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Defiance

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What to expect

'This is a story - among many others - of justice denied. Fighting this battle over the past quarter of a century has been a lesson in collusion, cover-up and all the sophisticated - as well as the crude - methods employed by different parts of the British state to maintain the status quo, protect itself and those in its employ and evade justice . . . This book is my attempt to bring some kind of accountability, simply by telling the truth.'

The police killing of Christopher Alder was one of the most notorious deaths in custody in the UK, involving the destruction of evidence, a whitewash of an investigation and illegal surveillance.

Christopher's sister Janet has been relentlessly fighting for justice for decades, and fearlessly holds the UK's state institutions to account in this extraordinary book.

This book is a probing expose of what went on, based on exhaustive documentary evidence, as well as the personal story of Janet's fight to uncover the truth.

Critics Review

The word 'defiance' encapsulates the spirit, courage and determination of Janet Alder. She is a tour de force who has fought for over 25 years to expose the brutality suffered both in life and death by her brother Christopher . . . Janet Alder refused to be broken, refused to be silenced and in this book she exposes the structural racism that still lies at the core of Britain's institutions.
Brian Richardson, Barrister
This book has it all. And we need to read it all, feel it all. Then take it all to others. I've known Janet from early days. Her story of struggle against almighty odds reflects the story of our times, both inside and outside the justice system. She is far from alone and currently, for example, stands alongside the victims of Hillsborough, Bloody Sunday, Infected Blood, the Post Office Scandal, Covid and now, of course, Grenfell. The tide is strong.
Michael Mansfield KC
Defiance is one of those books that it's impossible to put down. It is indeed an extraordinary account and a total indictment of the policing and criminal injustice system in this country. It should be compulsory reading for every police officer and police staff member across Britain and everywhere.
Professor Gus John, veteran anti-racist educationalist whose campaigning helped lead to the 1968 Race Relations Act
Defiance is a fierce, uncompromising testament to love and resistance. This book is a call to never stop fighting for our loved ones.
Jacqueline Crooks, author of FIRE RUSH
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign stands together with Janet's decades-old fight for justice for Christopher. The same lack of accountability and state cover-up is evidenced in both our campaigns and these wrongs must be put right.
The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign
When the system fails you, fighting for justice becomes a lifestyle in hope of a better society. I've given my life for my daughter, Joy Gardiner. I stand right beside Janet. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Myrna Simpson
Author Janet Alder with Dan Glazebrook
Narrator Janet Alder
Duration 13 hours and 21 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781405552998
Format Audiobook
Publisher John Murray Press
Genre Human rights, civil rights, Police and security services, Political activism, Political oppression and persecution, Social and ethical issues
Availability AU, GB, IE

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