Aamer Anwar has been found not guilty in his Contempt of Court case at the High Court in Edinburgh this morning (Tues 1st July.)

Applause broke out in the public gallery when the verdict was delivered by Lord Osborne and around 100 people were gathered outside the High Court to await the decision.

Anwar was referred to the High Court to face a charge of Contempt by Lord Carloway after the conviction of his client Atif Siddique, following remarks he made on the steps of the court following Siddique’s conviction.

Anwar was defended by leading QC Paul McBride (pictured) during the hearing in April before Lord Osbourne, Lord Kingarth and Lord Wheatley. During his defence McBride argued that the charge was an over-reaction by Lord Carloway to the comments made by Anwar after his Siddique decision.

McBride argued in April: "A solicitor in my respectful submission, may take reasonable steps to deal with his client's reputation following a decision taken by a court."

“It's a fundamental principle that court hearings which are held in public can be fully and freely commented upon, whether to compliment and praise, or whether to criticise."

On hearing the decision Anwar said: "If there is one right prized above all others in a democracy, it is freedom of speech. Lawyers, like everybody else, enjoy that fundamental right.

"As a defence lawyer I never set out to win a popularity contest, but I was taught it is a lawyer's duty to fearlessly represent his client, no matter what crime he is accused of or how demonised he is by society.

"As our Government criminalises communities and creates 'thought crime', lawyers still have a responsibility to be the guardians of our liberties and to campaign against injustice.

"Everyone likes to talk of the independence of the Judiciary and Prosecution, but an independent Defence able to speak without fear or recrimination by the State is as essential for freedom and justice.

'I welcome today's finding of no Contempt and hope I am allowed to get on with doing my job.

"I would like to thank my lawyers, my family and friends and the thousands of individuals and organisations, including Stop The War and SAAC, who have supported me through nine difficult months.

"Thank you."