During his address to the National Youth Day rally celebrations held in Thaba Nchu, outside of Bloemfontein, the President of the ANC Youth league, Julius Malema re-affirmed the ANC YL unwavering principle support for the ANC President, Jacob Zuma.

We have noted the distortions, misinterpretations, vulgar, insults and defamatory comments, which have been hailed against the ANC YL and its President. It is our firm view that the statement has been regrettable, blown out of proportion with a clear malicious intent and consequence.

In this regard, we would like to further re-affirm our support for the following principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of 1996.

The ANC Youth League upholds the independency, impartiality and integrity of judiciary and other organs of state.

We are committed to defend these institutions that are established to protect and defend our democratic state, against abuse and misuse by some elements for narrow political agenda's.

Accordingly, our unambiguous support for the ANC President in relation to his upcoming trial, is informed among other's by these and other related principle's as meticulously articulated both in terms of Criminal Procedure Act and the Bill of Rights.

In defending these institutions including the judiciary, the rights of the ANC President and injustices that have been meted, transgressed and orchestrated by an organ of state, we will act within the ambit of the constitution as provided for.

The conditions for a fair trial for the ANC President do not exist, this is fundamentally the issue that we have been raising and concerned about. Justice delayed, is Justice denied.

The statement by the ANC Youth League President made during the June 16 Rally, must therefore not be understood in its literal sense and meaning, but within this political context and ambience.

There is great danger, when one takes political statement and expressions out of context and/or without clarity of context in which they were made. Fair, objective and balanced reporting is underpinned by these principles and other journalistic ethics.

We will pursue our struggle as we have done before, within the context of the Rule of Law and the framework of the Constitution of the Republic. Subsequently, we are in process of assembling a team of Senior Counsels to advice us legally, including making a presentation to the court of the charges against the ANC President.

We will continue to strive for unity of the ANC in particular and movement in general, in this context, we welcome every element and initiative towards lasting unity and cohesion of the ANC as led by the ANC President, Jacob Zuma including a letter that he co-authored with the President of the Republic, Thabo Mbeki.

Statement issued by the ANC YL June 19 2008. See also Friends of Jacob Website here.