IFAD 2026 – Edinburgh makes an entrance
International Falsely Accused Day takes place every year on 9th September every year, and has done for the last 6 years. This year, 26 countries took part, some with events in multiple cities, and this time, for the first time, Edinburgh joined the party and what a party it was, even though the subject matter was sombre. So many like-minded people gathering together, quietly, respectfully and with joint purpose, was a sight to behold and nothing could disrupt the resolve.
Lyn Crabtree, the founder of IFAD, was instrumental in the organisation and travelled all the way to Edinburgh from the south of England to present and help on the day. What a commitment and honour for Edinburgh!
Lyn introduced the day to a crowd of 50-60 supporters, some holding banners and many wearing the signature colours of IFAD – orange and blue – and IFAD was supported by those supporting JIMS, Lucy Letby and Luke Mitchell.
We began the event with a short eulogy and a minutes silence for Anne Widdecombe, a long time and true friend of the falsely accused; one of only a handful of politicians with a deep and genuine understanding of the issues faced by the falsely accused. She will be missed.
There was an array of speakers, but unfortunately Dr Michael Naughton was unable to attend through illness. He sent his apologies and best wishes.
Illness had also beset our second speaker, Scott Jenkins from MOJO (the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation that was set up by Paddy Joe Hill, one of the Birmingham Six), but he was able to send a written copy of his speech, speaking about the work of that organisation, and the growing calls for its services, which was read on his behalf. He pointed out, powerfully, that the falsely accused are victims too. He highlighted the indisputable fact that the current push for more convictions, usurping the function of the jury, will only increase wrongful convictions, not diminish them. What he had to say prompted a good deal of interest from protesters in the later mingling and discussion, who were referred to the MOJO website (Miscarriages of Justice Organisation - Bringing Hope To The Innocent) for further information. The opportunity for mutual support and the sharing of information in person is so important at these gatherings.
Scott’s speech was followed by Christopher Logan from the Yellow Butterfly group, (see their channel on YouTube), who spoke eloquently about the campaign for Lucy Letby and how the current system fails to recognise all victims in society, only focusing on complainants as victim. This leaves those accused of crime who are victims of false accusations and flawed investigations unacknowledged and left to suffer whatever consequences the system heaps on them. He highlighted how, while the legal systems of Scotland and England are different, the issues that we struggle with are shared, and we need to work together to counter this. False accusations are an injustice, north or south of the UK border and no matter where they happen in the world.
This is evidenced by the fact that 26 countries took part in IFAD this year.
Following on from Christopher came Kirsty McDermott, spokesperson for JIMS (Justice for Innocent Men in Scotland). There were many supporters of JIMS present on the day and they highlighted their respect and support for IFAD and support for those falsely accused by wearing the IFAD colours. She spoke eloquently of the role of JIMS in the current climate, how their campaign for fair trials meshes with the issues for those falsely accused and how the falsely accused need the protection of fair trials in order to not be railroaded on the conveyor belt to conviction. The work of JIMS demonstrates the extent to which a group of ordinary people can make a difference. Their achievements in two short years are extraordinary. There are literally hundreds of people north and south of the border maintaining their innocence at great expense to themselves and they and their families deserve to be heard. JIMS is instrumental in giving those people a voice.
Kirsty was followed by Rena Farkas, who spoke movingly and powerfully about the loss of her husband, Alan, to suicide in 2025 entirely because of a false allegation. Rena spoke at the JIMS protest earlier in the year and her words were no less powerful for the repetition; in fact they were more so. Through her we saw that the pain and the grief are real, ongoing and relentless. Her phrase ‘social execution’ cuts though the euphemisms that we use for the effects that false accusations can have on people. Alan knew that whatever his friends and family thought of him, the repercussions would be lifelong and relentless. Tragically, everyone who mattered knew of his innocence and supported him, but it was not enough to undo the damage. RIP Alan.
Rena’s moving contribution led us to our final speaker, Felicity Stryjak who read the ‘In Memoriam’ list that features on the database she is building, (www.falselyaccuseddatabase.com). Growing by the month, (and in fact, two people present asked for their loved one to be included), the list honoured over 100 people who died as a result dating back to 1914 collected in only a few months; over 100 families bereaved, a consequence of a false accusation that can never be undone. It’s the tip of an iceberg that no-one is looking for. Though reasons were not read out they are available to view on the website and range from state execution to death by suicide, to murder by vigilantes, to stress-induced terminal illness and more. We observed a minutes silence for them all.
RIP to all those who died and condolences to their families.
Lyn Crabtree concluded the speaking by reading out the poem that she had written and sent to over 100 people in prison currently maintaining innocence, ‘Stolen Lives’, to let them know that they are being thought of, today and throughout the year.
The event moved on to the opportunity for everyone present to mingle, talk with others and ask questions of the speakers, one of the most important functions of the day. There was a table displaying some poetry written by those maintaining innocence and supporters. Not A Number, Neil Anthony and Sean Bw Parker, Lyn Crabtree and Dr Michael Naughton’s work were all featured with many more examples available for another year. Roll on 2027!
For now –
Stolen lives
In shadows cast by justice blind,
An innocent soul, accused, confined.
With whispered lies, their name defamed,
A life upturned, by falsehood framed.
The gavel falls, a heart grows still,
Convicted by a twisted will.
No evidence, no truth to see,
Yet, chains replace their liberty.
But hear their cry, though walls enclose,
Their spirit fights, their honour grows.
For those who know the truth’s clear song,
Will raise their voice to right the wrong.
In quiet cells, their hope endures,
Their innocence, forever pure.
Not forgotten, no, never lost,
We’ll fight for them, no matter cost.
On International Falsely Accused Day,
We lift their names, we light their way.
Till justice bends, till truth is free,
Their stolen lives, we’ll always see.
Lyn Crabtree
By Felicity Stryjak
Director, Falsely Accused Database
