HUNDREDS of campaigners marched and rallied in Sheffield on Saturday demanding justice for mineworkers violently attacked and falsely arrested by police at a cokeworks during the 1984’s strike against pit closures.
What happened at Orgreave?
On June 18, 1984, hundreds of striking miners attacked by police at Orgreave, a coking plant in South Yorkshire, England. The miners were protesting the closure of their pits, and the police called in to prevent them from blockading the plant.
The violence at Orgreave met with widespread condemnation. And many people believe that the police used excessive force. Dozens of miners arrested, and some were charged with riotous behavior. However, all of the charges eventually dropped.
Why are people still demanding justice for the Orgreave miners?
The Orgreave miners believe that they were the victims of a miscarriage of justice. They argue that the police used excessive force, and that the charges against them were fabricated. They also believe that the government was complicit in the violence, as it was eager to break the miners’ strike.
What happened at the rally?
On Saturday, June 18, 2023, hundreds of people gathered in Sheffield to mark the 38th anniversary of the Orgreave violence. The rally organized by the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, which is calling for a public inquiry into the events of that day.
Speakers at the rally included Yvette Cooper, Labour MP and chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee. Cooper said that the government had a “moral duty” to hold a public inquiry into Orgreave.
Speeches
Speakers at the rally included Chris Kitchen, general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, and Yvette Williams of the Justice for Grenfell Campaign. Kitchen called for a public inquiry into the Orgreave attack, saying that “we need to know who took the decision to incite a police riot that day.” Williams said that it was vital that all the campaigns for justice united, including Orgreave, Grenfell, blacklisting, and Shrewsbury.
March
A short march through Sheffield city centre was headed by OTJC organizers carrying a banner stating: “Defend the right to protest.” The march ended at a rally in Sheffield Cathedral, where speeches were continued.
What’s next?
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign is continuing to press for a public inquiry. The campaign has also called for a £1 million compensation fund for the miners who injured at Orgreave.
The campaign is likely to continue for many years to come. The Orgreave miners determined to get justice, and they will not give up until they have achieved their goal.
Conclusion
The rally in Sheffield was a powerful display of support for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign. The campaign is still fighting for justice for the miners who attacked and falsely arrested at Orgreave, and the rally showed that there is still strong public support for their cause.
Call to Action
If you interested in supporting the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, you can visit their website or follow them on social media.
