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ram info

Satpal Ram

The racist attack on Satpal
Satpal Ram is serving a life sentence for defending himself against a racist attacker. On 16th November 1986 Satpal went for a meal at the Sky Blue Restaurant, Lozells, Birmingham. Satpal was attacked by a group of six white people who threw plates and glasses at him. One of the men broke a glass and stabbed Satpal in the face. After being stabbed twice, Satpal took out a small knife which he used at work to open packages and tried to warn off his attacker. The racist continued to attack Satpal who, bleeding and in fear of his life, fought back in self-defence. In the struggle the attacker received two knife wounds. The attacker, who refused medical treatment,later died. Satpal was later arrested on a charge of murder.

Satpal's Defence Lawyer
Satpal was given only one 40 minute consultation with his barrister shortly before the trial during which he was advised to change his plea from "self-defence" to "provocation". He was also advised not to speak in his own defence. Satpal, thinking his lawyer was acting in his best interests, complied with both of the above.

The Trial
Most of the prosecution evidence came from the group that attacked Satpal. Because some of the defence witnesses, i.e. restaurant staff, spoke mainly Bengali and were not fluent in English, an interpreter should have been provided. Satpal's defence lawyer did not insist on this and, subsequently, vital evidence was not understood. The judge said he would interpret but had no knowledge of Bengali.

Satpal convicted of Murder
Due to the mistakes of the judge and Satpal's defence lawyer, he did not receive a fair trial. The all-white jury found Satpal guilty but were never asked to consider the racist nature of the attack or if Satpal's actions were taken in self-defence. He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life. It took almost ten years to get an appeal which Satpal lost. The appeal judges only took evidence from the group that attacked him!

Satpal Ram has consistently fought his conviction. As a result he has been labelled a 'disruptive prisoner.' He has suffered solitary confinement, beatings and has been moved from prison to prison (spending time in practically every prison in Britain), a strategy designed to undermine his struggle. Satpal's spirit however, is not broken.

He is constantly reading and educating himself and has steadfastly supported other prisoners' campaigns including those of the 'Bridgewater Four', the 'Birmingham Six' and Winston Silcott. His parole hearing only came up in December 1997, Satpal having already served a year over his recommended tariff.

Satpal has had a rough ride at every stage. His case is another example of why we have little confidence, especially as Black or Asian people, in the ability of the criminal justice system to deliver any actual justice. We got involved because we want to see Satpal released. What happened to him could happen to any one of us.

Satpal defended himself against a racist attack for which he was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment. We say again: SELF DEFENCE IS NO OFFENCE.

info from Asian Dub Foundation....

Asian Dub Foundation a music group's page where i first herd of satpal

Free Satpal Ram a page that gives a ton of info on the case..help this man out!!!