Derby rebel expenses and court fees

Honest, decent, caring Derbyshire folk risk criminal convictions for exercising their democratic right to non-violent protest against inaction and woefully inadequate, often hypocritical decisions by people in positions of power and influence.

This fundraiser will be used to help pay the court costs and travel expenses of those convicted as a result of protesting against the governments £27 billion road building programme and the climate crisis. 

In September 2020 nine protesters were arrested outside the Department for Transport in London. They were charged with obstruction of the highway whilst taking part in a “die-in” to raise awareness about the deaths that will result through increased air pollution and from exacerbating the climate crisis. Of those arrested and charged three chose to plead not guilty and defend themselves in court using the defence of necessity – that their actions were to prevent a greater harm.

Two more protesters were arrested and charged for the same offence in the area around Parliament Square under the catch-all section 14 rule, which is where the police impose a blanket ban on protesters within a certain area.

These cases are presently being heard at City of London magistrates court. As expected the protesters are being found guilty and have received conditional discharges but also ordered to pay the prosecutions costs. In most of the cases the court has imposed the maximum amount which runs to several hundred pounds each.

Each of the protesters went into this with the courage of their convictions but with their eyes open and understanding the consequences of their actions. However many people have expressed a desire to show their support by helping them out financially which is why this fundraiser has been set up. Funds will be distributed in a fair and transparent process overseen by a panel of three non-arrested rebels. 

XR Derby