Harry Hilden, a prominent far-right activist in Kent and one of the principal organisers of recent anti-migrant demonstrations, has been charged with assault and abusive behaviour following a disturbance in Faversham linked to the removal of England flags.
Disturbance
Hilden was arrested on the evening of 23 November when police were called to Love Lane, Faversham, after reports of a disturbance near the town cemetery. Officers arrested Hilden and another man, Justin Ford, at the scene.
Hilden has been charged with assault and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, while Ford faces charges of possession of a bladed article in a public place. Both men have been conditionally bailed, with Hilden due to appear before Maidstone magistrates on 20 January.
Flashpoint
The incident is understood to have been sparked by the removal of St George’s flags from lamp posts in the town. These flags have become a flashpoint in recent months, repeatedly put up and taken down as part of “Operation Raise the Colours”, with which Hilden has been closely linked.
The repeated displays have fuelled tensions between far-right activists and local residents, with police increasingly drawn into disputes.
Hilden has emerged as one of the most visible figures in Kent’s anti-immigration protest movement. Since the summer, he has organised and led demonstrations across the county.
Faversham, Maidstone, and Dover have all seen protests in recent months, often accompanied by counter-demonstrations from anti-fascists.
Flag draped
Often appearing at these events draped in an England flag, Hilden has a following of around 11,000 people on Facebook, where he posts political videos and livestreams.
Earlier this month Hilden attended Poland’s Independence Day march in Warsaw.
