Aamer Anwar is facing contempt of court proceedings as a result of a statement he made on behalf of his client, Mohammed Atif Siddique, who was convicted in September 2007 of "terrorism" offences connected with activities on the internet. The proceedings against Aamer Anwar threaten freedom of expression and undermine the ability of lawyers to represent their clients properly.

For details of what you can do to help click below:

www.sacc.org.uk

What You can do:

* Sign the open letter in support of Aamer Anwar at www.sacc.org.uk/defendaamer . You can download a printed version at http://tinyurl.com/ynmzbz

* Ask your MSPs and your MP to sign the open letter.

* Ask your trade union, or any other organisation you belong to, to pass a resolution in support of Aamer Anwar. You can find a sample resolution at http://tinyurl.com/yt6zdx

* Ask the Law Society of Scotland to give their support for Aamer Anwar. Write to:
Richard Henderson, (President, Law Society of Scotland,)
Law Society of Scotland, 26 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 7YR

* PROTEST – On the day when a firm date is announced for Aamer Anwar's court hearing (or on the following day if the announcement is made late in the day), we are asking people to assemble at lunch-time near to Edinburgh High Court and Glasgow Sheriff Court to protest. Please wear a gag or similar item to symbolise the attack on freedom of expression. Watch out for announcements.

Edinburgh arrangements - Assemble 12.30pm outside the High Court, Lawnmarket (Royal Mile). contact 07773423051 or 07936432519
Glasgow arrangments - contact Glasgow Stop the War Coalition on 07952452906.

* DONATE - We URGENTLY need to raise £2400 to pay for a full-page advert in a national newspaper. If you are waged, perhaps you can spare 10 pounds? Or perhaps you could afford to make a major donation? Send cheques to:
Stop the War Coalition, Aamer Anwar Campaign, c/o Dave Sherry, TGWU Scottish Housing Branch, 290 Bath Street, Glasgow G42 4LD

Words fit for jail?

Aamer Anwar is facing contempt of court proceedings – which could lead to a jail sentence and prevent him practicing law – because of statements he made to the press about the trial of Mohammes Atif Siddique after the verdict was announced.

Here is the statement reported by the Scotsman:

"Today Mohammed Atif Siddique was found guilty of doing what millions of young people do every day, looking for answers on the internet.

"This verdict is a tragedy for justice and for freedom of speech. It undermines the values that separate us from the terrorist, the very values we should be fighting to protect.

"Mohammed Atif Siddique states that he is not a terrorist and is innocent of the charges and it is not a crime to be a young Muslim angry at global injustice.

"The prosecution was driven by the state and carried out in an atmosphere of hostility after the Glasgow Airport attack, and ending on the anniversary of 9/11. In the end, Atif Siddique did not receive a fair trial and I will be considering an appeal."

If you agree that no one should go to jail for a statement like that, please support our campaign - take action today