On 1 June, 2016, I was arrested in Parliament Square for (allegedly) obstructing the public highway during a protest about the CPS / police not prosecuting the criminals who carry out Male Genital Mutilation on male minors, a crime under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. My thanks to Ewan Jones and Mike P for the video (14:52) they recorded in Parliament Square and, earlier in the day, outside the Home Office (the department to which the police report).
The CPS decided to bring a prosecution for obstructing the highway, and despite a very solid defence (thanks to our legal advisor, Ian) I was convicted by a female judge at Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court. I appealed to Isleworth Crown Court, where a male judge declined to overturn the conviction. So I appealed to the High Court, based in The Strand, London (photo at the top of this post).
I recently heard that my appeal will be heard by two judges on 10 July, 2018 – 10 days before the start of the conference. A few supporters have said they’ll join me in support, It would be good to have more, with people holding placards, handing out leaflets etc. I shall learn the court number and the time of the hearing at 14:30 on Monday. Please contact me (mike@j4mb.org.uk) if you think you’ll be able to join us. Thanks.