9-11 am Wednesday 29th January (TODAY)
>Outside the Court of Appeal, The Strand
>Nearest Tube: Holborn / Chancery Lane


>Following the disturbances whipped up by the far right in Bradford in
>2001, the Asian youths convicted of prison sentences and riot charges
>are appealing against the court's decision on Wednesday 29th and
>Thursday 30th January at the court of appeal. The sentences and charges
>were disproportionately heavier than those given to white youths
>involved in the disturbances.
>
>The fifteen cases are being co-ordinated by lawyer Imran Khan who will
>be leading the legal challenge. Lord Justice Rose and two High Court
>judges will decide whether the excessive nature of the sentences is
>justified, many of which are for terms of over four years, under the
>charge of riot. On one occasion for throwing two stones. This compares
>with sentences and charges against white youths who, in the main, were
>given community service or lenient sentences. One white youth received
>an 18-month sentence for throwing a petrol bomb and a slab of pavement
>at the police.
>
>The Families have received broad support from MPs, trade unionists and
>activists across the country. This case highlights institutional racism
>in the police, judiciary and prosecution service. For real change on the
>question of race relations in the new millennium, fair and equal
>sentencing has to be served to these families

>For more information contact Zaida Khan, Fair Justice for Campaign
>Co-ordinator, on 07814 682 399

>Denis Fernando, Co-ordinator, National Assembly Against Racism 020 7247
>9907/ 077900 022 472