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News
Brighton and Hove Council to Accept Petition Calling for Discussion of Arms Factory 
During the massacre in Gaza in January this year, the Green Party
attempted to table a motion condemning the activities of EDO MBM/ITT at
the full Council meeting. The motion was refused a hearing by the city
Council convenor. A leaked document from the Green Party reveals that
the reason given was that ‘the issue is not directly related to
Brighton and has no bearing on the well being of the city’. Since then hundreds of Brighton and Hove residents have signed a petition calling for the retabling of the motion On
10th December the Green Party, on behalf of Brighton Residents, will
hand in a petition to the council calling for a discussion of the
motion. click here to sign the motion Report of the Target Barclays Day of Action 
On Saturday 28th November actions took place in Brighton, Wrexham, Falmouth and Cambridge to mark the campaign launch. A
large demonstration was held in Brighton, thousands of leaflets were
handed out, two Barclays Customers, after reading the leaflet, agreed
to close their accounts and a letter was handed in to the branch
manager.
The branch was guarded by a heavy police presence and private
security, drafted in for the day, from the "Professional Witness
Service".
In
Cambridge anonymous campaigners scaled scaffolding above a Barclays
branch and carved 'Barclays - £7bn invested in arms' in 6 foot letters
in tarpaulin. The message was still there the following day.
In Wrexham the new branch of Barclays was picketed
In Falmouth campaigners from Kernow Action Now (KAN)
Smash
EDO are calling for groups to take autonomous actions against Barclays
until Barclays cease providing market Maker services to ITT. leafletted outside their local branch, police stood guard outside the Falmouth and Truro branches of Barclays. For more info about the Target Barclays campaign see www.smashedo.org.uk/target-barclays.html or read Indymedia's 'Antimilitarists Take on Barclays' Charges Dropped Against SchMOVIES Film-Maker From SchNEWS:
In June police raided Brighton film-maker and SchMOVIES stalwart Paul Light’s house, taking all his digital media, film-making equipment, computers and other personal belongings (See SchNEWS 680).
However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Paul after it
was announced this week that charges against him were to be dropped and
his stuff returned. Almost...
Sussex Police say they reckoned he had filmed the EDO decommissioners
action in January when a group broke into the Brighton arms equipment
factory and did around £250,000 worth of damage in an accountable
action (See SchNEWS 663).
Paul wasn’t there, and there was no evidence on him. But that didn’t
stop the police putting him on the same charge as the decommissioners –
conspiracy to commit criminal damage - and raiding his house in what
amounted to a fishing expedition looking for footage of other
demonstrations.
While the police are due to arrive in a
convoy of vans next Monday to return all of Paul’s stuff, they are
telling him he won’t be getting his computer back, because it is due to
be an exhibit in another EDO-related trial next March and, wait for it,
they are also now saying it contains images and material relating to
Al-Qaeda! Paul has been left to imagine what on earth they might be
talking about.
This latest pathetic attempt to hang
something-anything onto Paul - as they manufacture reasons to hang onto
his gear in search of video evidence - turns what was already a
complete farce into a rollicking nonsense.
Update on 'No
Borders' Blockade Case
Nine people were in court in early November for charges arising from a blockade of EDO MBM/ITT in
solidarity with migrants during the Calais No Borders
camp
this summer. The blockade was to highlight the links between the arms
trade, war and the creation of refugees. One defendant was found with
no case to answer, two were acquitted and five were convicted of
obstruction of the highway. They were given 12 month conditional
discharges.
Carnival Against the Arms Trade
Protester's Appeals Successful
Two
activists, Robert Alford and Elijah Smith, who were arrested at the Carnival
Against the Arms Trade
last June appealed their convictions last week. The
court quashed their convictions for aggravated trespass.
See here for full report.
Stop Press - Decommissioners
Court Case Adjourned til May 2010
The
court case of six people who broke into EDO MBM/ITT during the bombing
of Gaza, known as the decommissioners, has been adjourned until 17th
May 2010. This is due to delays on the part of the Crown Prosecution
Service which have hampered the defendants ability to prepare their
defence in time for the trial (originally planned for
October).
Elijah
Smith is still on remand in HMP Horfield. Please send messages of
support to Elijah Smith,
XP7551, HMP Bristol, 19 cambridge Road, Horfield, BS7 8PS
Please Urge Brighton and Hove
Council to table a Motion against EDO MBM/ITT'S Complicity in War
Crimes
Smash
EDO has launched a petition for residents of Brighton and Hove to urge
Brighton and Hove City Council:
Click
here to sign the petition
EDO MBM, based in Moulsecoomb, is a
weapons manufacturer owned by the American multi-national ITT. They
make weapon components for the Paveway guided bomb programme, which was
the most used aerial weapon in the attack on Iraq. They also own the
patents of the Zero Retention Force Arming Unit and the Ejector Release
Unit ERU 151, both essential components for the F16 aircraft’s VER-2
bomb rack, used by the Israeli Air Force against civilians in Gaza.
Since 2004 there has been a growing campaign
against EDO MBM in Brighton. Campaigners have used diverse tactics to
highlight and resist this murderous business in our city. There have
been blockades, rooftop occupations, street theatre and hundreds of
noise demos outside the factory. Thousands of people have also taken to
the streets against them during nationally advertised events.
During the massacre in Gaza in January this year, the Green Party
attempted to table a motion condemning the activities of EDO MBM/ITT at
the full Council meeting. The motion was refused a hearing by the city
Council convenor. A leaked document from the Green Party reveals that
the reason given was that ‘the issue is not directly related to
Brighton and has no bearing on the well being of the city’. On the
evening of this refusal six people broke in to the EDO factory in
solidarity with the people of Gaza, who were simultaneously being
bombed with the aid of Brighton manufactured EDO components. In an
attempt to ‘decommission’ the weapons they caused up to £300,000 worth
of damage to the machinery aiding this atrocity.
We, the undersigned residents of Brighton and Hove, believe that the
refusal to hear the original motion was wrong and disagree strongly
with the notion that what is being manufactured and sold in Brighton is
of no concern or relevance to the city’s citizens. We urge you to
accept the tabling of this new motion and to condemn the activities of
EDO and their complicity in war crimes.
Sincerely,
The
Undersigned
Sign the 'Support the
Decommissioners' Petition
This Petition will be handed into the Foreign
Office prior to the trial of the decommissioners
This petition is from the 'Support the
Decommissioners' campaign, a
support group for six people who broke into EDO MBM/ITT in Brighton
during Israel's bombing of Gaza in January 2009. By the 17th January,
the night of the break in, Israel had killed over a thousand civilians
By the end of Israel's aerial bombardment over 1400 people had died,
including up to 400 children. Foreign secretary David Miliband has
admitted that British supplied weapons were undoubtedly used during
Israel's bombardment.
Elijah
Smith, XP7551, HMP Bristol, 19 cambridge Road, Horfield, BS7 8PS
On January 17th Ornella Saibene, Robert Nicholls, Harvey Tadman, Elijah
Smith, Tom Woodhead and Robert Alford broke into the EDO factory and
destroyed computers and manufacturing equipment in order to disable the
factory's capacity to manufacture weapons for the Israeli army.
War crimes, including murder, the targeting of civilians and the
wanton targeting of civilian objects had been committed in Gaza during
January. The decommissioning of EDO was intended to prevent the factory
aiding and abetting those crimes any further.
EDO has been granted UK export licenses for components which are
incorporate into the Israeli F16, including licences for the ERU 151,
the bomb rack for the Israeli F16.
The decommissioning of EDO action was only necessary because the UK
governmnent continues to grant licenses for the export of weapons
components to Israel (either through direct or indirect exports). In
July 2009, as a response to public outcry against British companies'
complicity in ar crimes in Gaza. David Milibands revoked 5 out of 182
existing export licenses to Israel, leaving the majority of exports
unhindered
Israel has persistently committed war crimes and crimes against
humanity; during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, the bombing of
Lebanon in 2006 and Operation Cast Lead in 2009. Despite this British
arms sales to Israel are increasing.
We, the Undersigned demand:
- An arms embargo on Israel
- For all existing export licenses to Israel (either indirectly or
directly) to be revoked
- An end to British governmnent purchases from Israeli arms companies
(as these purchases help develop the Israeli arms industry)
Until these demands are fulfilled actions like the decommissioning will
be necessary
Sincerely,
The
Undersigned
Click
here to sign the petition
New Decommissioners Pamphlet
Released - If I had a Hammer
A
new 26 page pamphlet, entitled 'If I Had a Hammer - Decommissioning the
Arms Trade' has been released in support of the decommissioning of EDO
MBM in January 2009 during the bombing of Gaza. The pamphlet includes
accounts by people who took part in the action and articles about EDO's
supply of weapons to Israel and from Trident Ploughshares and the Free
Gaza movement. Download it here (print
ready),
or click here for
a version for reading on the web Remember Gaza Demo at EDO 
Over
40 people demonstrated outside EDO on June 17th and read the names of
the 1400 people killed during the bombing of Gaza in January 2009. Click here for more info Decommissioners Update: Robert Alford Released From Prison Robert Alford, who has been in Lewes Prison on remand since January 17 2009 for his alleged part in the decommissioning of EDO has been released from prison. This leaves Elijah Smith as the final person remaining on remand. Support Elijah Smith
Elijah Smith is the last person remaining in prison after the deccommissioning of EDO
in January 2009. If you want to support Elijah financially postal
orders can be made out to HM Prison Service with prisoner number and
your name and address or make a donation to the campaign at www.smashedo.org.uk/donate.htm. Please tag donations as 'prisoner support', they will be used to fund travel expenses and costs incurred during the case
Letters are always appreciated. Write to Elijah at: Elijah Smith, VP 7551, HMP Horfield, 19 Cambridge Road, Bristol Smash EDO Carnival 2008 Protester Who Hit Back at Police Officer Wins Assault Case after Plea of Self Defence
A
peace protester who admitted punching a police officer at the Smash EDO
Carnival Against the Arms Trade on June 4 2008 was found not guilty of
assault today on grounds that he acted in self defence, after the court
found police had used unlawful and excessive force by beating him with
batons at the protest.
Brighton Magistrates Court found Chris
Bluemel, a music teacher from Southampton, not guilty of two
alternative charges of Assault on Police and Common Assault, after he
admitted he had struck back at one of the officers who had beaten him.
In
their verdict three magistrates said that the evidence of PC Dugan, who
received a punch in the face after beating Mr Bluemel to the ground,
had been 'vague and contradictory' in its description of the timing of
events, while in contrast Mr Bluemel was clearly a man of good
character who had been 'credible and consistent' about what had
happened.
Commenting on policing of events that saw hundreds of
protesters enter the car park of Brighton arms firm EDO MBM, the
magistrates said that although the actions of police had been lawful to
begin with it had descended into unlawful and excessive force in the
last moments when protesters where being driven from the car park with
batons and police dogs. There was no evidence of any violence used
against the police by the protesters. In the circumstances Mr Bluemel
had been reasonable in fighting back against the police attack who were
clearly 'not acting in the execution of their duty'.
Mr Bluemel suffered extensive bruising to his left arm and back at the protest after repeated beatings.
During
the case numerous character witnesses attested to Mr Bluemel’s
commitment to peace and justice, and hatred of violence. They included
his employer, the Principal of the college in Southampton where he
works, who described him as 'very gentle and patient’. The Principal
had chosen to come and support Chris in court today, and had left his
deputy to deal with a meeting with the shadow Minister of Education in
Southampton instead.
Chloe Marsh, for Smash EDO said:
’If
anyone has been in any doubt that Sussex Police have used unlawful
violence against peaceful protesters in this campaign then this verdict
proves beyond a doubt the reality of what we have had to put up with
over
the last five years.’
‘Chris was brave enough to fight
back, and was justified in doing so. The police should take a long hard
look at their behaviour in the future to stop such events happening
again. We are not intimidated by police violence. We will continue to
protest against this factory which makes
arms that are used to destroy the lives of countless innocents around the world'
Chris Bluemel himself said:
'This
marks the end of an extremely difficult year, which began with a police
raid on my house, in which a huge amount of computer equipment and
campaign materials was seized, and ended with a trial on ludicrous
charges. The police have so far refused to apologise for the disruption
and stress they have caused to my life, including the fear of losing my
job had I been convicted.'
Click here for Guardian Coverage Carnival Convictions
Four people were in court in the first of the Carnival Against
the Arms Trade cases and the results could have been better. All
were charged with aggravated tresspass (section 68)and convicted,
although the case was flimsy at best, as no work was actually
going on at the time and the prosecution could not prove intention
to disrupt. Two of the four also got charged with criminal damage,
one was acquitted and recieved coinditional discharge for the
aggravated tresspass, the other was convicted and recieved 80
hours community service for the two charges. Another of the four
got charged with obstructing a police officer and found guilty
and given a fine, however he and the other man given a fine were
two of the decommissioners on remand so their fines were deemed
paid in time served.
In a separate case in Lewes Crown Court one person, accused of
intention to cause criminal damage (carrying a balloon full of
paint), at Smash EDO's Shut ITT demonstration in October 2008,
was persuaded to plead guilty after a promise of leniency from
the judge. He received a conditional discharge.
This week Chris Bluemel, a music teacher from Southampton, will
appear in Brighton Magistrates Court, charged with assaulting
a police officer at last year's Carnival Against the Arms Trade
on 4-5 June. He is pleading not guilty on the grounds of self
defence and will present a photograph of the cuts and bruises
inflicted on him by policemen with batons as he was pushed out
of the gates at EDO. Support in court will be much appreciated.
A further 4 people's cases have been put on hold after the judge
ruled that one of the prosecution's key videos is inadmissible.
The CPS are appealing this ruling to the High Court.
EDO civilian
technology company disolved
According to Companies House EDO Aerotech was
struck off by application of the company itself on 12 May 2009.
This leaves EDO MBM as the sole remaining company in the EDO
(UK) group which is now officially a 100% a military technology
producer.
In court this year Paul Hills has claimed that 20% of the work
done by EDO in Brighton was for civilian purposes, however the
closure of the Aerotech, which used to make
in- flight entertainment (IFE) systems for Air France, suggests
his testimony was far from accurate.
The number of employees of EDO MBM has dropped from 200 in 2004
to around 100 today. 2008 accounts due in October are expected
to confirm this.
EDO MBM is known to be in current production of components for
the Raytheon Paveway IV guided bomb, smart bomb racks, electrical
connector systems, rugged military computers and arming units.
The UK Government refuses to confirm or deny whether or not the
company supply Israel with military components on grounds of confidentiality
(the company itself have blocked disclosure under FOIA). More
recently the Goverment have raised further grounds for refusal
including the commercial interest of the company and the protection
of international relations.
Evidence suggests the company produced components used in war
crimes in Gaza by Israeli war planes. Foreign Secretary David
Milliband Milliband confirmed in April that British components
exported via the US since 2002 were used in the Gaza conflict,
including components for military aircraft.
Anti EDO campaigners
monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition System
A BBC documentary entitled "who's watching
you" features campigners from EDO MBM.
John Catt a regular a outside the factory found
himself on the wrong side of the ANPR system, it was at one the
protests that the police put a "marker" on his car to
be later put on a "hot list." The system is meant for
criminals and although Katt, aged 83, has no convictions he was
pulled over by the Anti Terror unit whilst on a trip to London.
Decommissioners Update
Robert Alford, one of the 6 people who decommissioned
EDO MBM/ITT in solidarity with Gaza has been granted bail and
will be released soon. Elijah Smith remains on remand and has
been transferred to Lewes prison from Bristol. Mayday! Mayday! Street
Party against War and Greed
The Mayday Mayday Street party against war and greed was a
huge success. Up to 2000 people took to the streets to protest
against EDO MBM/ITT's complicity in civilian deaths and the collusion
of local branches of multinational corporations including RBS,
HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays and McDonalds in investing in ITT corporation.
As the street party progressed through the city activists
scaled scaffolding surrounding Barclays Bank displying a banner
stating 'No Arms Dealers in Brighton'. Barclays is the largest
single investor in ITT. Brighton Army Recruitment Centre was daubed
with red paint and protesters confronted police protecting McDonalds.
This is the largest show of force yet against EDO MBM/ITT. Smash
EDO will not stop campaigning until the factory closes.
Smash EDO, Smash Capitalism Indymedia
Coverage 1 |
2 Fitwatch
commentary Argus
Coverage
Report from the Prison Picket
in Support of the decommissioners from Bristol Indymedia
Yesterday afternoon I joined some 40 odd people in parading around
the perimeter of Horfield prison in solidarity with Elijah Smith,
one of the EDO Decommissioners who is being held inside.
It was
a noisy old parade as we tried to communicate to Elijah our solidarity,
our love, our respect for the action he and his comrades took,
and our hope that he will soon be breathing spring air from outside those big old walls.
The action came three months after
the Decommissioners took their action against the EDO factory in Brighton. Here's
a report of the action if you're not familiar with it:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/01/418834.html
It
is vital that Bristolians support the EDO Decommissioners as they move towards
trial; it is especially vital that those in prison are supported. A couple of
weeks ago, Ciaron O'Reilly a long-time peace activist and prison veteran - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciaron_O%27Reilly
- spoke at Kebele of the importance of supporting the EDO prisoners. Not only
is it vital for morale that they receive postcards and letters, and hear the noise
of our protests, it also helps to keep the prisoners safe. If the prison authorities,
and other prisoners, know that people on the outside are looking out for James
and Robert, then it will help keep them safe from mischief while inside.
So....
make sure you get to the next noise demo! And, in the meantime, send a letter:
Robert Alford VP 7552 HMP Lewes , 1 Brighton Rd, Lewes, Sussex, BN7 1EA
Elijah
Smith VP 7551 HMP Bristol, 19 Cambridge Rd, Horfield, BS7 8PS
Plenty more
information is available here:
http://decommisioners.wordpress.com/
In
particular, I am the proud owner of the must-have fashion accessory of 2009. Get
a t-shirt in solidarity with the
Decommissioners!
http://decommisioners.wordpress.com/resources/
'On the Verge' nominated for 'Index on Censorship'
Award 'On
the Verge', the Smash EDO Campaign film, shortlisted for Index
on Censorship 'Freedom of Expression' award. We'd like to thank Sussex
Police's cack-handed repressive policing and attempt to censor the movie for raising
the profile of the film
Campaigners
Hold All night demo to commemorate Six years since the Invasion of Iraq 19/03/2009
- On the night of 19th - 20th March 2003 the invasion of Iraq, which was to claim
the lives of over a million Iraqis, began. Six years on Smash EDO held an all
night protest vigil outside the EDO MBM/ITT factory.
Entertainment
was provided by a local political choir and punk poet, Atilla the Stockbroker.
Sussex Police also braved the cold outside EDO patrolling the woods behind the
EDO factory. Paul Hills, EDO managing director of EDO, stayed to watch the protestors
until 10pm and had drafted in extra private security.
Campaigners
held a vigil from 4.30pm on Thursday 19th to 10 am on the 19th. Names of civilians
killed in the invasion and occupation were read out to EDO workers as they arrived
for work on Friday morning.
see
press release
EDO
Blockaders Acquitted 24/03/2009 - Seven activists
who blockaded EDO on the fifth aqnniversary of the invasion of Iraq were acquitted
of aggravated trespass by a bench of magistrates.
The campaigners
had blocked the entrances to the factory using armtubes
One
person was convicted of criminal damage after allegedly supergluing himself to
the fence. He was given a one year conditional discharge.
see
press release
Gaza
6 Solidarity protest in Bristol On the 16th of January
6 people broke into an EDO MBM/ITT to try and prevent the supply of weapons being
used for war crimes in Palestine. They brought the factory to a standstill causing
£300,000 worth of damage.
Two of the six are still in Prison, one
of them is in Horfield, Bristol
On Saturday 21st March somewhere between
50 and 100 people marched around Horfield Prison in Bristol in a “Wall of
Sound” protest to show solidarity with those who tried to disable the Israeli
war machine when Israel was in the process of committing war crimes and crimes
against humanity.
for more info see here
'On the Verge'
tour reaches Montreal 30/03/2009 - A screening
of 'On the Verge', the Smash EDO Campaign film is planned for 30th March at the
Mcgill University, Montreal
see here
for more details
Resistance
grows Against ITT in Basingstoke 16/3/2009 - More
demonstrations have been held against ITT's HQ in Basingstoke. ITT own the EDO
MBM/ITT factory in Brighton. SHAC
south have held two demonstrations against ITT in the last few weeks. Here's some
excerpts from their reports from 10th March 'there
is a company called ITT Defence (parent company of EDO MBM) who are the subject
to a huge anti arms campaign in Brighton UK. These guys supplied many of the weapons
systems dropped recently on the people of Gaza so we thought we would pop by and
have a quick loud solidarity demo against them. The police riot van blocking their
entrance was a good sight indeed.' and from the 16th 'As
Jays Close is home to ITT (an arms company that makes bomb release mechanisms
amongst other sick things) we decided we would pop around to them, strangely enough
the police didn't seem to bothered about them. They are presently applying to
the council for permission for a new huge security gate apparently. We wonder
why? Wouldn't it be terrible if the local residents or someone objected because
it affected the look of the area? ITT are the parent company of EDO MBM and they
are subject to a huge campaign against them in Brighton. The campaign is growing,
ITT perhaps you helping the Israel government murder the innocent people of Gaza
wasn't such a good idea?' for more info see www.shac.net
Shut ITT Protesters in Court
Four people were in court today, Monday 9th March,
for charges relating to the Shut ITT demonstration last October. Charges ranged
from failure to remove a mask, going equipped to cause criminal damage and resisting
arrest. All defendants plead not guilty On October 15th over
350 police, helicopters and police dogs attempted to stop protesters from taking
part in a mass demo against the arms factory. Despite police repression, including
pepper spray and attacks with batons, the protesters clearly had the upper hand
and the factory was closed down for the day If you were arrested
or for info on arrests email smashedo@riseup.net
Support
the Decommissioners On 17th January 6 people entered
EDO MBM/ITT and caused over a quarter of a million pounds worth of damage. The
intent was to decommission the factory to prevent the manufacture of weapons that
could be used against the people of Gaza A
support campaign has been set up - see http://www.decommisioners.wordpress.com Please
sign the online petition in support of the EDO decommissioners
Free
Robert Alford and Elijah James Smith. DEMONSTRATE
21st March 4 till 6, Horfield Prison, Cambridge Road, (next to the
Golden Lion) Gloucester Road. read
more
Remember the War? The
invasion of Iraq began on the night of 19th/20th March 2003. Since then over a
million people have died as a result of the invasion and occupation. EDO have
been making money out of the suffering of the people of Iraq. The company produce
components for the Paveway III and IV, the most used missiles in the 2003-4 bombardment
To commemorate those whose lives have been ruined since the invasion began
Smash EDO are holding an ALL NIGHT
DEMO on the sixth anniversary of the invasion at Home Farm Road
outside the factory the demo will run from Thursday 19th at 4.30pm to
Friday 20th at 10am Bring pots, pans, banners,
sleeping bags, food, passion and rage
Decommissioners
Update - Bail Hearing - Feb 16th (report from the decommissioners
website) On the day: We all crowded into the public gallery and viewed
on video link to the prison at Lewes the review of bail conditions for Elija and
Robert Alford AKA Tin-Tin. The folks from Brighton had put a lot of effort into
arranging an address and surety for Robert but to no avail as the magistrates
rejected the efforts to get him released on medical grounds. This was very disappointing
to all in attendance. The afternoon was taken up by hanging around in the
dock awaiting the magistrates and the subsequent requests for changes to bail
conditions. The prosecuting solicitor began to reveal the line they will
take in the trial. He introduced EDO/ITT as company producing civilian and military
products! He was also allowed to reveal snippets of evidence by the Police. Nine
of us have been charged with the same offences, the burglary charge has not been
dropped but the prosecution are not presenting any evidence, so that is good news.
A campaign friend who was involved in the Fairford trial is sure you cannot plead
unlawful excuse for a burglary charge! Unless you nick some bombs I suppose!! However
the charge of conspiracy was added. The bad news is that changes to Legal
Aid means we are allocated 5000 pounds for the preparation of a defence and trial
for all of us. Lydia who is our defence solicitor has found a volunteer,
who spent time in Guantanimo Bay and is very willing to do research. A fundamental
aspect of pleading lawful excuse and preventing a greater crime is the state of
mind of the defendants. So it becomes important to verify what was in the media
during the period leading up to the decommissioning and was influencing our thinking. Another
hurdle is the fact that the trial judge may reject the defence of lawful excuse
if there are not sufficient grounds! This happens before the trial so nothing
is foregone conclusion. Anyway we are in good spirits, with no regrets,
although Elija and Robert remain in prison.
Inquest
into the death of Marie Vesco An inquest has been held in Haywards
Heath over the death of Marie Vesco, who died while cycling to the 'Carnival Against
the Arms Trade' see
argus article Press
Release from Marie's Family
Splash
EDO - Artists Against EDO
Tuesday 24th - Sunday 1st March
24th February: Friends Meeting House, Brighton from 6pm Art exhibition...tea
and vegan cake. Featuring: The classic line drawings of veteran anti-war activist
John Catt. Photogarphs from Al Jazeera journalist Medyean Dairieh. International
photgrapher Guy Smallman.. images from the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and many
more. 7pm (Friends Meeting House)..Just sing: Peace choir, slam poet
Spliff Richard, Palestinian Poetry, acoustic music and
more cake. Donations appreciated! 25th- 28th of February
Art exhibition. as above. Cowley Club, 12
London Road. Brighton. Vegan cafe and more cake. 28th Feb. 1pm. Film
showings in Cowley Club 'On the Verge' and other short films. Also
at Westhill Community Centre, Brighton 1pm Clandestine
Rebel Clown Training 3pm Radical
Cheerleading 4.30pm. Carnival
mask making, creations and circus skills. Sunday 1st of March...............Benefit
Finale! The Albert pub, Trafalgar Street. From 8pm King
Blues, Lovely Brothers and Chicken Shed Zepplin plus slam poet angry sam...
MASSIVE DAMAGE AT BRIGHTON ARMS FACTORY.
Nine activists were arrested at a Brighton weapons factory in the early
hours of this morning (17th). According to one witness computers and filing
cabinets were hurled out of top floor windows as a group of protesters broke in
to the factory in the early hours staging a “citizen's decommissioning”
of the EDO-MBM/ITT arms factory in direct response to the killings of Palestinians
in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military. The activists barricaded themselves
into the factory on Home Farm Rd, Moulsecoombe. Eventually 30 police arrived and
they were arrested. Elijah Smith, one of the protesters that broke into
the factory, said
“I'm looking at the world scene and I'm getting
more and more horrified. I've been looking at the law and I don't feel I'm going
to do anything illegal tonight, but I'm going to go into an arms factory and smash
it up to the best of my ability so that it cannot actually work or produce munitions
and these very dirty bombs that have been provided to the Israeli army so that
they can kill children. The time for talking has gone too far. I'm not a writer,
I'm just a person from the community and I'm deeply disgusted.” There
have been a total of 9 arrests. Indymedia
Coverage of the Decommisioning Brighton
Argus Coverage,
Guardian Coverage Several activists recorded messages prior to breaking
in to the factory. These messages, as well as a video of the break in were posted
on the internet shortly after -
Link to video Argus
Video of the Damage BBC
Coverage Eight people have been charged with causing £250 000
of criminal damage and with burglary, one person has been released on police bail.
Five people were bailed after a hearing at Brighton Magistrate's Court. Three
were remanded to Lewes Prison. One person was granted bail after an appeal. Two
people remain on remand. Please send letters of support to: Elijah Smith
Prisoner no VP77551
Robert Alford VP7552
HMP Lewes
1 Brighton Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1EA A support campaign has been set up -
see http://www.decommisioners.wordpress.com Please
sign the online petition in support of the EDO decommissioners “If
you hear the sound of a child being brutalised in the house next door and you
rush in to smash the door down and save the child, should you be charged with
breaking and entering? Obviously not.” Eamonn McCann of the Raytheon
9.
Bristol Raytheon Rooftop Protest Reaches its
Second Week An occupation of the roof
of the Raytheon offices at the Bristol Business Park has reached its second week
despite sub-zero temperatures. Raytheon
are one of EDO's biggest business partners The occupation
was begun in protest at Raytheon's supply of weapons for conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan
and Palestine. Since October, anti-militarist activists have targeted Raytheon
in Bristol and have formed the Smash
Raytheon campaign. Smash Raytheon have held two
rooftop occupations and a blockade of Raytheon in Bristol since the campaign began
in October. The current rooftop occupation began on the 9th December. Supporters
have visited the protest every day and are bringing food and supplies hauled to
the roof by rope. On December 20th, 1pm-3pm at
Bristol Business Park, a demonstration is planned in solidarity with the roof
protesters.
Stop Press
- Smash EDO Take two weeks OffEDO MBM/ITT is closed
over Xmas so we're having a break too. Noise demos will begin again on Wednesday
7th January 2009
Court Update: Police drop most Serious
Charges against 'Carnival Against the Arms Trade' ProtestersOn
Tuesday 24th 11 people entered not guilty pleas at Brighton Magistrate's to a
variety of minor charges relating to the 'Carnival Against the arms Trade' in
June. The police had originally attempted to charge them with conspiracy, then
to charge some with violent disorder. Finally serious charges have been dropped
and all defendants are charged with summary only offences. There are now a total
of Fourteen defendants in the case. See
Press Release Man arrested for playing anti
war songs has charges dropped Glen Williams,
who was arrested for playing 'and the band played Waltzing Matilda' has had charges
against him discontinued. Glen was arrested during a protest songs demonstration
outside EDO MBM intended to challenge the use of council byelaws against protesters.
The dropping of the charges against Glen shows that Sussex Police know that they
are on shaky ground using council byelaws against protesters. Previous
Press Release Woman arrested for singing
outside EDO wins her case A woman who was arrested
at the Smash EDO Protest Camp 2007 for singing and playing the acoustic guitar
won her case after the prosecution offered no evidence (after stringing the case
out for a year). Previous
Press Release Woman arrested under PACE wins
her appeal A woman arrested at the Smash EDO
camp 2007 won her appeal against conviction at Lewes Crown Court. She had been
arrested for obstruction after refusing to give up her video camera which police
were, unlawfully, trying to seize under Section 19 of PACE. This is a police tactic
to gather evidence against campaigners and to prevent the use of cameras at protests.Section
19 of PACE gives police the power to confiscate property if it will help them
uncover evidence of a crime and they are lawfully on a premises. Despite the word
'premises' police argue they can use Section 19 anywhere.# Previous
Press Releases - 1
|2
Demonstrations against ITT in Basingstoke Two demonstrations
have taken place aginst ITT, EDO's parent company in Basingstoke. Smash EDO are
calling for demonstrations at ITT premises around the country.
Surprise
Noise Demos at EDO MBM Campaigners have held two surprise demos at the EDO
factory in the last fortnight, on top of the weekly Wednesday demonstrations.
Alternative Remembrance Day Memorial at EDO MBM/ITTAt
11 o clock today activists held a minute's silence for the victims of EDO MBM/ITT
outside the gates of the factory. Police showed up in force and threatened to
arrest people for obstruction of the highway. Flowers and wreaths were laid at
the gates of the factory. see Students
Against the Arms Trade Press Release We'll be back tomorrow (Wednesday)
at 4pm
Raytheon in Bristol
Blockaded Activists in Bristol blockaded
Raytheon's premises last week. Raytheon are EDO's most important business partner
Indymedia
Report
Halloween
Antics at EDO Ghosts, ghouls, pixies and
gnomes held a haunting at EDO MBM/ITT on Wedsnesday 29th. Some of them even took
a soud system to the back of the factory. Police raced into the woods to apprehend
the offenders but when they got there didn't really know what to do....
Bristol Campaigners target
Raytheon Just a few days after the Shut ITT
demo in Brighton a crew of people from Bristol held a rooftop occupation at Raytheon's
depot in Bristol. Rayhteon are EDO MBM/ITT and Raytheon work together on the Paveway
III and IV systems of munitions - used to massacre civilians in Iraq. The occupation
lasted over 38 hours. Bristol
Indymedia Report Video
Shut ITT!Updates
From The Day
Latest:-
Yesterday police pepper-sprayed and released dogs on protesters
in Wild Park. A photo-journalist was injured and hospitalised. Anybody who witnessed
the incident please contact us at smashedo@riseup.net By Thursday
morning all those arrested had been released. -
If you were arrested,
injured or badly affected by the day and need to talk about your experiences please
ring our Emotional Support line on 07962406940
The
success of today's demonstration, despite heavy police repression and brutality,
showed the ingenuity and passion of anti-war protesters from around the country
and the growth of the movement against EDO MBM/ITT.The
day started with protesters meeting outside the University of Sussex, greeted
by a large presence of cops dispensing section 60 and section 14 notices and their
own form of 'just policing'.After
attempted snatch squads and arrests, the demo moved off through police lines,
and onto the A27 marching towards Home Farm road. After seeing the obvious trap
set up (using police and fencing) on Home Farm Road, protesters remained at the
bottom attemping to proceed towards the town centre.They
were however, hindered by the many police vans parked across the road, blocking
it completely. Protesters then outflanked police by heading into the woods, stretching
police resources, whilst others headed into town. Indymedia
reported that some anonymous protestors threw around forty bottles of red paint
at the factory. Groups
then reconverged in town to make people aware EDO's complicity in war crimes,
and their existence within our community.Well
done to all who refused to be intimidated by the police aggression. The passion
and size of the crowd shows how we can shut the arms dealers down. Smash
EDO Press Release Brighton
Argus Report and Video Al
Jazeera Report| Photos
For a timeline
of the day and photos, go to:www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/10/410910.html
Smash EDO gears up for the Shut ITT mass Demo more
LATEST UPDATEs ON THE SHUT ITT DEMO: A
meeting will be held at 6pm on the evening of 14th October for all those
who are travelling from around the country to the demonstration. Please try and
make it down VENUE: Cowley Club, 12 London Road Brighton. Food will be provided
ACCOMODATION - We will try to provide crashspace accomodation for
all those travelling to the demo. Contact smashedo@riseup.net or call 07522024465
if you need somewhere to stay
LEGAL - If you get nicked we reccomend
you use Kelly's Solicitors tel. (01273) 674898
Groups
travelling to the Shut ITT demo:
Fitwatch - There will be FITwatchers
at the Shut ITT demo. FITwatch is the tactic of sabotaging the Forward Intelligence
Team's surveillance attempts. see here for more info
Rhythms of Resistance
- will be providing some samba...
Contacts for groups
travelling to the Shut ITT demo from around the country:
Nottingham
- contact at nottsantimilitarism.org.uk
Manchester
- manchesternoborders at riseup.net Sheffield - sheffield at af-north.org
Hereford - hereford at afed.org.uk
Bath - bathactivistnet at
yahoo.co.uk
Hastings - hastingsagainstwar at yahoo.co.uk
Smash
EDO send Sussex Police an Open Letter re the Shut ITT! demo read
the letter here
Police Hassle
Quaker Meeting House in York at a recent showing of 'On
the Verge' at the Friends Meeting House in York the local constabulary called
and said they would like the screening to be cancelled as there had been 'trouble'
at previous screenings. The screening went on regardless despite a visit froom
a local bobby checking 'everything was ok'. It seems that the police still have
nothing better to do than try to prevent screenings. See the
'On the Verge' site for news of screenings near you.
Further
Arrest Over Carnival Against the Arms Trade A man was arrested
and bailed over charges relating to the Smash EDO Carnival Against the Arms Trade
in June.
Court Update Two
anti arms trade campaigners were found not guilty at Brighton Magistrates Court
of Aggravated Trespass. They took part in a 'Students Against EDO' blockade of
EDO MBM. Three campaigners lost their appeal at Hove Magistrate's Court
against their conviction for Aggravated Trespass at a blockade of EDO, using concrete
barrels, during the Israeli bombing of Lebanon in 2006
Launch
of New Anti Arms Trade Group Brighton Against the Arms
Trade (BAAT) is a new group campaigning against the arms Trade and militarism
in our local area. Brighton has an arms factory, EDO MBM/ITT, based in Moulsecoomb.
EDO Produce weapons for the US, UK and Israel which are used to target civilians.
BAAT will act in solidarity with the ongoing local resistance against EDO. The
meeting will include videos about anti-arms trade campaigning in Brighton and
a discussion of the direction the new group should take.
Campaigner
Arrested Outside Court An anti arms trade
campaigner was arrested outside court last week while supporting EDO campaigners
on trial for protesting against the arms factory. He
was questioned over the Smash EDO Carnival Against the Arms Trade and had his
house searched.
EDO MBM/ITT
Complicit in civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Today ITT are one
of the top ten arms suppliers of the US armed forces and are currently assisting
war crimes in Afghanistan. A UN investigation has found ‘convincing
evidence’ that a US ‘counter-terror’ air strike in the Herat region
of Afghanistan, using a C130 gunship, massacred over 90 civilians, including 60
children on 21 August 2008. ITT Corporation (who own EDO MBM in Brighton)
provides counter-measure and electronic jamming components (ALQ-172) for the gunship.
Court Update Four campaigners
are currently in court for Aggravated Trespass after supergluing themselves to
EDO MBM Fishersgate last February. On Friday Paul Hills, MD of EDO MBM was asked
question relating to the lawfulness of EDO MBM's business: Press Release
- Anti
War Protesters On Trial In Worthing Magistrates Court Two people have
been charged with offences contrary to Section 4 of the Public Order Act at the
'Carnival Against the Arms Trade in June. Nine people remain on bail and one has
had charges dropped. Two people are in Brighton Magistrate's Court on the
2nd and 3rd of June for Aggravated Tresspass at EDO MBM Home Farm Road in February
2007. Please come and support them.
Man
Arrested for Playing 'Waltzing Matilda' Glen
Williams was arrested for playing protest songs, including Eric Bogle's reworking
of an anti war folk song to the backing of 'Waltzing Matilda', outside EDO MBM
on August 20th. He was arrested under a council byelaw relating to noise Smash
EDO Press Release Schnews
'Crap Arrest of the Week' Lyrics
to the offending protest song
Anti
Arms Trade Conspiracy Trial Comes Unstuck Five
campaigners against EDO were found not guilty by a unanimous jury after twelve
days on trial for Conspiracy to Cause Criminal Damage. Schnews
Report: Five
Go Up Before the Jury Press
Releases about the Trial: Anti
War Conspiracy Case Comes Unstuck Anti
War Protesters On Trial for Conspiracy Anti
War Conspiracy Case Campaigners
Breach Security at EDO to Commemorate One Millino Dead in Iraq
Next
big demo at EDO Shut ITT: Mass
Demo Against the Arms Trade
Wednesday 15th October, meet 12 noon, opposite
Falmer Station (next to the Sussex Univesity Sign) Groups from around the
country will come together for this mass demo against the arms trade. more
Houses
Searched and further arrests made over the Carnival Against Arms Trade Update
on arrests following the Smash EDO Carnival Against the Arms Trade which was hlld
in Brighton on 4th June Arrests have been made and houses searched in Southampton
and Brighton last week over the Carnival Against the Arms Trade in Brighton. Two
people were questioned over various alleged offences including the tipping of
paint over a policeman during the carnival. They were also asked questions
relating to 'conspiracy to cause criminal damage' charges. No charges are
made and both have been bailed to later this year Two houses were searched.
One search involved PC Sean Mcdonald from Sussex police and an officer from the
London FIT team, the other included plain clothes and uniformed officers including
one Stephen Webb, claiming to be from Sussex Police. The warrants were for
the entire property and communal areas and other residents rooms were searched.
Mobile phones, PCs, laptops, political stuff and clothes were seized. If
you have had your home raided or been questioned relating to Smash EDO protests
contact the campaign at smashedo@hotmail.com. Kellys Solicitors (01273 674898)
have dealt with EDO related cases for years and are the best bet if you are arrested.
It is possible to swap to Kellys after release from the police station even if
you have used another solicitor when arrested.
Smash
EDO Needs Funds The Smash EDO campaign needs funds. We've
spent all our money on the 'On the Verge' tour and the Carnival Against the Arms
Trade . Why not make a donation to the campaign send a cheque to Sussex
ESF - C/o Unemployed Centre, 6 Tilbury Place Brighton BN2 OGY. Why not organise
a fundraiser for the campaign in your local area or buy a copy of 'On the Verge'
by emailing on-the-verge@hotmail.co.uk
Activist
loses appeal over byelaw On July 23rd an activist lost his appeal
against conviction for breaking a local by-law. Marcus Wise had appealed against
his conviction in January for refusing to turn down a sound system when requested
to do so. He was originally arrested for obstrucing police but this was dropped
and replaced with the less serious breach of the by-law. Press
Release Indymedia
Report
The campaigners who were refused legal aid after blockading
EDO on the 5th anniversary of the bombardment of Iraq have been granted representation
after threatening to appeal in the High court Smash
EDO Press Release
Carnival
Against the Arms TradeOver 600 people marched to the
EDO arms factory and back into central Brighton victorious as protestors defied
police attempts to confine the Carnival to a pen. 
People
from all across the UK gathered on the Level, in Brighton, to show their determination
to shut the weapons factory. They marched and cycled to EDO, where the police
tried to force the protestors in to a pen but the barriers were soon thrown aside
giving the crowd the upper hand. Panicking police hit and pepper sprayed
several people. So far seven arrests have been confirmed including a legal observer.
Only a few staff had stayed to face the music, the rest went home early. After
the point had been made at the factory, protestors marched back into town. The
police failed in their various attempts to control the chaos, although they tipped
over the beautiful pedal-powered 'tank.' Well done to all who refused to
be intimidated by the police aggression. The passion and size of the crowd shows
how we can shut the arms dealers down. link
to indymedia timeline
On
the Verge The Film they Tried to
Ban Download
'On the Verge' Now The new Smash EDO Campaign
Movie is currently on
tour. Police forces around the country have attempted to stop screenings of
the film visiting venues and citing licensing laws to try to get screenings of
the film pulled. Despite the repression the tour is going ahead. Trailer
for 'On the Verge' - The Smash EDO Campaign film For
info about the Carnival Against The Arms Trade, June 4th, Brighton On
the Verge Tour Dates (March/April 08) Download
the full 90min film on bit torrent (900meg, mpg1) click
here Schnews Coverage of the tour: Showstoppers
and Verge on the Road Indymedia
- On the Verge Tour The
Guardian - Steven Morris - A
Misguided Piece of official Hysteria and Hugh Muir in Diary
The Argus - Duke
of York's Cinema forced to Axe Anti War Film, Police
Accused of Film Censorship, Smash
EDO Film Finally Screened ,
Activists Blockade EDO
MBM to mark Fifth Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq This morning eleven
demonstraters, acting under the banner of Smash EDO, blockaded EDO MBM a weapons
manufacturer in Home Farm Road, Brighton, to mark the fifth anniversary of the
invasion of Iraq. Protesters super glued themselves to one main gate and the pedestrian
gate,others used arm tubes to build a barricade across the second main gate, while
two super-glued themselves to the two fence panels previously used by EDO staff
to gain entrance on previous blockades. See
press release See
Indymedia Report
Activists lock on to delivery
vehicle on Home Farm Road On the morning of 6th march activists
locked on to a delivery van owned by ASAP deliveries which had just made a pick
up from EDO MBM. The action was an attempt to persuade delivery companies to sever
contracts with the arms company. See
Press Release One man was arrested for Obstruction of the Highway. Three
cameras were seized, one fromj an NUJ accredited photojournalist, under Section
19 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Two Activists
Convicted for Delivery Company Actions A four day court case in Brighton Magistrates
Court ended in one man being convicted for Obstruction of the Highway for allegedly
attempting to lock onto a delivery van during the 2007 Smash EDO Protest Camp.
A woman was convicted for Obstruct Police for allegedly failing to give an officer
her camera. Appeals have been lodged against the convictions.
Students
against EDO blockade Fishersgate again... On Friday 22nd February EDO MBM
Fishersgate was closed down by a group of activist supergluing themselves to the
building Press
Release Indymedia
Report
February 2008 - Month of Action against Companies
working with EDO We are calling on affinity groups around the UK to take
action against Guardian Guards, TNT, DHL and Initial City Link who all provide
services to EDO MBM. We believe if these companies and their employees are
informed of their role and enough pressure is put on them we can stop them delivering
services to the factory and isolate EDO. Guardian Guards is located in
Arundel Road, Worthing - Tel 01903 269999 fax 01903 269998 TNT, DHL and
Initial City Link are nationwide. For the address of the nearest headquarters
to your local area visit these links. TNT Initial
City Link Interlink
Express DHL
Charges Dropped Against Rooftop Protesters The
two people who occupied the roof of EDO MBM Fishersgate in January have had all
charges against them dropped by Sussex Police. They had been charged with criminal
damage to a neighbouring roof. The police now seem unable to prosecute rooftop
demonstrators since the acquittal of two protesters who held a similar action
during the bombing campaign against Lebanon. Press
Release
Students Against EDO rooftop occupation
and Blockade of EDO MBM Fishersgate Students Against EDO shut down EDO
MBM Fishersgate on 23rd January for over five hours. Campaigners occupied the
roof of the factory whil the doors were blocked by activists glued to windows
and entrances. Two people were arrested for criminal damage. Indymedia
Report
Smash EDO Freedom to Protest march lays siege
to Brighton Police Station |Video
| Indymedia
Report | 150 demonstrators and a samba band gathered at Churchill Square
in Brighton today (Sat 19/01/2008) to protest at the heavy handed tactics increasingly
being used by Brighton police against legitimate protest groups. They marched,
to the accompaniment of Rhythms of Resistance, to the local police station where
a noisy protest was held. Police formed a cordon in front of the main reception
area and denied entry to people who attempted to enter the premises to lodge formal
complaints, informing them that the police station was closed. One man was violently
arrested. The protest returned to Churchill Square and continued along Western
Road, stopping occasionally to gather public support. Shortly after a warning
was issued on a loudhailer by Inspector Parr threatening to arrest people for
wilful obstruction of a public highway, (section 137, Highways Act 1980),the police
swapped places with protestors by forming a cordon in the middle of the road,
blocking traffic while people on the demo suddenly found themselves surrounding
a group of kettled police. Violent scenes were provided courtesy of the
forces of law and disorder as it became apparent that the local keystones had
totally lost control of the situation and could only answer non violent civil
action with force. A big hello to sergeant Avery and pc Sean McDonald who win
joint first prize for biggest hissy fit on a protest 2008 after their wonderful
displays of impotent rage. One further arrest was made
ITT
offices targeted in Basingstoke on the Day they buy out EDO Corp Video|
Indymedia Report
and Photos| On 20th December at 13:30 15 activists targeted the ITT
offices in Basingstoke, to protest against the takeover of Brighton arms manufacturer
EDO MBM by the infamous ITT corporation, expected to be completed today. A
large amount of horse manure was dumped at the front gate of the ITT offices and
employees cars were leafleted, informing them of the decision by EDO shareholders
to vote in favour of the takeover, and warning them of the ongoing campaign against
the Brighton based arms manufacturer, which has cost EDO millions of pounds over
the past three years. EDO Corp. announced on 18th December that its shareholders
had voted in favour of the company's acquisition by manufacturing conglomerate
ITT Corp. The deal, worth about $1.4 billion, is expected to be completed today,
20th December. ITT Corp. have an infamous reputation; colluding with fascist
dictatorships from the 1930s onwards, including supplying Hitler with military
equipment throughout WWII, and sponsoring the CIA backed coup in Chile led by
Pinochet. In 2007 the company pleaded guilty to violating US arms controls over
several decades up to the present day. EDO MBM's Brighton offices have have
been the subject of a direct action campaign since 2004. It has cost the company
millions of pounds through court cases, blockades, roof top occupations and sabotage.
EDO manufactures components for missiles which have been used to bomb civilians
in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Lebanon. A direct action campaign will
continue against ITT with the aim of persuading them not to continue business
at the Brighton site after the takeover. The campaign will continue until the
Brighton offices are shutdown.
EDO Corp shareholders
vote to sell company to ITT Corp See
press release
FREEDOM TO PROTEST CALL TO ACTION -
Thursday 6th - 'Bad Karaoke' outside Brighton Town Hall to protest Council Byelaws
being used against Legitimate protest On Thursday 6th December four anti arms
trade activists are on trial at Brighton Magistrate's Court after being arrested
at a 'Bad Karaoke' noise demo outside EDO MBM, Brighton's very own arms dealers.
One of the four was arrested under Section 235 of the Local Government Act, a
council byelaw designed to deal with noise from drunks in the street. Video
of the original protest On 10am on Thursday morning we are asking for
people to come and show solidarity with the four at Brighton Magistrate's Court,
Edward Street. At 4pm on Thursday 6th we will be singing karaoke outside
Brighton Town Hall to let the council know that their byelaws are being used to
intimidate legitimate protesters.
STOP PRESS - EDO CORP
TO BE TAKEN OVER BY ITT EDO MBM and the rest of EDO Corporation are all
set to sell to ITT. A US corporation who provided weapons to Hitler, Franco and
Pinochet. The final decision will be made at a shareholders
meeting on December 18th. If the sale goes through the future of EDO MBM
in Brighton is far from certain. ITT have not guaranteed to protect employees
jobs and they may want to get rid of some of EDO Corp's trading units. ITT already
have UK sites, operating principally out of their head office in Basingstoke.
So they may decide that to take on another UK site with a history of four years
of direct action protest behind it is too big a risk . This
Could be the end for EDO MBM... During December Smash EDO is
calling on groups around the country to take direct action against targets related
to ITT to persuade them not to continue work at the EDO MBM site in Brighton.
Then on January 19th Smash EDO is calling for a
Smash EDO, Smash ITT, Freedom to Protest March and Critical Mass in Brighton
Court Update: One person was convicted
on Thursaday 22nd November of Breach of Section 5 of the Public Order Act and
fined £250 including costs. Paul Hills, Managing Director of EDO MBM, was
questioned as a prosecuton witness and was asked questions about sales of weapons
for the conflicts in Iraq and Palestine. Notably he confirmed under oath
that EDO MBM and EDO Corp, Manhattan, spent over one milion pounds attempting
to get ann injunction against protesters. The defendant will be appealing.Two
people have now been charged with Aggravated Trespass for a blockade of EDO in
February 2007. A further two people have been charged with Aggravated Trespass
for taking part in a day of action against DSEI exhibtors this Summer. In
October five people were arrested for singing karaoke badly outside EDO MBM. Three
were arrested uder Section 235 of the Local Government Act while two were arrested
for breach of Section 14. The arrests were part of a police crackdown on the Smash
EDO campign which saw seventeen people arrested in two months. The first hearing
in their court case will be Mnday 6th December. Come along and support them at
Brighton Magistrate's Court, Edward St.
Smash EDO Campaign
facing a new crackdown Indymedia
Article
EDO Blockaders charged with 'Conspiracy
to Cause Criminal Damage' Indymedia
Article
10th October 2007: Police arrest five people
at Karaoke Noise Demo: Indymedia
Article
3rd October 2007: Blockade at Home Farm
Road: Indymedia
Article Video
of Paul Hills breaking in to EDO MBM because blockaders have locked the doors
Reports from Protests at Defence Systems International (DSEI)
where EDO were exhibiting: Indymedia
Feature
Smash EDO Action Camp Timeline: Indymedia
Feature Sunday: Site
Taken Monday: Anti
Arms Trade Vigil Tuesday: Rooftop
Occupation at EDO MBM Fishersgate (Press
Release, Video)
, Police Attempt Eviction (Press
Release, Schmovies
Video, Argus
Video) Wednesday: Camp
Continues, Morning
Noise Demo, TNT
Deliveries Action, Afternoon Noise Demo Thursday:
Morning
Noise Demo, Interlink Express Delivery Company Action Friday:
Morning
attempt to breach EDO's Security, Bloody
Die In Blocks the Gates
ATTEMPTED
EVICTION: Smash
EDO Press Release Schnews
Article Schmovie
of the Eviction Argus
Footage of the Eviction
Third anti arms trade Protest
Camp to be held in Wild Park Smash
EDO Press Release
Directions to the Action Camp
Click
Here
Disarm DSEI day of Action Against the Arms
Trade Indymedia
Report
Police Drop Investigation
of 'Curious' EDO Protester Indymedia
Report
Lebanon war blockaders found guilty of aggravated
trespass Smash
EDO Press Release
Activist Arrested for breach
of council byelaw Press
Release
Police drop charges against two protesters
arrested under Section 5 of the Public Order Act Smash
EDO Press Release
Lebanon war Rooftop Protesters
Found Not Guilty! Smash
EDO Press Release Indymedia
Feature Argus
Article Schnews
Report Rough Music
Rant
New video of Smash EDO Noise Demo
click here
Spoof ads for EDO MBM and Guardian security on Rough Music
radio more
A-Infos radio interview on the Smash EDO Campaign
Film featuring Smash EDO on
nationwide release from June 8th EDO MBM's
failed attempts to intimidate us using a High Court Injunction and Sussex Police's
mass arrests come to the Silver Screen at the Duke of Yorks Cinema more
Students blockading EDO MBM, 21st May indymedia
report
Activists disrupting Arms dealers' conference
in London indymedia
report
Indymedia article - 'Campaign on brink
of victory' indymedia
article
'A Seagull stole my defence Sir...'
Blockaders case adjourned indymedia
report
Protester charged with scaring sussex police,
interesting update! Indymedia
report Update
Hundreds of People March though Brighton
to Reaffirm Freedom to Protest more
EDO's (ex)Lawyer slated by Monbiot in the Guardian
more
Smash EDO participate in Right to Protest demo on March 17th
more
EDO Corp Alternative Annual Report Indymedia
Report
Rooftop Protesters in Court
Press
Release
New song by Axis of Arseholes:
Smash EDO more
Sussex Students blockade EDO MBM demanding 'Books not Bombs!'
Press
release Photos
Protestors invade EDO MBM's carpark for a second time indymedia
report
Bad news for EDO Corp.
from Forbes indymedia
report
EDO Corp. poison US drinking water indymedia
report
Angry prostesters invading
EDO's carpark indymedia
report
Anti-Arms trade Campaigners Launch new
Attack Against Factory's Lawyer Press
Release
EDO's fans and Company Car
Trashed Indymedia
Report Disclaimer
Video
of Smash EDO Masquerade
Police refuse to Investigate
Assault on Protester by Guardian Security Press
Release
Victory Masquerade
Press
Release Photos
Blockaders
in Court Press
Release Photos
Police use dodgy Public Order Act Powers again at Noise Demo
see here
50 Students attend Sussex University anti-EDO Meeting
Police use Section 14 Powers at EDO noise
Demo but fail to enforce them see here
EDO Corp in hot water! EDO
announce a dismal 3rd quarter and the end of EDO MBM rugged sytems, one of four
trading units working in Brighton EDO
Corporation Investor Conference Call
80
People attend angry halloween Demonstration at EDO Indymedia
Report
Smash EDO speak at Freedom
to Protest public meeting Press
Release
New
WIKIPEDIA entry on EDO Corp
Blockade of
EDO MBM Managing Director forced to cut hole
in own Fence after protesters completely blockade factory Indy
Report, Video, Press
Release
Smash EDO Protester in Court Press
Release
Report of Smash
EDO march on Brighton Town Hall to demand closure of EDO MBM Open
letter, Indy
Report and Video
Caroline Lucas, Green
MEP, joins Noise Demo to say EDO MBM must close Green
Party Press Release
Day of Action
Planned as EDO MBM Prepares for European
Microwave Conference Info
on planned Day of Action
Rooftop
Occupation of EDO Smash
EDO Press Release BBC
Coverage
Corrupt EDO Director Resigns EDO
Corps's director resigns after sleaze is uncovered more James
M Smith named as top 'War on Terror' profiteer more
Bring the Kids...
EDO shown the Horrors of War On
Wed 19th July activists set up an art installation outside EDO in an attempt to
depict the true horror of war...
Next
Phone Blockade of EDO MBM - Monday 24th July 01273 810500to tell EDO MBM what
you think about profiting from murder. If the switchboard isn't working
call 810 501, 810 502, 810 510, 810 511 etc or send a fax on 810 600 141
to withhold your number (or preferably call from a payphone)
EDO MBM
have declared a loss this year citing legal costs as a contributing factor
- this company is history! See http//www.indymedia.org.uk/regions/ southcoast/2006/04/338977.html
(paste into browser) Total Victory!!! EDO MBM have finally dropped their
claims to a civil injunction and agreed to pay the costs of the litigants in person
| INJUNCTION VICTORY!! The
High Court injunction sought by EDO to prevent protests against them has been
dropped - at a cost to EDO of at least £200,000. For more details click
here and see Schnews'
coverage. |
~
Three videos about the campaign, made by Schnews,
are available here. ~
There are now weekly noise demos outside the factory every Wednesday
from 4 till 6. In recent weeks the police have taken a 'softly softly' approach
to policing by sending along a single 'friendly' copper: PC Sean McDonald. Of
course he is accompanied by the usual Guardian goons including the ubiquitous
Mark Lynch. ~ Charges have
now also been dropped against the person remanded for 5 days in Lewes
Prison last June for filming a security guard while the interim injunction was
in place. This means there are 21 cases where protesters have had charges dropped
or they have been acquitted. There are now only two outstanding cases against
protesters on EDO related demos. ~
Charges have been dropped against 8 people arrested last year
on charges ranging from 'assault police' to 'obstruct highway'. This is fairly
unprecedented, see here for more info. ~
EDO MBM boss Dave Jones has resigned!
Jones was responsible for collaborating with Sussex Police to get the
High Court injunction which has now spectacularly backfired - costing EDO at least
£200,000. For more see Rough
Music.
Older News: ~
Thanks to everyone who turned out for the mass demo on December 10th
- all 250-300 of you! For a video and full report see Indymedia,
and to read the unanimous verdict of Argus readers on the "almost
Orwellian" policing, click here. ~
The Injunction Trial has been adjourned to allow for
an abuse of process hearing regarding the conduct of EDO's legal team. There will
therefore be no demo on the 21st in London. ~
The Attorney General has intervened in the ongoing High Court case to
shield EDO from their responsibility for war crimes (more) ~
The Halloween demo on 31/10 was sizeable and suitably spooky. If EDO
don't like being haunted by ghosts, they should end their complicity in mass murder! ~
New website launched (15/10/05)! Please report any broken links etc to
smashedo@hotmail.com ~
Our PGP Public Key is now available in the contact
section. ~ Brighton and Hove
council passed an amendment to a motion condemning EDO's trade as 'immoral'
and 'unwelcome'. The motion, proposed by Green councillors, had its guts ripped
out by council leader Ken Bodfish and sidekick Don Turner. For more from Indymedia,
click
here.
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