Joe, Sam and Chris, three of the best of us, bravely and selflessly, took peaceful direct action with Just Stop Oil in summer 2022 against the fossil fuel industry. Under increasingly repressive laws, they were charged, tried in court early this year over several weeks, found guilty and then in September were imprisoned for their tunnelling actions.
Prison is tough, particularly in this era of chronic underfunding and overcrowding. Very tough. It’s a harsh, uncaring and sometimes brutal environment. In prison not even the simplest of things are straightforward or can be taken for granted. But despite this, and as their friends and family can attest, Joe, Sam and Chris have borne their punishment with fortitude and humour.
The good news is that Joe, Sam and Chris are due to be released soon, to be on tag for several more months. But after the relief of getting out, they will need and want to get on with their plans for the future. And of course this takes money - living and travel expenses, deposits for accommodation, course fees - money that they have not been able to earn as their court case ground on, their sentencing hung over them and finally as they have served their custodial sentence.
Any funds raised will be split equally between the three of them and £3000 is an initial target.
So, please, let’s show Joe, Sam and Chris our love and gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice and help them as they re-join us in our communities.