The small demonstration was organise by Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! and Gikder to support the campaign being organised by the Swiss trade union Unia.

Murad Akincilar is currently in prison in Istanbul. The alleged link between him and the terrorist organisation was based on his writing an article for a progressive organisation which is not banned, but which uses the same internet provider as a banned organisation. There are strong hopes that he will be released when his case comes to court today, June 3, 2010

Arrested on 30 Sept 2009, Akincilar was first brought to court four days later and remanded in custody. His treatment in prison has resulted in serious eye damage and partial blindness.

Eighteen years ago Akincilar studied for a Masters degree at the LSE and was known to some of those on the demonstration during his time here. Since 2001 he has lived in Switzerland where he has worked for the Unia, the largest and fastest growing trade union in the country with strong membership in construction, industrial and commercial sectors and has been active in campaigning for rights for migrant workers, where Unia has acheived much in improving their status and legal situation.