GANDALF THREE FREED!

In a shock move on Friday lunchtime (27/3/98) the GANDALF 3, Saxon Wood, Noel Molland & Steve Booth were told they could pack their bags and were free to go!

Their lawyers had put in a standard bail application to push for an appeal date [still unknown]. Mr Justice Sedley signed the papers for their immediate release after they'd served four and a half months of a three year sentence.

The three UK editors were jailed for reporting the facts of direct action protests. They were sentenced under a catch-all 'conspiracy' law and found guilty of inciting 'persons unknown' by disseminating environmental and animal rights literature over a five year period - akin to a gagging order on journalists working in similar fields. This clear case of denial of free speech was not lost on Index on Censorship which reprints samples of the 'offending' copy, from the radical journal Green Anarchist (GA) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) supporters newsletter, on its website.

The move has led to hope that their convictions may be quashed. In the meantime, the trial on the same charges of Robin Webb with possibly Paul Rogers is going ahead, starting on 27th April at Portsmouth Crown Court. A demonstration will be taking place outside the court on the first day of the trial (Mon 27th Apr, 10am, Winston Churchill Plaza). [There is a pre-trial hearing on 14th April when it will be decided whether Robin & Paul will be tried together or separately]

Steve Booth told SchNEWS: "When I was told I could go the lads in the cells were cheering. People inside have a defeatist attitude - but this time it was like 'Yes! You've fought the system!'. I'm completely shocked and stunned by the whole thing. The guard said he'd never heard of this happening before. We've heard a rumour that the reason we've been let out was Amnesty in the US was about to list us as political prisoners."

"I went into prison with bar of soap, biro and toothpaste. I came out with four huge binbags of letters and books - I couldn't carry them! It shows that the campaign must have been having some success. It's not over yet. We don't know when the appeal is and its even possible there'll be a retrial. We can't let them get away with this. The conspiracy law is so bad, it's a licence to nick people. I was disappointed at lack of coverage of the case in the mainstream. Absolutely pathetic. The grassroots came through with the goods - and thank goodness for the internet."

"They've not heard the last from me - jail is no deterent. Don't do it folks! The next Lancaster Bomber, Issue 20, will be out as soon as I can do it! Thanks for all the support, letters and books. It really cheered me up and helped me through it all. "

Saxon Wood told SchNEWS: "It's very bizarre being out. I went clubbing on Saturday which startled a few friends who thought I was still locked up. I think it had become too much of a hot potato - so thanks to SchNEWS and everyone who supported me. I'm writing lots of thankyou notes - if anyone needs a spare organ they can have one of mine! Public pressure what goes us out.

"I was treated fine inside. Once people found out why I was in, they were sympathetic. They thought three years was pretty harsh for a paperboy. The whole sorry thing is not over yet. Paul & Robin still are still on trial. Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to the festivals. I'm still a Green Anarchist but maybe it's time to move into different areas. For the next few weeks I'll be running around like a headless chicken. I learnt lots of patience in prison - so certain things can go on the backburner."

Noel Molland told SchNEWS: "Within half an hour of being told I was standing outside the prison gates, totally stunned and amazed. The first person I phoned burst into tears.

"Prison was not hard, just dull and boring. My main hassle was three neo-nazi skinheads singing: ‘You’re Red, you’re Scum, you’re public enemy Number One!’ I had around two hundred supporters and I’d like to say thanks to all - it was really appreciated. Although we are physically out there are other people inside who would also appreciate letters of support.

"The judge seems to think that there are grounds to appeal the conviction, but not grounds to appeal the sentence. If they uphold the conviction on appeal we could go back inside. The whole freedom of speech and implied conspiracy is crazy. Maybe our release is the whole case starting to unravel and hopefully Robin will walk."

The freed men will now join the Liberation Tour, a speaking tour of the two outsanding defendants, Paul & Robin. Here are the dates:

• Apr 6 - Gregson Community Centre, Lancaster (7pm)
• Apr 7 - Workhouse, Worcester Goal Square, Liverpool (7pm)
• Apr 8 - Friends Meeting Hse, Manchester (7pm)
• Apr 9 - Rainbow Centre, Nottingham (7pm)
• Apr 10 - demo at Museum of Justice, Nottm (2pm)
• Apr 11 - FoE Centre, Birmingham (2pm)
• Apr 13 - E Oxford Community Centre, (7pm)
• Apr 14 - Friends Meeting Hse, Guildford (7pm)
• Apr 15 - Scots Bar, Portsmouth (7pm)
• Apr 16 - Unemployed Centre, Priory Hse, Brighton (7pm)
• Apr 17 - Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1 (6.30pm to 10.30pm)

LONDON GANDALF SUPPORT CAMPAIGN c/o London Greenpeace, Panther House,
38 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X 0AP E-mail (c/o): lgp@envirolink.org
Next meeting: Tues 28th April, 7pm, Conway Hall.