Anti-War Ireland applauds action at Derry Raytheon factory

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Wednesday August 09, 2006 15:55 by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland info at antiwarireland dot org 087 1258325

A justified protest against a vicious war machine

Anti-war protesters this morning occupied American arms manufacturer Raytheon's Derry office, with nine people barricading themselves into the building and decommissioning vital equipment including computers.

According to the anti-war activists involved, the computer system was "completely disabled". It is understood that thousands of documents and dozens of computers were burned and thrown from windows by members of a group that entered the building at 8a.m. this morning.

Among those in the premises to protest against the world's largest missiles manufacturer was veteran socialist and civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann.

Anti-War Ireland commends the Derry anti-war activists for their action and believes that it was entirely justified.

Dr Fintan Lane, a spokesperson for Anti-War Ireland, said:

"Raytheon is an integral part of a war machine that is killing innocent men, women and children daily in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The brutality of war has been brought home to us again in the past few weeks by the vicious onslaught by the Israeli military on the Lebanese and Palestinian people."

Lane continued: "Direct action and civil disobedience have always been a part of the anti-war tradition. When human lives are at risk, it is entirely justifiable to take non-violent direct action to protect life. Armed groups in Northern Ireland have been implored to decommission on many occasions and this is a logical extension of that process. Raytheon has been decommissioned and we applaud those who acted in defence of human life."

"Anti-War Ireland believes that mass mobilisations, such as marches, are essential in our efforts to stop the imperial killing machines. However, we also believe in the tactical deployment of direct action and civil disobedience. What happened today was a peaceful act in pursuit of justice."

PRESS RELEASE ENDS

To contact Anti-War Ireland, phone 087 1258325