John Bowden is a long-term prisoner who, until very recently, after 25 years in jail, was in an open prison at Castle Huntly. John has spent two years working unsupervised in the outside community as a volunteer on projects for the mentally ill and socially vulnerable, and had qualified as a literacy tutor for people with learning difficulties. For almost a year he had also been allowed frequent home leaves, he was not regarded as any form of risk to the public.

All this has recently changed though after a right-wing American social-worker accused John Bowden of having links with a ‘paramilitary’ and ‘terrorist’ organisation. This is a base and easily refuted lie. WE are the so-called ‘terrorists’, John’s friends and supporters within the Anarchist Black Cross, an entirely legitimate and perfectly legal prisoner support organisation which can trace its history back to Tsarist Russia.

John Bowden is now being punished for challenging these lies. He has been moved to ‘closed conditions’ at HMP Glenochil, and damaging allegations hang over him, which we believe are specifically designed to prejudice the parole board and prevent his release.

The Scottish Prison Service has to take responsibility for this matter, with the eyes of the world watching, it cannot continue to cover it up and bury John Bowden in maximum-security conditions. We demand a full and swift investigation and an apology for the lies that have been told.

Please come and join us outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh on Friday 25th May at 2.00pm. Bring placards and banners.

HANDS OFF JOHN BOWDEN!
NO VILIFICATION OF THE ABC