UPDATE!! Thank you so so much for everyone that’s donated we’ve smashed the target so so fast we didn’t expect it, Max is now on bail until his trial starts on January after pleading not guilty. We will leave this open until Max’s trial is over when we will find out the exact fine and legal proceedings. Anything left over will be sent towards the scotswood 3 fundraiser! Once again thank you all

Hi, I’m raising funds for my friend Max.

Max was one of four people that were arrested at a peaceful protest outside the Rafael death factory in December.

Police repression at Rafael has been unprecedented with over 15 arrests in the last 8 months alone. The heavy handed approach of Northumbria Police against peaceful protesters has not only cost the people of Newcastle over £200,000 of our tax money (according to Declassified UK) but also leaves deep economical and emotional costs for the individuals affected.

Max will need to cover fees for his first hearing (£350), and using the UK councils fine calculator, we estimate the fine will be around £275.

Max was refused legal aid so I’m asking for mutual aid because no one should pay the state out of their own pocket for protesting against a genocidal death factory that is a stain in our beloved city of Newcastle.

Max is not just my friend. He is family. As a Palestinian living in the UK, I have always struggled to express myself and feel a sense of belonging somewhere especially whilst my family have been in genocide. Max was the main person who stood by me and my family during this horrible time for us. He is loved by his many friends and family that want to see him succeed and keep doing what he’s doing to help the palestinian struggle.

If he cannot afford legal representation he will have to represent himself and will be likely to receive much harsher sentencing which will put him at risk of losing his place at university due to financial struggles. Finance is always a struggle as a student so we do not want to increase the burden financially and mentally for Max.

Me and his other friends are setting this up and are going contribute ourselves. Please help if your situation permits it, even the smallest donations will make a difference !

Thank you, Basil