Sarah Jane Baker: Trans activist recalled to prison over ‘punch TERFs’ speech
Sarah Jane Baker has been arrested after allegedly calling on activists to “punch” TERFs (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) at London Trans+ Pride earlier this month. “If you see a TERF, punch them in the f**king face,” she told the crowd on 8 July.
The 53-year-old was arrested four days later and subsequently charged under section 4a of the Public Order Act. Police confirmed that Baker was “recalled to prison for breaching the terms of her licence conditions”.
She is reportedly being held in a male facility, where she is expected to remain indefinitely. Baker was originally imprisoned for kidnapping and torturing her stepmother’s brother, eventually facing a further conviction of attempting to murder a fellow inmate when she was 21.
She was ultimately released on parole in 2019. A crowdfunder to help Baker has since been launched and, as of 31 July, had raised more than £2,600 ($3,343). “Sarah’s case is a concern for all who believe in freedom of speech,” part of the ‘Free Sarah Jane Baker’ group’s description said. “The response from the police, probation and the CPS to her comment is disproportionate and reflects the systemic transphobia and silencing of left wing activists.” Further information about the campaign can be found at @freesarahjbaker on Twitter.
