Badge - Self defence, no offence!
Object
Badge
Production date
1982-1983
Object number
2024.42
Physical Description
White circular badge with a minimalistic design. The text, in bright red capital letters, reads 'Self defence, no offence!' and 'Newham 8 defence campaign'
Object history
Following a series of racist attacks on Asian schoolchildren outside Little Ilford School, Newham, on 24th September 1982 a group of young people gathered to help escort one another home safely. The group were attacked by three armed white men, and when eight of the youths - Goga, Rana, Indy, Raja, Mat, Punkaj, Bop and Gurj - defended themselves, they were arrested. On arriving at the police station they became aware their attackers had been undeclared plain-clothes officers.
The Newham 8 Defence Campaign mobilised politicians, teachers and the Asian community to support the arrested group. Supporters included the Roach Family Support Committee and the Hackney Legal Defence Committee. This badge was owned and worn by Hackney activist Ian Rathbone.
When the case went to trial the judge accepted that the eight young men had acted in self-defence, and were either found not guilty or sentenced to community service.
The Newham 8 Defence Campaign mobilised politicians, teachers and the Asian community to support the arrested group. Supporters included the Roach Family Support Committee and the Hackney Legal Defence Committee. This badge was owned and worn by Hackney activist Ian Rathbone.
When the case went to trial the judge accepted that the eight young men had acted in self-defence, and were either found not guilty or sentenced to community service.
Associated Person
Ian Rathbone (Owner)
Associated Place
Newham (Place)
Material
Metal
Plastics
Dimension
Diameter (Front): 32mm
On display?
No
Inscription
SELF DEFENCE
NO OFFENCE!
NEWHAM 8
DEFENCE CAMPAIGN
NO OFFENCE!
NEWHAM 8
DEFENCE CAMPAIGN