UK prisoner updates

First up, some good news!
Frank Fernie, a 20 year old student from York, serving 12 months for violent disorder during the March 26 anti-cuts demo, has been released early on a 7pm to 7am home curfew.

Secondly, we have another prisoner to add to our list, that we have been in touch with for some time:
Michael Newton (A6611CE) – HMP Preston, Wing C4–17, 2 Ribbleton Lane, Preston, Lancs, PR1 5AB
Serving 12 months for a J30 action and multiple other minor charges. This anarchist from Cumbria is due out on early release on 30 December (we hope).
Shortly before being arrested, Michael had compiled a fundraising dvd for prisoner support groups. If you asked about a copy you’ll know now why you never heard back. Michael welcomes letters, posters and pictures.

We have updated our prisoner lists with this info.

Prisoner List October 2011

The latest list of ‘political prisoners’, compiled by Bristol ABC from a large number of sources, is now available.

As ever the updating of this list is a labour of love in these times of ever growing numbers of comrades sent down, as resistance mounts around the world against the horrors unleashed by the forces of capital and states everywhere. Whilst we endeavour to make sure the information is correct, we could fill a hundred pages and still not include all those who need solidarity & support – and thats without even having the confirmed info from many parts of the world. As it is, in many instances we are now putting in links to sources in other countries for you to follow yourself. Here is the list (updated 25 oct 2011):
As an open office doc – Prisoner list_Oct2011
As a pdf – Prisoner list_Oct2011

For an explanation of the need to support prisoners, and tips on writing to prisoners, see our resources page.
In solidarity with all those locked up and still struggling!

Some guides to help if you face going to prison

Being sent to prison is shit, even worse you are now a captive of one of your worst enemies, the state, so avoid it if you possibly can. But every day more people are being sent to prison, increasingly as a result of the ongoing social conflict between the bosses & politicians, and the rest of us.

Unsurprisingly therefore, the last year has seen a large growth in the number of ‘political activists’ imprisoned, as the state tries to intimidate our social movements. But don’t let the bastards grind you down. Be prepared.

Read these guides, but remember they are only guides, not the ‘law’, and the rules for courts and prisons do change all the time, often on the whim of those in authority. Read on:

A passion for freedom

Readers with an interest in the struggle against the prison society will be interested in several newly released publications with an international flavour. With an increasing number of people facing court cases and prison sentences at a time of intensifying repression, and resistance, our movements need to stand firm and not be intimidated.

First up are 2 recently published pamphlets from Leeds ABC:
A passion for freedom – an interview with Jean Weir
One of UK anarchism’s most colourful characters, Jean Weir has been an international fighter for many decades now. As anyone who has met her will know, Jean is quite capable of talking for hours about her ideas, however she generally avoids giving interviews about herself, in rejection of the cult of the personality. This pamphlet gives an insight into her ideas, beliefs and experiences abroad, including time spent in prison for her actions.

Resistance Rhymes – A Fundraiser For Bristol Defendants

The always up for it Kebele Sound Collective, in association with various itinerants & dissidents, crank up the pressure this Friday with a night of truly international (and local) rabble rousing n ranting hip hop. Profits from the gig will go towards supporting defendants in Bristol facing charges from recent street-level acts of resistance.

Support these 6 UK anti-fascist prisoners

Our friends at Leeds ABC continue to rally and facilitate support for the 6 UK anti-fascists recently imprisoned. Here’s a recent poster…

Leeds have also produced an excellent leaflet (pdf) Antifascism on trial in support of the prisoners, which looks at the original incident back in March 2009 that eventually led to the politically motivated arrest of 23 anti-fascists, and the subsequent shady activities of the police and prosecutors. Of the original 23 anti-fascists, 7 were found guilty and 6 sent to prison for 15 to 21 months. They welcome support, here’s their latest details:
Andy Baker – A5768CE, HMP Highpoint, Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk CR8 9YG
Thomas Blak – A5728CE
New Address (17/10/11): HMP Onley, Willoughby, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 8AP
Thomas is Danish and would appreciate European/International stamps to keep in touch with his family and with comrades abroad.
Sean Cregan – A5769CE, HMP Coldingley, Shaftesbury Road, Bisley, Surrey GU24 9EX
Sean can receive books (they must be new or in very good condition).
Phil De Souza – A5766CE, HMP Elmley, Eastchurch, Sheerness, Kent ME12 4AY
Ravinder Gill – A5770CE, HMP Wayland, Griston, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 6RL
Ravi can receive posters, so if you hold a support event consider sending him one in.
Austen Jackson – A5729CE, HMP Stocken, Stocken Hall Road, Stretton, Nr Oakham, Rutland LE15 7RD

Info on writing to prisoners here.