a a ee We have received the following letter: Dear Sir, We should like to protest at the heavy fines of £10 each (the maximum permitted ) imposed upon the thirteen people arrested at the demonstration against Dow Chemicals Ltd, at the George Hotel on February 8th. For all those arrested this was a ’ first offence, The deronstration involved no attack on person or property, but those guilty of street violence have frequently been given smaller fines, The issue was prejudged hy the 3urgh Court; a policeman nodded at the accused before the session started; 'You're in for £10 today'. The bailie first sentenced all thirteen to pay £15 each; then it was pointed out to hir by the accused that £10 was the maximum fine. Could there be any clearer indication of deliberate victimisation? (Particularly since at lmast two of the accused walked out of the hotel of their own accord, whilst others present who did likewise were not even arrested). The bailie said ‘Edinburgh citizens are tired of stidents behaving in this sort of fashion’. (Not all of the accused were students, anyway). This clearly indicates tet the Muggeridge issue - quite irrelevant to the genocide in Vietnam which wss the point of the demonstration - influenced the scale of the fines, The bailie claimed that it was profits from firms like Dow that kept students at university. This after any statements relating to the demonstrators! motives, other than 'moral reasons' (given in those two words only), were ruled out as ‘propaganda speeches' hy the bailie. Is this justice? We appeal to the public to contribute to our appeal fund to help the victims pay their fines, Al1 contributions will be gratefully acknowledged by Brian Lavery at the above address, (Edinburgh University Union, Park Place, Edinburgh &),
Yours faithfully, Robert Coddily, President Napier College Labour Club; Brian L>very, Secretary Edinburgh University Labour Club; Brian Gilmore, Chairman, Young Socialists, Edinburgh South CLP; Ian D, Soane, Secretary, Edinbureh University Literal Club, Executive Member Scottish League of Young Liberals; Peter Yeo, President, Edinburgh University Catholics Students Union.