The court sits today as it did the day before and will tomorrow. All the while it prosecutes ‘criminals’ in the name of the public, us. We were not there to see it but it happened in our name. In an effort to bear witness to the hidden work of prosecution that takes place at courthouses, Wail Qasim has spent six months between the public galleries of the Old Bailey and archives at the MayDay Rooms exploring the public’s role in criminal justice and how criminalised campaigners have called for supporters to join them in court as an act of solidarity. During this afternoon and evening event Wail invites you to take part in a visit to the courtrooms (especially if you have never previously been to a public gallery), followed by a critical discussion of our experiences of bearing witness to the court process. This afternoon session will be followed by a first screening of video work emerging from the residency, as well as a display of criminal justice archive material.
The afternoon visit to the Old Bailey begins at 13:00 meeting at MayDay Rooms. Please RSVP eventbrite in advance to help with organising that portion of the day. The later screening, archival display and drinks are open to all and no booking is required to attend.