Protesting outside Scotland Yard against police spying

Youth against Racism in Europe (YRE) organised a protest outside Scotland Yard today, demanding a genuinely independent public inquiry into the infiltration scandal; police spies tried to 'dig dirt' on Stephen Lawrence's family instead of investigating the murder of Stephen (see issue 771 of the Socialist).

There have also been revelations about police spies infiltrating anti-racist and left organisations, and even having children with protesters.

Lois Austin, chair of YRE at the time of the recently exposed infiltration, addressing the protesters, photo by N Cafferky (Click to enlarge)

YRE is demanding:

A genuinely independent public inquiry into the 'infiltration scandal' made up of democratically-elected representatives from the trade union movement and the anti-racist and environmental protest groups that have suffered infiltration
The abolition of the Territorial Support Group and other similar units
The abolition of the Special Branch, including the national public order intelligence unit and the destruction of political files and computer records not connected with criminal investigations
Repeal of all laws that trample over civil liberties, including the anti-trade union laws.

Protesting outside Scotland Yard, 9.7.13, photo N Cafferky (Click to enlarge)

Supporters of the protest included:

Youth Against Racism in Europe; Mark Serwotka PCS general secretary; Chris Baugh PCS assistant general secretary; John McInally PCS vice-president; John McDonnell MP; Steve Hedley RMT assistant general secretary; Louise Christian human rights lawyer; the National Shop Stewards Network; Jackie Green president of PCS MoJ group; Youth Fight for Jobs; Bob Crow RMT general secretary; Janice Godrich, PCS president; Zita Holbourne national co-chair BARAC UK, PCS NEC; Steve Gillan, POA general secretary (personal capacity); the Socialist Party.

For more information contact YRE, PO Box 858, London E11 1YG • 020 8558 7947 • [email protected]

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