The Freedom Defence Committee was a UK-based organisation set up on 3 March 1945 to "uphold the essential liberty of individuals and organisations, and to defend those who are persecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of speech, writing and action." Chaired by Herbert Read, with Fenner Brockway and Patrick Figgis as vice-chairmen, the Committee's secretary was Ethel Mannin. Later, George Orwell became a vice-chair and George Woodcock, secretary. The three were convicted at the Central Criminal Court, "Old Bailey", on 27 April 1945, and sentenced to 9 months imprisonment.