LDMG is dead, long live ACAB!

The demise of the Legal Defence Monitoring Group (LDMG) – the country’s longest standing defendant support organisation – left a conspicuous hole in the activist legal support apparatus that emerged from the anti poll tax campaign, Climate Camp and the 2010 student protests. While GBC and other Netpol affiliated groups continue to provide invaluable assistance to activists and campaigners of various stripes, without LDMG, there was no longer a group dedicated to supporting those facing or undergoing prosecution. Into this breach steps the Activist Court Aid Brigade or A.C.A.B for short (a lucky coincidence, we assure you).

Drawing together a wide range of people active on the far left, ACAB’s aim is to continue the work of LDMG in helping defendants navigate the intimidating complexity of the English legal system. We do so by organising defendants’ meetings; providing guidance on charges and possible defences; assisting in the construction of cases, whether or not the defendant is represented by a solicitor; providing physical and emotional support  during the course of proceedings, as well as producing useful resources such as updated versions of ‘No Comment: The Defendant’s Guide to Arrest’ and the android app ‘Bustcard.’