Thanks to the amazing generosity of our supporters, we’ve now raised over £400,000 through our CrowdJustice campaign.   

If you’re one of the many rebels facing financial challenges as a result of your prosecution, here’s how to apply for some potential support towards your costs. 

Distribution of Central Legal Defence Fund

The CrowdJustice Central Legal Defence Fund now stands at over £430,000.

The XR community recognises the amazing generosity of the many people who have stood in solidarity with Rebels facing court proceedings by donating to this fund. Although the long-term fundraising target of £750,000 has not yet been reached, it is clear that many Rebels have already endured significant financial hardship as a result of criminal prosecutions and it is, therefore, right that we begin to distribute funds to those affected. 

Introduction to the Central Crowdjustice Fund: 

• The Central CrowdJustice Fund was set up to support Rebels with the costs incurred during their court cases and to “support the rights” of future XR Rebels.
• Different models are being considered to deliver legal support to XR Rebels in the future and we hope to provide you with more information about this in the New Year. 
• For now  we invite those Rebels with criminal cases that have concluded by 31st December 2019 to apply to this fund for a contribution towards the costs that they have incurred.
• The amount allocated will be confirmed to applicants when we know how many people have applied and the overall amount requested.
• We will retain funds to provide support to Rebels with criminal prosecutions in 2020.
• Details about support for Rebels facing criminal proceedings in 2020 will be released in the early New Year.

Applications for financial support for costs incurred from court cases concluded by 31st December 2019 

ELIGIBILITY:

You are eligible to apply for a contribution if you have been charged in connection with an XR action during the course of 2018 or 2019 and you have been sentenced or acquitted by 31st December 2019. It doesn’t matter whether you pleaded guilty or not guilty.

Eligibility is not subject to any formal means testing. We trust all Rebels to be honest about their circumstances. Whether Rebels wish to apply to the fund is a matter of personal choice. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to pay all costs.

DEADLINE:

Applications should wherever possible be received by Monday 6th January 2020. 

PROCESS:

Applications fall into two parts. 

• Part 1 Direct Costs Incurred. 

For example: lawyers fees, unrecovered travel and other associated costs

• Part 2 Additional Financial Support

For example: loss of earnings, childcare, other unexpected costs

It is unlikely that applicants will receive 100% of costs incurred. Priority will be given to reimbursing a portion of the Direct Costs (Part 1 above). Additional Financial Support (Part 2 above) may be available in cases of particular need.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Applications should be made via this secure online form. All personal information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS:

Our aim is to make payments to Rebels by the end of January 2020.

HELP WITH APPLICATION:

If you have any questions on this application process, or need any assistance in completing the online form please email legalfinancialsupport@riseup.net.