The BNP leader Nick Griffin, the former Youth BNP leader Mark Collett
and BNP’s founder John Tyndall have been charged today at Halifax police
station under the section 18 of the Public Order Act which outlaws incitement
to racial hatred.
Sabby Dhalu, Joint Secretary of UAF said: ‘The BNP is not a
legitimate political party. These charges confirm our view that the main purpose
of the BNP is to peddle race hate. The BBC documentary exposed the extreme
racism and hatred of the BNP’s leading figures. Without prejudging the
outcome of the legal proceedings, we can say a strong message against racism
and hatred is being sent out.’
Weyman Bennett, Joint Secretary of UAF said: ‘This
is a significant development, which must be welcomed by all those who oppose
the fascist BNP. Nick Griffin has already once been convicted for the same
offence in 1998 and received a two-year suspended sentence. These charges
show these are not ordinary politicians with legitimate concerns: they whip
up racism and hatred against Muslims and black people. They stand for the
destruction of our democratic rights.’
Notes to editors:
Sabby Dhalu and Weyman Bennett are outside the police station where the charges
were confirmed.
For more information and interviews call Sabby Dhalu on 07949 882 609 or Weyman
Bennett on 07734 032 314