Matt Smith The Tories Are The Real Criminals

The Tories Are The Real Criminals is an A5 zine of Matt Smith’s images of non-violent direct action from demonstrations against the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The legislation was invented to criminalise the culture of free parties, festivals, squatters, travellers and peaceful protest which had grown, flourished and thrived over the previous decade attracting vast public support.

Three national demonstrations took place in London during 1994’s long, hot summer that transformed the nature of peaceful protest forever. In May, July and October hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country travelled to England’s capital city to dance their way through its streets. The common intention was to just say no to new laws designed to outlaw the lifestyle choices of a generation. For the first time, the spirit of carnival fused with rave culture to combine celebration and opposition.

In a modern liberal democracy standing up for liberty, freedom and voicing dissent at injustice is supposed to be a valuable tradition with immense social worth. A judge called Hoffman even said so at the time. The Tories disagreed and passed their laws anyway with a little help from their secret inside weapon, the new leader of the “opposition.”

1994 was a year of fervent resistance against the encroaching Criminal Justice Act in the UK. Amidst the clamour of dissent, three historic demonstrations echoed through the streets of London, challenging the very fabric of authority and transforming the nature of peaceful protest, forever.

Through the lens of Matt Smith (Exist To Resist), witness the raw energy and unity of the protests that shook the capital. Each image in this zine is a testament to the power of the people, capturing not just moments frozen in time, but the spirit of a generation refusing to accept oppressive legislation.

Pages: 68
Size: A5 (21cm x 14.8cm)
Binding: Staple bound
Print: Black & white
Front cover design: Tom Booth Woodger
Interior design: Jez Tucker