They said the arrest of 19-year-old Bermuda College student Mr. Jhon Gibbons trampled on freedom of speech.

And they vowed to stand by the St. George's youth if Police charge him.

Among those springing to Mr. Gibbons' defence was Shadow Health Minister Mr.

Nelson Bascome, representing the 100 Black Men's Group.

Businessman Mr. Manders Ingham, Mr. Rolfe Commissiong and spiritual leader of the Hebrew Israelite Community Mr. Ahtur Eliyahtsoor Ben Israel also spoke out for him.

The four are members of "Bermudians Concerned About Democracy In Bermuda'' -- which they describe as a loose coalition.

They boasted of backing from Bermuda Industrial Union members, and a large part of the community.

And they hinted at raising money to pay for Mr. Gibbons' legal expense if charges are brought.

Meanwhile, the National Liberal Party has also expressed concern at the arrest.

"We don't see any constructive outcome in pulling someone off the street and incarcerating him,'' a party spokesman said.

Mr. Gibbons -- hailed by the group as one of the Bermuda's "brightest'' young men -- was detained last Thursday, but later released on Police bail.

Police are preparing a file for the Attorney General, and a spokeswoman yesterday declined to comment on the criticism.

"The Police investigation is ongoing and we can't say anything at this stage.'' The controversial flier was publicised the day before the Queen arrived here for a two-day visit on March 9.

It called on black high school and college students to boycott the visit.

And it described the Queen as "the living symbol of the brutal, racist imperialistic power struggle that enslaves our people''.

The flier has been linked with the newsletter the Nationalist, which has lashed the alleged racist power structure in Bermuda.

The Nationalist Youth Alliance publication was the subject of a Police investigation.

Yesterday the Bermudians Concerned About Democracy In Bermuda released a statement to voice "deep concern'' about the arrest of Mr. Gibbons.

"We know that Bermuda's security forces have been concerned for some time with the publications by the Nationalist Youth Alliance and its message to young people.

"While the arguments of this still anonymous group are presented with the youthful vigour with which we are all familiar, their concern about the condition of black Bermudians is as genuine as others who have confronted the question of race in this country.'' The group said even the Queen had recognised the importance of black progress in Bermuda.

The group said the arrest departed from Government's pledge to create a "less punitive society'' -- as advocated by English judge Stephen Tumim in his report on the Criminal Justice System.

It would only heighten "frustration and alienation'' among young people.

Mr. Bascome said the group would be keeping a close eye on the Gibbons case.

It was determined to stick by the teenager.

PROTESTING -- From left to right, Mr. Manders Ingham, Mr. Ahtur Eliyahtsoor Ben Israel, Mr. Nelson Bascome MP and Mr. Rolf Commissiong.