Paul Stephens, 58, a former Detective Sergeant and Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion from London is one of the people defying Judge Silas Reid today. Listen to his reasons for taking action. Read more:

Tim Crosland, former Government lawyer from London, is one of the 24 people showing solidarity with defendants outside Inner London Crown Court today. Read more about it here:

Rabbi Jeffery Newman from North London talks about his reasons for taking action today. Read more about it here:

This series of videos, & the fact that they were even necessary, stands as an indication of just how authoritarian, manipulative, unjust & antidemocratic this nation has become in recent times. Thank you to all the participants... they need not only to be heard, BUT SUPPORTED!!

So much solidarity, love and respect for these three people. On the right side of history and the right side of humanity.

@ThierryAaron If scientists are allegedly being funded by governments to perpetrate a hoax, how come governments are arresting them and these activists for demanding action on the alleged hoax? Why is the judge banning their right to defend themselves?

Now imagine, Tories are taken over by Priti ministerial code breach Patel and Lee 30p Anderson and they introduce death penalty. In current circumstances defendant wouldn't be allowed to say "It was self defence!"

Bravo Paul and Tim for defending the right to a fair trail and calling out the draconian kangaroo court system!! This fascist government is eroding fundemental rights & needs to be stopped! @mrjamesob you need to speak to them @LBC @Reuters @France24_en @AJEnglish @rtenews

One might surmise that Judge Reid has more interest in securing a conviction than in enabling a fair trial. Is he fit to serve?

If you have broken the law you cannot complain about being punished for it. What is a "former Detective Sergeant" doing arguing that "conscience" should enable you to escape punishment?

Thank you Paul and Tim and Jeffrey for speaking truth to power in defence of our rights