OUT TO LAUNCH

The Free Gaza Movement (FGM) has bought 1200 tonne cargo ship to add to its siege-breaking fleet. The boat was bought at auction after it had been impounded when an International Transport Federation (ITF) inspection found the owners had been exploiting their Lithuanian crew – not paying their wages and humiliating them.

ITF Inspector and union organiser Ken Fleming said, ‘We are pleased to announce that this vessel which was used to subject workers to modern day slavery, will now be used to promote human rights for the people of Palestine.’

The FGM have renamed the boat “The Rachel Corrie” after the Palestinian solidarity activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003 as she tried to prevent it from demolishing Palestinian homes (see SchNEWS 397). A civil action case against the state of Israel over Corrie’s death, brought about by her parents, opened last month (See http://reider.wordpress.com)

“The Rachel Corrie” will join three other ships in taking humanitarian aid to Gaza in a flotilla setting off in May. The new ship will carry 500 tons of cement, as well as medicines, medical equipment and educational materials.

* See www.freegaza.org

** April 20th: A Night of Comedy Music and Magic for Palestine. Ivor Dembina, Jeremy Hardy, Ian Saville, Maureen Younger & Music by The Amigans. At the Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8LQ, Doors open 7pm, show at 8pm. £6/£8, with all proceeds to The International Solidarity Movement, The Russell Tribunal on Palestine and The Lajee Centre in Bethlehem.