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 ([email protected]) if you think you’ll be able to join us. Thanks.
Hi Mike,
I tried to write a comment under your post but couldn’t do it for some reason. Good luck on July 10–will be thinking of you. Let me know if there is anything I can do in support from ‘away.’
J
Janice Fiamengo Professor of English University of Ottawa
Sons of Feminism: Men Have Their Say. Ottawa: Little Nightingale Press, 2018. Copies available at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/Sons-Feminism-Men-Have-Their/dp/1775081303
https://www.amazon.com/Sons-Feminism-Men-Have-Their/dp/1775081303/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524596190&sr=8-1&keywords=sons+of+feminism+janice+fiamengo
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“Retain the power of speech no matter what other power you may lose … Do what you will, but speak out always. Be shunned, be hated, be ridiculed, be scared, be in doubt, but don’t be gagged. The time of trial is always. Now is the appointed time.”–John Jay Chapman, 1900
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