November 6, 2000 18:31

SATPAL RAM - THE FIGHT GOES ON

Alright, it's not Bobby Gillespie or ADF this time, but the fight goes on...

APACHE INDIAN will be among the protesters outside DOWNING STREET on NOVEMBER 16, supporting the ongoing campaign to free prisoner SATPAL RAM.

On November 16 1986, Ram was involved in an altercation with six white men outside a restaurant in Birmingham. After being attacked with a wine glass, Ram produced a penknife and one of his attackers was left with two wounds in his back. He later died, after refusing medical treatment.

Musicians and public figures have been heavily involved in the campaign to free Satpal Ram, including Asian Dub Foundation, Primal Scream, Massive Attack, Mark Thomas, DJ Annie Nightingale, Sean Hughes, Chumbawamba and author Irvine Welsh. They believe that he acted in self-defence, and should not have been convicted of murder.

This new protest outside Downing Street marks the 14th anniversary of the attack.

At a protest last November, comedian Mark Thomas, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Irvine Welsh chained themselves to the Home Office to raise awareness. At the time, Gillespie said: "I literally believe they'll try to kill him, they'll try to break his spirit, they won't break his spirit, but at some point he may well be murdered."

In addition to the latest protest, a benefit night featuring live performances from Apache Indian, Joi and B21 has been organised at the London Scala on November 18 to raise awareness and funds. Tickets for the event cost £5 before 10pm, £7 before 11pm and £10 after, and all proceeds go towards campaign funds.