F4J Disbanded

Today is a sad day...seriously depressing for a group that I joined over two years ago, only to see it ruined by some extremist idiots.

This is from their website this morning

OFFICIAL STATEMENT - 18th January 2006
Fathers 4 Justice Suspended by Leader - Campaign to close if Necessary

F4J leader Matt O'Connor announced last night that he was suspending the operations of the group pending enquiries into allegations contained on the cover of this mornings Sun Newspaper that 'extremist sympathisers' associated with the group had planned to kidnap the Prime Minister's Son, Leo Blair.

F4J say they condemn any such action unreservedly and that the group is increasingly having it's name 'hijacked' by a growing number of militant extremists and that it would seriously consider the long term viability of the campaign.

The group say that ex members have reportedly been in contact with the Anti-Terrorist Unit SO13 from Scotland Yard who said that activists would be shot on sight if engaged in any protests in Westminster.

Said O'Connor 'After peacefully campaigning for three years to ensure children get to see their fathers, we condemn any individual who planned this appalling outrage which is anathema to our campaign.'

'I have three young boys myself and couldn't think of anything more traumatic for Mr Blair, his family and his son than what is reported in this morning's Sun newspaper, however we should approach the story with caution as it carries very little information in it.'

'If the Police have enough information they should not only release the names of those involved but prosecute them. This kind of coverage unravels all the good work we have done over the last three years, though I despair that the desperation of fathers only reflects the intransigence of the government to address the crisis in family law.'

'If our position is constantly undermined by extremists, we will shut down the Fathers 4 Justice campaign.'

'I will not let this organisation be hijacked by militants and I ask all fathers to respect our commitment to peaceful non violent direct action no matter how aggrieved they feel about their treatment at the family courts.'


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