Four more in court over clash between neo-nazis and anti-fascists

NOTE: This article was published on 8 May 2017This report appeared in the Liverpool Echo on 2 May. Go to the original report for pictures of the accused. FOUR more people have appeared in court today charged over violent clashes between far-right activists and anti-fascist protesters. Troubled flared between neo-nazi North West Infidels group and…

NOTE: This article was published on 8 May 2017

This report appeared in the Liverpool Echo on 2 May. Go to the original report for pictures of the accused.

FOUR more people have appeared in court today charged over violent clashes between far-right activists and anti-fascist protesters.

Troubled flared between neo-nazi North West Infidels group and counter demonstrators at St George’s Plateau, Liverpool city centre, on February 27 last year.

Lukasz Poczesny, 33, of Kingsknowe Court, Edinburgh; Igor Fiodorow, 20, of Whatleigh Close in Poole; Janusz Czerwik, 30, of Taywood Road, Ealing; and Pawel Sinichi, 38, also of Taywood Road, were later charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.

The men, who listened to proceedings via a Polish interpreter, were not asked to enter pleas and the case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where they will next appear on May 30.

They were released on bail with conditions not to enter Liverpool other than to attend court or appointments with their solicitors.

The clash took place near Lime Street Station, when a small contingent of the North West Infidels were met by counter protesters.

Although police tried to keep the two groups apart, they were heavily outnumbered and on at least two occasions a number of the “Infidels” group broke through the cordon and fought with anti-fascists.

The violence led to a number of innocent people being struck by objects as they flew through the air, including a police officer who suffered concussion.

Five alleged left wing protesters have previously been charged in relation to the incident and will face Crown Court trials in July.

Daniel Davies, 30, of Norris Green and John Smith, 30, of Toxteth, have denied the charge of violent disorder.

Colin Farrell, 51, of Speke; Ronald Holleran, 50, of Upton, Chester; and Ryan Bate, 23, of Throckley, near Newcastle denied encouraging and assisting offences of affray and violent disorder.


Paul Holborow

Paul Holborow

In the campaign against the National Front, Searchlight provided a rich and utterly reliable basis for much ANL propaganda – particularly with reference to the two leading NF figures, John Tyndall and Martin Webster. The appearance of Tyndall in full nazi uniform, drawn from the archives of Searchlight, was a key part of ANL propaganda, coupled with deeply damaging nazi quotes from Webster.

Paul Holborow
Founding member of the ANL and National Organiser 1977-81

Peter Hain

Peter Hain, founder of the ANL and friend of Searchlight

British Jews have been persecuted over the centuries; British blacks since the Windrush generation of the 1950s; British Muslims, especially after the Islamist 9/11 and then 7/7 terrorist attacks in New York 2001 and London 2005. But until the last few years there has not been a simultaneous threat against all three British communities of Jewish, Black and Muslim Britons – meaning the need for Searchlight has never been greater.

Peter Hain
Labour peer, former MP and Cabinet Minster

Nick Davies

Nick Davies

To investigate fascists takes real courage and unusual commitment. The government, police, mainstream media occasionally take a look, but in the UK only Searchlight have kept at it, relentlessly and admirably, regardless of threat or obstacle. It’s journalism that matters. A rare thing.

Nick Davies
Multi-award-winning investigative journalist and writer

Alf Dubs

Lord Alf Dubs

Searchlight’s voice is more important than ever, and I am delighted that it will now be available to a wider audience than ever before in its new incarnation online. Searchlight has been extremely helpful over the years in exposing the far right, corruption, criminality and the murky links between organised crime and powerful interests in the UK and abroad. I wish Searchlight the very best.

Alf Dubs
Labour peer, former MP and Cabinet Minister, and Kindertransport child

Professor Colin Holmes

Professor Colin Holmes
Everyone who wants to understand contemporary racism and its historical background needs to read Searchlight.
Professor Colin Holmes
University of Sheffield

Paul Nowak

Paul Nowak

The essence of trade unionism is solidarity, fairness and equality – for all workers – from all backgrounds. That’s why our fight against the far-right has always been part of our movement’s DNA. Searchlight is an incredibly important resource for trade unions and members to understand the contemporary tactics of far-right activity. Their work and intelligence gathering over the years have been incredibly insightful for the work we do, and how we fight the scourge of fascism.

Paul Nowak
TUC General Secretary

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