This petition is deeply personal to me, as Rajiv Menon KC and I have been friends since our university days. I know him to be a man of principle, a committed advocate for justice, and an unyielding opponent of unchecked state and police power. It is with great concern that I bring to your attention the unjust and unprecedented prosecution he now faces for simply urging members of a jury to vote with their conscience during the Filton trial against pro-Palestine activists.

The prosecution of Rajiv Menon KC represents a concerning escalation in suppressing independent advocacy—a bedrock of a fair and just legal system. His call for jurors to rely on their moral compass is not just legitimate, but is at the core of the principles that guide trial by jury in the English legal system. It ensures that verdicts are free from political or judicial overreach.

This unprecedented move by the prosecuting judge challenges the very foundation of independent legal advocacy and threatens the integrity of our judicial processes. In the UK, the right to a fair trial and the independence of legal advocates are paramount to protecting citizens from undue influence and ensuring equal justice for all.

The trial by jury is a proud tradition in our legal system, designed to reflect a cross-section of the community's values and conscience. Interfering with this process diminishes public trust and reflects poorly on the impartiality of the judiciary.

I urge you, as fairminded individuals, to stand with Rajiv Menon KC and support this petition to uphold the principle of independent advocacy and protect the integrity of the trial by jury in the UK. Let your signature be a testament to the value of justice free from political co-opting and judicial interference. Sign this petition to defend the principles that safeguard our democracy and the rights of all individuals. Together, we can ensure that the legal system remains a robust pillar of fairness and equity.