Click above to listen to the statement.
Aamer Anwar has welcomed the not guilty verdict in his Contempt of Court case today and issued the following statement:

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."