Today, members of the HOPE not Hate network faced extreme harassment and intimidation while challenging hate in Pontypool.
Working with local residents and traders to raise awareness of the extreme and offensive views of local independent councillor Mike Harris, who is seeking re-election on 4 May, they were confronted and chased by a masked man wielding an iron bar.
Tom, community organiser, and Thomas, a volunteer, were attacked after delivering 700 letters to local residents along with other members of the local HOPE not Hate group. The masked thug threatened violence unless they handed over their remaining letters.
“It was a terrifying experience. I wasn’t expecting this kind of violence in Pontypool. But we’re proud of the work we’re doing here and we won’t be intimidated by far-right thugs,” said Thomas.
The letters contained a personal appeal from residents and traders in Torfaen, asking the community to reject extremism and divisive politics.
Today’s incident has been reported to the police. While such threats of violence are completely unacceptable, no matter what harassment our teams face, our message will only get stronger.
HOPE not hate seeks to challenge and defeat the politics of hate and extremism within local communities, building resilience against the politics of hate and fear, at a national and grassroots level.
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