OD'D ON EDO

All serious charges have been dropped against those prosecuted for Brighton’s ‘Carnival Against the Arms Trade’ in June (See SchNEWS 634). The campaign is directed at the local EDO MBM arms factory in Moulsecoomb. Fourteen people are currently facing charges in Brighton Magistrate’s Court, but in the first hearing held on Tuesday (November 24th), prosecutor’s attempts to land counts of ‘conspiracy’ and ‘violent disorder’ were eventually dropped for all the accused. Only minor charges still stand.

It is likely that the conspiracy and violent disorder convictions, which would have to be taken to Crown Court and heard in front of a jury, were withdrawn because there is no evidence to prove the charges. A lone Magistrate however may be able to push through the minor convictions.
One of those accused says “police have used excessively inflated offences to arrest people. If they just wanted to arrest people for minor charges there would be no need for the disproportionate use of police force and surveillance”. The Sussex police used batons, pepper-spray and dogs against campaigners at the protest, some people were hospitalized. Thirteen homes were raided.

One protester at the campaign said “unfortunately it became less like a carnival and more like a police chase.” At the recent SHUT EDO/ITT demonstration in October (See SchNEWS 651) a journalist was bitten on the balls by a police dog.

A person on trial says the police raided their houses - and their parents home - taking a computer, address book, diary and clothes. When subsequently arrested by a snatch squad they were held in a cell for twelve hours and strip-searched.

The unnecessary charges bought against the campaigners legitimises police action, makes newspaper headlines and attempts to undermine the anti-arms trade campaign. It not only violates the right to protest, but increasingly encroaches on individual freedoms. The right to cause damage in order to prevent greater damage can be rendered lawful, and direct action is beginning to gain legitimacy in court. On June 11th 2008, by unanimous verdict, the Raytheon 9 (see www.raytheon9.org) were found not guilty of three counts of criminal damage after no evidence could be brought against claims that they acted to prevent war crimes during the Lebanon war by the Raytheon-equipped Israeli armed force.

* On Wednesday (November 26th) four protesters who glued themselves to the entrance of EDOs second plant in Fishersgate were convicted for aggravated trespass. However they only copped conditional discharges with no costs being awarded against them.

* See www.smashedo.org.uk