Activist Ulla Roder entered RAF Leuchars Air Base early Tuesday morning in north-east Fife and is believed to have peacefully damaged a Tornado plane. She is currently being detained at Cupar police station under a charge of malicious mischief, and will be appearing in court tomorrow. As yet we don't know any further details, except she is well and happy! The Tornado's at Leuchars are important in the UK's mobilisation for war against Iraq, and the base, whose motto is "Attack and Protect", is believed to have been involved in the bombing of Iraq since 1991.

Prior to Ulla's action, early on the morning of Monday 10th March, two other anti-war activists had breached security at RAF Leuchars in order to inspect the base ahead of its likely illegal use in an attack on Iraq. In their accountable action the two were able to inspect the base for over two hours before being discovered even though one was in a wheelchair.

Petter Joelson, 23, from Sweden was held overnight in custody, while Roz Bullen 33, was bailed to appear the next morning in court. Both were charged with two sets of Malicious Mischief for alleged cutting of five sections of chainlink fence, and for spray painting peace messages on three army trucks and an aircraft hanger. They were given a petition and let out on bail, on the condition that Petter gave in his passport whilst the level of damages are assessed.

The slogans painted were to urge workers to confront the base's role in threatening innocent people of Iraq through it's part in the mobilisation for war. A supporter stated, "We have our own weapons of mass destruction right here in Scotland and travelling up and down our roads, but can't find any in Iraq.
And we can hardly lecture anyone on international law or democracy when this looming war ignores both."

Other demonstrations and actions have taken place at bases all over the country. Last Saturday a demonstration also at RAF Leuchars saw over 200 people protest at the bases continued bombing of Iraq.