charged in the events. Socialist Challenge: How Wally charged since 11 April? people have been Winston Castello: So far, 285 and this is likely to grow; more •CUle Have been arrested in the last two days.
The police have set surveillance equipment in BrixLUll video cameras focussed on various key areas, to help the work of their snatch squads.
SC: What charges have been laid?
WC: Most of the charges so far Ilavc been for threatening behaviour, burglary, and so on, but l've across serious charge where a mother said that her son had been charged with arson, which carries a very heavy sentence.
The background to charge is quite interesting: this guy claimed that what happenwas that was driving down Brixton Hill and his car ran out of petrol, so he grabbed a can to go down to the petrol Stallull The petrol pump attendant said he couldn't sell him any petrol in a can because of what was happening unless he had police permission. He was going back to his WIcH police van drove up, so he asked for permission to fill the can The police said, jump in and we'll take you to the petrol station. In fact they took him to the police station and charged him arson. The police have admitted since that the petrol tank in his car was empty, so that case is developing.
Black, white and all ages have been charged so far, even workers.
There was a National Front guy arrested and in court he said the police giving some black kids a hard time, he went over and got arrested for threatening behaviour.
SC: Is bail being given?
WC: Bail has been given in must cases. but sureties have sometimes been high — £1,000 the arson charge, around £250 for burglary.
The defence committee is not sure how many are still inside. We have the names of 180, but the police have refused to give us the rest. Most people are out on bail, but there are still a few inside.
SC. What is the relationship between the defence com mittee and the defendantsi WC: It's not formal. Defendants are coming the committee for support and the comis working closely the Brixton law centre: most defence committee ported lawyers.
There'li be a full meeting on 22 April when the defence committee will be elected by the defendants, their parents the local community.
when the formal links will be established.
Socialist Challenge 23 April 1981 WINSTON CASTELLO, joint convenor of the Brixton Defence Committee, spoke to Socialist Challenge in a personal capacity about the need to defend those SC: What is the role of the committee? defence committees had two roles. аетепа w dividuals who have been arrested the general defence of the comup munity. the here? are to C. pres The pennie in opes represent people courts. rs and barristers, and solicitors and barristers, ensuring that supporters turn ip when cases are being heard But as well lt is sul seen a necessary to defend the comfrom the police. first decision made defence committee was to call a rally, which was later cancelled by defence meeting.
need to organise the demonstration of some sort in the next few weeks if only to say that what happened was not just a crazy binge and that the community needs to be defended against the police.
SC: At the meeting Wednesday of last week a decision was taken to clude whites. Woes defence committee itself as black only?
WC: At the meeting you refer to, there were over 200 people there, and the vote to exclude whites was carried by only 22 to 17.
There is an element which wants to exclude whites, while others see the committee as defending the community Brixton - black and white.
Quite a few of the defendants are white.
on 22 April is open to everyone.
SC: What practical tasks do we need to take up?
WC: What needs to be done is to build support for any action taken by the local community.
If a demonstration or rally is called in future, necessary all Ine movement to build for it, lobby LOCa counchlots MPs in support of it.
What happened in Brixton concerns all working class peo ple. It is not just Brixton which is affected.
The issue should be raised in trades councils, trade union branches, and Labour Parties The action of the police and their continued presence rust be condemned The defence committee has made a decision operate with the Scarman inquiry, but if we decide to call a community-labour inquiry we will want the support of everyone.
There is a need to hold a demonstration rally defence of Brixton. Of course, sup- we need money to defend those charged: and tinancial suppor needed for the work of the defence committee. and support can be sent to: Brixton venezens and Messaces Defence Cttee, c/0 Community Law Centre, Brixton Rd, London SW9 = sewnere have