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If convicted Aamer would be barred from practicing law and could be imprisoned. It would also set a dangerous precedent that in Scotland, lawyers are not allowed to speak out on behalf of their clients.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has declared that “an independent and impartial judiciary and an independent legal profession are essential prerequisites for the protection of human rights and for ensuring that there is no discrimination in the administration of justice.”

Aamer Anwar represented the Chhokar family in their long struggle for justice after their son was murdered in a racist attack. He has represented victims of the 'war on terror' who were eventually proven innocent of the charges against them. He has represented grassroots campaigners, such as the protesters who occupied Glasgow Govanhill Baths in 2001. In 2005, he helped campaigners win their right to demonstrate against George Bush and the G8 Summit, and defended demonstrators arrested during the protests.

The threatened charge of contempt of court follows the recent trial of Mohammad Atif Siddique, who was sentenced to a total of 8 years for terrorism offences. Whatever you think of the case, the fact that Aamer Anwar may face contempt charges is an unprecedented attack on freedom of speech and on the ability of lawyers to effectively represent their clients in 'controversial' cases.

What you can do: 1. Sign the online petition in support of Aamer Anwar. Scotland Against Criminalising Communities are kindly hosting the online petition on behalf of Glasgow Stop the War Coalition. You can send a message of support to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Download the open letter here and take round your work colleagues, friends and family, and use on stalls. Download the latest leaflet here .

2. Get your trade union, student society or community organization to pass a motion of support for Aamer Anwar, and email to let us know. Download the trade union motion here .

3. Write to our local MSPs and encourage them to support Aamer Anwar by signing the motion to the Scottish Parliament, “S3M-810 Aamer Anwar.”

4. Make a donation to the campaign, send it to Stop the War Coalition, Aamer Anwar campaign, c/o Dave Sherry, Branch Secretary, TGWU Scottish Housing Branch, 290 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LD.

Sign the petition online...