Justice for Mark Barnsley
A central characteristic of all recent miscarriage of justice cases in this country is that the British State is only ever forced to take responsibility for them because of embarrasing publicity brought about through a high-profile campaign. No matter how good the legal argument of a particular case, without a high-profile support campaign victims of miscarriages of injustice stay locked away and forgotten.
While many people sympathise with the plight of Mark Barnsley,
sympathy alone is not enough, only concrete support and solidarity
will make any difference in helping to overcome the judicial
nightmare that he has fallen victim to.
Support activities can take many forms, depending on a number of
factors. For example if you are the member of an existing prisoner
support organisation we hope we can count on the full
weight of that organisation's active support, but even if you
are an isolated individual living in a remote area you can still
participate in the campaign to achieve justice for Mark.
We encourage all constructive autonomous actions and initiatives
which help to highlight Mark's case (loosely translated this means
get stuck in - do your own thing - share your good ideas with us -
imagination and effort is a powerful weapon !!!!)
Oh yes - and THANK-YOU for whatever you are able to do.
Leaflet Production and Distribution
Produce a leaflet detailing Mark's case, or further copies of one of
ours. Ask us for artwork if you like. Copy art-work onto discs for
distribution. Offer the use of high-tec, low tec hardware etc.
Distribute leaflets at demonstrations and political events where
interest is most likely gigs, pubs, on the streets, or
simply to your mates.
Letters to the Press and Calls to Radio Phone-ins.
Generally or in response to a topical issue such as lenient
sentencing for violent students . Be imaginative to get Mark's case
onto the agenda. Write to political magazines.
Resolutions of support.
Trade Unions, Student Unions, tenants' assoc., political group,
or other organisation - raise Mark's case for discussion and
propose that a formal resolution of support for him is passed.
We can supply info packs and , if you require - possibly a speaker
.
Pickets and Demonstrations
Well targeted pickets like the Sheffield C.P.S. Sept 9th Day of
Action example can be effective with only a small number of people.
We can supply suggestions for targets.
Demonstrations and marches also form part of
a good high-profile stratgy and it's also worth
linking up with other demos and marches to spread solidarity and the
word about Mark's unjust imprisonment. Don't forget placards and
banners. The campaign to free Mark also fully supports national
demonstrations such as Hungry for Justice action in November 1997,
the International Prisoners Solidarity Day August 10th. Each
year and other demos. Of this type which are a good opportunity for
us all to meet together.
Messages of Support
Send messages of support to Mark Barnsley, WA2897, HMP Full
Sutton, York, YO41 1PS.
Mark writes about 20 letters a week replying to supporters, so please
try to include stamps!
Participation in Regular Campaign Activities
We are co-ordinating support action at least once a month
including mass phone-ins which usefully allow all of us to
unite in protest however far flung , isolated or few in number we
are. It is a way we can all come together using technology as a
focus. Contact Press Officer Peter Brown if you are unsure of
the next target.
Public Meetings
Organise a public meeting in your community or college etc. We may be
able to supply a speaker.
Please contact Peter Brown.
Formation of Local Groups
Where appropriate you can achieve even more by the formation of
local semi-autonomous support
groups. Let us know if you are happy to be contacted by other
supporters in your area.
Stunts
Imagination and commitment are all we ask for!
Production of Other Media
If you have access to badge-making facilities why not make some
badges - distribute them yourselves, or let us do it. All forms of
media; T-shirts, posters, graffiti, films, music, etc. will help
spread the word about Mark's wrongful imprisonment.
Please remember to keep us informed of your support activities so we can gain maximum. Coverage and also raise Mark's spirits. Send copies of any reports, articles or other coverage to Mark.
SOLIDARITY IS STRENGTH!
Thank you
Published by Mark Barnsley Support
Group