Support Jo Mackie trial costs - not guilty

Hi, my name is Anne and I'm fundraising for my brilliant friend Jo . Jo was arrested in November 2023 for peacefully walking down Whitehall for 18 minutes with a group of other women as part of the Mother’s March calling for an end to new oil and gas licences.

Today she was found Not Guilty of causing wilful obstruction, after a year of navigating our broken justice system.

Jo now needs some support to cover the real costs of defending herself.

As a freelancer she can’t access any paid holiday, sick leave, compassionate leave or other support services. If you are able, we are asking you to contribute to the many costs she has incurred defending our planet for all of us.

Please read on for more information:

The cost to Jo has been £4,915 in lost earnings and costs, which the court will not cover:

*Income has been calculated on a Producer day-rate of £250 a day, which equates to a PAYE salary of approx £22k (see this guide, https://www.creatorsrightsalliance.org/freelance-day-rate-guide-2023).

A catalogue of errors by the CPS have added to her costs. These include:

Jo represented herself, which required a huge amount of time and energy when she could have been working.

Between the march and the court hearing Jo has cared for her Dad - who supported her action - through the end of his life. Jo gave up work to care for him, system errors meant she didn’t get all the carers’ allowance she was eligible for, and so for much of this year she was without a meaningful income. Jo also lost a close friend in difficult circumstances during this time.

Which is to say that my dear friend, with a strong moral compass, who has taken action for the good of all of us and generations to come, needs some community support.

Jo was acquitted - like many other activists. The justice system is being used as a tool to try and silence protest and restrict human rights.

The fundraising target of £5,000 would cover her costs and allow a small amount extra for rest and recuperation.

Times are hard, if you can’t contribute that’s totally fine - but you could send Jo a message of support instead. If you have any other ideas or offers that might support Jo, feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you.