Oxford Support Group
Supporting the B-52 Two

CONTACT: 07971 406 180 (mobile phone), 01865 423 200 (office)


Immediate release 17 September 2003
PRESS RELEASE

International law defence tested at Gloucester Crown Court
on Friday 19 September 2003
Photo opportunity

At 2 pm on Friday 19 September 2003 at Gloucester Crown Court, a hearing is expected to decide if peace activists can dispute the legality of the Iraq war at their trial. Philip Pritchard and Toby Olditch [1], known as 'The B-52 Two', who are currently on bail, are charged with conspiracy to cause criminal damage when they tried to disarm a B52 warplane at RAF Fairford in March 2003 [2]. If the judge decides their trial can dispute the legality of the war then it may make their acquittal easier.

Barristers Tony Jennings Q.C and Alison McDonald from Matrix Chambers acting for Toby Olditch and Philip Pritchard respectively will argue that International Law should have a bearing in the defence of the accused. The 'B-52 Two' have pleaded not guilty to their charges as they acted lawfully to uphold international law and prevent a crime.

Toby Olditch said,
"The Government should be held to account for their abuse of UK and International law. Liberation from a brutal dictator would be better served by non violent conflict resolution rather than bombing Iraq into subservience."

Philip Pritchard added,
"We intend to put Tony Blair and George Bush on trial for their criminal behaviour."
ENDS
CONTACT: 07971 406 180 (mobile phone), 01865 423 200 (office)

Editors Notes
The judge may reserve judgement in coming to a decision about the applicability of international law in this case.
Solicitor Mike Swartz of Bindman's Solicitors in London is acting for them both.
[1] Phillip Pritchard, 32, a carpenter and environmental education teacher and Toby Olditch, 34, a marketing executive are both Oxford residents.
[2] In the early hours of Tuesday March 18, the two peace activists were arrested as they approached a B-52 bomber inside the airbase at RAF Fairford. They intended to safely and openly hammer on the bomber to prevent it taking off and bombing people in Iraq. Cheltenham Magistrates Court remanded the two to Gloucester prison on 19 March until they were released on bail on 20 June 2003. They are charged with conspiracy to cause criminal damage; going equipped to cause criminal damage, and aggravated trespass. See  http://www.b52two.org.uk for more details.
Picture Editors Notes
The 'B-52 two' will join a vigil at the steps of Gloucester Crown Court from 1.30 pm on Friday 19 September 2003. The vigil will remember the outbreak of war six months to the day.

OXFORD SUPPORT GROUP
Post: Oxford Support Group, 16 b Cherwell Street, Oxford. OX4 1BG.
Telephone: 01865 423 200 Email:  inspiraction2003@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.b52two.org.uk