After Brexit, fears of a sharp spike in racism and
xenophobia are sadly being confirmed. Dont just share this online, discuss it with
your mates IRL. We can’t beat the far right through ‘likes’. Lets build actual solidarity against racism. Here’s some tips for the road:
Before taking action, try and have a quick glance at escape routes and CCTV
cameras. If you have to escape, try switching some items of clothing around.
As a minimum, offer to walk someone to a place of safety if they’re the victim of abuse. Be mindful of people approaching from behind. Use
light, shadow and reflections to your advantage. If you need to wait, do it
with your back to a wall for 180° vision.
If someone makes a verbal or physical threat of racist violence,
balance that with steps to defend yourself/another against them. Legally, this is to prevent hate crime through “necessary
and reasonable” action.
This means more force might be justified against someone ‘bigger and uglier’ than yourself/another. Less force might be called for
where the assailant could be seen as physically vulnerable. This means snap-judgements
have to be made on age, for instance: the difference between a block and a strike. Intoxication either
side can also affect the verdict. Remember you will be judged by the values of
a racist justice system, not your mates.
These ideas might be applicable to countering
racist graffiti too. eg – if you regularly carry stationary with you, you might want to use a marker
pen to cross out that swastika that’s been bothering you. Using keys to deface
fascist stickers is definitely fair game.
If an intruder in your home/caravan/houseboat
threatens attack, you have greater freedom to defend yourself as long as it isn’t
“grossly disproportionate”.
If you are arrested, SAY NO COMMENT to all questions except
your name and an address. If you have injuries or medical needs tell the
station doctor in as few words as possible: they work for the cops. CALL A TRUSTED LAWYER for free rather than taking a duty solicitor. When you get out, contact GBC or LDMG for free additional specialist
legal support ASAP.
