"I am not here, then, as the accused; I am here as the accuser of Capitalism dripping with blood from head to foot" - John Maclean

Ninety years ago, on the 8th May 1918, the Scottish socialist John Maclean opened the case for his defence at Edinburgh Crown Court with an impassioned speech denouncing capitalism, imperialism and war. He was charged with sedition, and more specifically with "addressing audiences in Glasgow, Shettleston, Cambuslang, Lochgelly and Harthill, making statements which were likely to prejudice the recruiting, training and discipline of H.M. Forces [and attempting] to cause mutiny, sedition and disaffection among the civil population."

These charges related to his strong opposition and campaigning against the slaughter of the Great War, then still raging. He saw it, correctly, as a war fought for the interests of the competing ruling classes in Europe, particular the British and German empires. Maclean was also a leader of the workers of Red Clydeside, whose increasing militancy in industrial struggle, anti-war protests and socialist and revolutionary leanings shook the ruling class.

As we see today with the role of the police and the courts in the witchhunt against Tommy Sheridan and his family, friends and comrades, the State is not a neutral force. It invariably takes the side of capitalism and imperialism. The case of John Maclean is no different. Prosecuted and imprisoned twice before, at his 1918 trial Maclean knew he would be found guilty and imprisoned again. The selection of the jury was rigged and they did not even bother with the formality of deliberating before finding him guilty. The judge sentenced Maclean to 5 years in prison. Upon sentencing he turned to his comrades and told them to "Keep it going, boys; keep it going". Although a mass campaign meant he was released early, his health suffered as a result of his imprisonment and he died in 1923 at the age of 44.

John Maclean remains an inspiration to all those who fight today for a better world, free from exploitation, oppression, inequality and war. We have republished extracts of his dramatic speech here in order to inform and inspire.