[Peace-discuss] Non-violent direct action...

[C. G. Estabrook]

       Weapons decommissioners found not guilty


       2 July 2010 (11:am)

       Hove Crown Court, Brighton UK

       Final two Decommissioners Found NOT GUILTY!

       The jury in the trial of seven activists who decommissioned a Brighton
       arms factory to prevent Israel war crimes in Gaza in January 2009, have
       now found all seven activists not guilty of Conspiracy to Cause Criminal
       Damage by unanimous verdict in Hove Crown Court.

       The seven entered the factory on 16th Jan 2009, causing nearly £200,000 of
       damage and shutting down production. They offered no defence other than
       the prevention of imminent war crimes.

       Simon Levin, Tom Woodhead, Ornella Saibene, Bob Nicholls, Harvey Tadman
       were all acquitted on Wednesday.

       The final two Elijah Smith and and Chris Osmond were acquitted this morning.

       Chris Osmond said "This action was taken was taken because of EDO MBMs
       illegal supply of weapons to the Israeli military. We brought the suffering
       of ordinary Palestinians into a British courtroom and confronted with the
       evidence they took the brave decision to find that our actions were
       justified"

       All have now been found not guilty by unanimous verdict.

       A press conference will take place at:

       1m at

       Mary Magdalene Community Centre
       55 Upper North Street
       Brighton

       Messages of support have already arrived from Caroline Lucas, MP for
       Brighton Pavilion, and Noam Chomsky.

       Caroline Lucas said:

       'I am absolutely delighted that the jury has recognised that the actions
       of the decommissioners were a legitimate response to the atrocities being
       committed in Gaza. I do not advocate non violent direct action lightly;
       however in this situation it is clear that the decommissioners had
       exhausted all democratic avenues and, crucially, that their actions were
       driven by the responsibility to prevent further suffering in Gaza.'

       Noam Chomsky said

       'I would like to express my respect and admiration for those who are
       undertaking non-violent resistance to oppose British participation in
       Israel's cruel crimes in Gaza.'

       News site Ynetnews.com reports that the Israeli Ambassador in London is
       'furious.'

       http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3914014,00.html