Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four students pleaded not guilty today at Brighton Magistrates Court to charges related to protests that took place at the University of Sussex up to three weeks ago.
Three students charged with obstructing a police officer and one student charged with criminal damage all entered pleas of not guilty.
A protest was held outside the court, with action group Defend The Right To Protest calling on people to attend the court date and voice their concern over the charges of four students.
An injunction was granted by the High Court two weeks ago to the University, which permitted the eviction of an occupation that had been ongoing for seven weeks.
Several students raised concerns over the wording of the injunction which they claim “effectively bans all protests on campus- privatisation related or not”.
In a statement released by the Registrar and Secretary of the University, John Duffy commented:
“The University has sought to act reasonably in bringing this unlawful occupation to an end, following the escalation that led to violence, intimidation, thefts and damage at a demonstration organised by the occupiers last week”.
Lydia Dagostino, the students' solicitor, told The Independent that 'all defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and will be fighting together to clear their names'.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments