Local Press From Newcastle to Truro, from Caernarfon to Cardiff
Prison threat finally over for Trudi Warner – August 24
See the press releaseAttorney General drops appeal bid over protester who held sign outside court
Guernsey Press Shropshire Star St Albans & Harpenden Review Kent Online Suffolk NewsWhole Truth Solidarity – August 24
Local people come together to say ‘Stop Jailing Truth Tellers’…
See the press releaseNational Week of Action – April 24
As the Solicitor General applies to commit Trudi Warner to prison, hundreds gather outside every Crown Court in England and Wales…
See the press releaseWhatever a judge demands – a right of juries to act independently – has been enshrined in English law ever since 1688. It is the power of the common people to defy the great and powerful.
Merle Gering, 76, Coventry
Trudi was arrested for silently and peacefully holding a placard stating jurors’ rights. We are here, today, in solidarity with Trudi and to alert people of the erosion of our democratic rights that is taking place before our very eyes.
Rosemary Robinson, Lincoln
A free and fair jury system is fundamental in a democracy but is under attack in Wales and England! We need juries to be fully informed about cases they are hearing… Jurors must also be free to make decisions according to their consciences. Otherwise we won’t have fair trials!
Rachel, teacher, 61, Newport
Juries’ rights are under attack. We must defend and assert their right to reach a verdict according to their conscience, not according to the whim of a judge.
Oliver Baines, farmer, Grampound
I’m taking part because I was appalled at the arrest and prosecution of Trudi Warner for holding a sign that simply stated a lawful fact – that juries can acquit defendants according to their conscience. I am also incensed by the silencing of climate protesters in general, but especially when in court they are forbidden from citing the climate catastrophe as a motivation for their actions.
Mike, 35, Nature conservationist, York
Prosecute us too
300 people write to new Solicitor General: Since you’re prosecuting Trudi Warner, you should prosecute us too. As well as being handed in at the Ministry of Justice in London, copies of the letter were posted around the country, including in Carmarthen, Cromer, Derby, Falmouth, Gloucestershire, Leamington Spa, Nottingham, Oxford, Penzance, Sheffield & Shrewsbury.
See the press release- Letters defending rights of juries sent by protesters prepared to go to prison for their actions (Shropshire Star, 5 February 24)
- Oxford residents call to be prosecuted with social worker (Oxford Mail, 6 February 24)
- Nottingham Crown Court ‘silent protestors’ ask to be prosecuted (Nottingham Post, 10 February 24)
National Day of Action – Dec 23
On 4th December 2023 an estimated 500 people gathered at more than 50 Crown Courts across England and Wales to uphold the law.
See local press coverage below, along with some quotes from those who took part; from Newcastle to Truro & Caernarfon to Cardiff.
See the press releaseI’m doing this because it’s so important that the legal system does not stop people from telling the whole truth in court, and does not stop jurors from making the decision they think is right when they have all the information. Our society often seems to allow those in power to lie with impunity, but the truth – the whole truth – ought to matter. At times like these, it is more important than ever that rights which have been enshrined in law for hundreds of years are not abandoned.
Emma Cooper, 32, from Lichfield
I think it is ridiculous for someone to be arrested and threatened with jail for holding a sign which reads the same as a plaque on the Old Bailey. I am concerned about the erosion of democracy in the UK which includes juries and the right to protest.
Sarah Michel, 44, an Interpreter from Machynlleth, Powys
My Quaker faith impels me to speak truth to power. Truth is one of six core Quaker testimonies along with equality, simplicity, peace, community and sustainability. People who serve society as jurors deserve respect and to be truthfully informed of their rights and responsibilities.
Kirsten Lavers, 62, a Quaker meeting house warden and artist
As a lawyer, I feel passionately that the role juries play in our legal system is a fundamental constitutional protection that cannot be undermined to serve political agendas. Those charged with serious crimes are entitled to have their guilt decided by a jury and not by professional judges. This right has been enshrined in British law for centuries and is an insurance that criminal law confirms to the ordinary person’s idea of what is fair and just.
Marie-Louise, 40, a solicitor from Whitley Bay
My grandfather was a high court judge and I know he would have supported my actions today. He instilled in me a sense of morality and a deep respect for our world famous British legal system. We cannot allow the centuries’ old rights of jurors to be undermined by political pressure.
Kate Griffith, 67, a retired accountancy clerk from Much Wenlock
National Day of Action – Sept 23
On 25th September 2023 over 250 people gathered outside Crown Courts across England and Wales to uphold the law.
See the press release