I first read about this when DJ Snuff posted up about it on UKHH.com. At the time I didn’t really pay too much attention, just a quick skim read and then onto the thread about why uk hiphop is shit. Over the next few days, I saw & read more publicity about it over the internet. It started to rile me more.

To give you a brief background, DPM are a London graff crew who have recently been convicted on charges of criminal damage. However, instead of the usual slap on the wrist, 3 have been sentenced to 18 months. One member “NEAS” faces 2 years, one faces 15 months and the remaining 4 were given extended sentences with community service.

It seems in a time when prison overcrowding is a big issue, these sentences are somewhat heavy handed and misguided. Are graffers criminals? I won’t go on a huge rant but but have post a few bits and pieces below from their camp as well as links to the online petition to get them freed.

Taken from their Facebook group:

The aim is to show support for a group of friends that have been incarcerated for graffiti and to express discontent with the policy of imprisoning people who paint graffiti.

In a society where ’street/urban art’ is exhibited on the walls of the Tate Modern in London and sold in auction houses around the world the messages are mixed.

Alternative sentencing for the “crime” of graffiti would be far more constructive. Those who are caught, prosecuted and sentenced could give far more back to society through community service, fines and various other means.

Alternative sentencing could also save the tax paying public the large amount of money that is spent on keeping convicts in prison.

When the only real issue with graffiti artists is the amount of money it costs to clean up their work. Why is the government so happy to spend even more on keeping these artists locked up?

Also, in a show of support Ed Strong, of The IRS & Complex, have released the following track for free download - Free Them (DPM)

Read some of the information about DPM and if you feel that they have been harshly treated then please sign the online petition .

To find out more and to get involved hit the Support DPM myspace page or join the Support DPM facebook group. If you have any comments on the sentencing of DPM, drop them in the box below.