COURT OF CARMEL-OT

Last week saw the first trial over protests against Israeli produce exporter Carmel Agrexco in three years. Two women were found guilt of obstructing police officers while one was acquitted for assault police. All were arrested at a blockade of the company’s warehouse led by 15 women during the ‘Bloody Valentine Week of Action’ this February (See SchNEWS 666).

Carmel Agrexco, which exports flowers, fruit and vegetables grown in the illegally occupied West Bank, has been a direct action target for over five years. However, there has only been one previous trial, which collapsed after evidence of Carmel Agrexco’s links to illegal settlements was disclosed. The charges were dropped and, despite a consistent campaign of warehouse invasions, destruction of goods and lock-ons no further cases were brought to trial until this week.

A statement by the defendants said: “This action, undeniably feminist in spirit, has resulted in the first people being brought to trial for activities against Agrexco since 2006. The systematic and entrenched sexism we know exists within the police force was clearly reflected in the misogynistic comments and treatment these women received during the action. In this gendered context, we ask ourselves why the police and CPS have decided to try this case, rather than the 30+ others preceding it.”

* On November 20th there will be a demo against Carmel Agrexco in London.
* See www.bigcampaign.org