In Detail... - 2. Inside the Sanctuary
Download 2. Inside the Sanctuary
Viraj imprisons himself in the Manchester Church and doesn’t step a foot outside. He lives in the vestry and forms a bond with Father John and his family. No one knows how long he will stay there.
A team of supporters form the Viraj Mendis Defence Campaign and watch over him 24 hours a day, every day.
The media descends to cover the story starting a culture war that will directly challenge Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s authority.
Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.
Producer: Jen Dale.
Sound design: Kasel Kundola.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.
Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.
Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.
Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.
Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
Audio from VMDC campaign video: Revolutionary Communist Group.
Published on Tuesday, 7th October 2025.
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