Post by Papa C. on Aug 11, 2006 15:14:42 GMT
Date: Aug 11, 2006 2:41 PM
Nine anti-war protesters, including socialist and civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann, are in jail in Northern Ireland for occupying an arms manufacturer
The demonstrators stormed the Derry base of US arms manufacturer Raytheon on Wednesday 9 August, barricading themselves into the building.
Raytheon produce software for Guided Missile Units (GBU) currently being used by Israel's army in its assault on Lebanon.
Raytheon's computer system was "completely disabled", according to the protesters, and thousands of documents were thrown from windows. A banner was unfurled from inside the building, reading "Raytheon has been decommissioned".
Speaking from inside as dozens of uniformed police gathered, Eamonn McCann said, "The people of Derry cannot go on feeling shock and horror as they watch TV screens and do nothing.
"People felt they had no option but to take this form of direct action."
The nine anti-war activists were charged overnight with aggravated burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage. They were also charged with unlawful assembly.
These charges are "scheduled" offences under "anti-terrorist" legislation, meaning that the cases can be heard by juryless Diplock Court.
All nine were remanded in custody until 7 September when they will appear before the same court via videolink.
Read the full story at Socialist Worker online or e-mail support to resistderry@aol.com
Nine anti-war protesters, including socialist and civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann, are in jail in Northern Ireland for occupying an arms manufacturer
The demonstrators stormed the Derry base of US arms manufacturer Raytheon on Wednesday 9 August, barricading themselves into the building.
Raytheon produce software for Guided Missile Units (GBU) currently being used by Israel's army in its assault on Lebanon.
Raytheon's computer system was "completely disabled", according to the protesters, and thousands of documents were thrown from windows. A banner was unfurled from inside the building, reading "Raytheon has been decommissioned".
Speaking from inside as dozens of uniformed police gathered, Eamonn McCann said, "The people of Derry cannot go on feeling shock and horror as they watch TV screens and do nothing.
"People felt they had no option but to take this form of direct action."
The nine anti-war activists were charged overnight with aggravated burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage. They were also charged with unlawful assembly.
These charges are "scheduled" offences under "anti-terrorist" legislation, meaning that the cases can be heard by juryless Diplock Court.
All nine were remanded in custody until 7 September when they will appear before the same court via videolink.
Read the full story at Socialist Worker online or e-mail support to resistderry@aol.com
