race-protester-found-guilty
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