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Why are activists pleading guilty?

activist | 17.03.2009 21:58

I'd like to hear opinions on pleading guilty

With the current climate, it'll come as no surprise when more homes are raided and more activists are put under conspiracy charges (never a definitive charge funny enough)....
I just don't understand where the resistance has gone and why more and more activists are pleading guilty or making deals on the side with the CPS.
In the long run, all this is doing is reinforcing all the negative stereotypes out there about animal liberation activists and this is no help to future activists facing charges/trial.
Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this- please discuss?
I can understand it's their liberty at hand but shouldn't that give you more reason to fight it,rather than put your hands up to a crime you didn't necessarily commit?
Let's be honest, the movement isn't just about the animals now, it's become a fight to retain our rights as well.At the end of the day, pleading guilty is saying you were wrong...wrong for the actions you made(or in some cases,didn't make)
To me it's no different from apologizing to the government or the animal abusers...

activist

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Stand Up and Be Counted

17.03.2009 23:05

A large part of the problem is crap legal advice. In a lot of Animal Rights prosecutions I believe many people are urged to plead guilty or do deals. One particular solicitor, who shall remain nameless, has been nicknamed 'Mr. Just Plead Guilty'.

I concede that Conspiracy to Blackmail is a problematic and challenging charge and has now become the government's favourite and so far most successful way of imprisoning campaigners for a very long time. However, it surely cannot be beyond the competence of those given the job of defending campaigners to win. Or is it? Although it would not be easy, perhaps the way forward is to defend oneself with the help of a McKenzie friend?



Not Guilty M'Lord!

Not Guilty