Yorkshire anti-fascist activists will gather at Leeds Crown Court this morning when two leading BNP members arrive to face a retrial on race-hate allegations. BNP leader Nick Griffin and party activist Mark Collett have been summoned to reappear at the court, which cleared the pair of two charges back in January but failed to reach a verdict on two other indictments.
The case arose from remarks made by each individual during speeches to supporters back in 2004, which were secretly recorded by a documentary team and broadcast on national television. After describing immigrants to Britain as “cockroaches,” Mr Collett ended his address by appealing to fellow party members to “show the ethnics the door in 2004,” while Mr Griffin was filmed branding Islam a “wicked, vicious faith.”
Anti-fascist campaigners have called on local people to show their opposition to the racist politics of the BNP by rallying outside the court building this morning from 9am. Urging the largest possible turnout, Yorkshire and Humberside UAF chairman John Campbell said: “It is vital that we have a large united presence at this peaceful anti-fascist rally.”
Teaching union NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates added: “These public demonstrations against the BNP and its leaders send a clear message that the pernicious views and activities of such groups will not be tolerated. NASUWT is participating in this demonstration because those who support racist and fascist agendas must be exposed and opposed.”
Morning Star, 1 November 2006