Facing Court- For Protesting Against ATOS

Many thanks to the Welfare News Service.

This article titled ‘Fit For Work’ Test Protester Faces Court Fine For Using A Megaphone and written by Steven Preece was first published by the Welfare News Service on 7 January 2014 and has been reproduced here with permission.

Dominic O’Hara faces a £50 fine for using a megaphone during a protest against Atos Healthcare, who carry out ‘Fit for Work’ tests on sick and disabled people on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Calls of “defend the right to protest” were heard from supporters of Mr O’Hara gathered outside the courthouse, as the hearing began in Glasgow today.

Mr O’Hara, who is said to be a member of the Revolutionary Communist Group, faced a previous charge of ‘assault with intent to resist arrest’, but this was dropped in October 2013 due to a lack of evidence, just minutes before the case was due to be heard.

Mr O’Hara told the Morning Star that he believed his arrest was part of a police clampdown and a policy of intimidation against anyone who protests against government policies.

He also claims that bail conditions which prevent him from visiting the City Centre are designed to stop him from taking part in future protests.

Speaking to the Morning Star, Mr O’Hara said:

“If it was happening in Cuba or China or somewhere it’d be all over the BBC – a noise complaint on one of the busiest streets in Glasgow.”

“Just because it’s not on paper doesn’t mean protest-free zones aren’t a threat. We’re standing here outside a courtroom because I used a megaphone to speak about people’s human rights.

“This is what class war looks like in reality – people being hauled through the courts and people dying, whether it’s on the streets or in their own homes.”