In an update to the Observer’s piece about undercover cops operating in anti-fascism during the early 1990s there’s a CiF from Hannah Sell (I remember Hannah from the 1980s and LPYS) about the antics of the state, precisely why they deemed it necessary to infiltrate the Left and whose interests were/are the police acting in? It is an interesting piece. But what also begs the question is why is the Observer highlighting this now, it seems to me to be less about investigative journalism more about discrediting anti-fascism and the Left?
I have also heard through the Left grapevine that there should be an interview in Sunday’s Observer (nothing totally firm) from activists who were involved in the YRE during the period of the uncover cop’s infiltration.
I’ve added some comments to my post on this
Here’s what I wrote about your post.
I’d like to think [you're] wrong, but it is plausible. The anti-fascist movement is in disarray. Although there appear to be promising grassroots groups emerging in some areas – my provisional list might include Edinburgh Anti-Fascist Alliance, North Staffs Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, Redbridge and Epping Forest Together – the domination of the national scene by the UAF is very bad for the anti-fascist cause. It is also likely that the poor leadership an ineffective tactics from the UAF/Scotland United will push “hotheaded” types into more and more militant actions, often independently, so it would make sense for the police to muddy the waters.
It is interesting that in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, the police are explicitly adding anti-fascist “extremism” to their agenda.
P.s. url:
http://brockley.blogspot.com/2010/03/combination-of-thinning-hair-on-top-and.html
Thanks for that Bob.
I commented on your post as well.
Also, in this country there’s the label, ‘domestic extremist’ which lumps fascists and anti-fascists together.
Indeed. The term is inherently problematic. (Actually, I think the word “extremism” is itself problematic.) However, I don’t recall an incident of the police actually targeting anti-fascists under this rubric.
For a spot of amusement, check out the website of the National Extremism Tactical Coordination Unit http://www.netcu.org.uk/