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Caterpillar Shut down by Human Rights activists (Pics)

Guido | 17.03.2004 17:08 | Birmingham | Cambridge | World

Tuesday March 16th. Caterpillar Defence Systems are targetted by human rights activists on the first anniversary of the death of Rachel Corrie.

We're here!
We're here!

Work place debate.
Work place debate.

Spreading the Word.
Spreading the Word.

We're here cos Rachel isn't.
We're here cos Rachel isn't.

Talking to Tank techies.
Talking to Tank techies.

Locked on.
Locked on.

Nice day for a Fire Drill.
Nice day for a Fire Drill.

Shut down.
Shut down.

Ello, ello, ello, wots all this then?
Ello, ello, ello, wots all this then?

A worthwhile use of Shrewsbury council tax.
A worthwhile use of Shrewsbury council tax.


Around a dozen activists entered the Caterpillar Defence Systems factory in Shrewsbury to mark the 1st anniversary of the death of Rachel Corrie who was crushed to death by a Caterpillar bulldozer while protecting a Palistinian home from destruction. The activists entered the factory (very little security was evident) and proceeded to hand out leafletts to the workforce and discuss the complicity of Caterpillar with Israeli oppression. Most of the workers seemed highly amused by the intervention especially when the activists ignored the management's orders to leave. Some activists locked on to railings and equipment.
The management responded by setting off the fire alarm to clear the buildings. This shut the plant down for the rest of the day while Police were called to remove the demonstraters. Those arrested were taken to three separate Police stations in the area.

Guido

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Rachel Corrie. Amnesty International calls On Bush For Independent Investigation

17.03.2004 18:23



 http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/document.do?id=B8D3AF54A1EF52BE85256E590055C091

For Immediate Release Contact: AIUSA Press Office
March 16, 2004 (202) 544-0200 x 302

One Year Since the Killing of Rachel Corrie
Amnesty International Urges President Bush to Call for Independent Investigation

(Washington, DC) -- Observing the one-year anniversary of the killing of Rachel Corrie, Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) today renewed its call for an independent investigation of her death. Corrie, a US citizen, was apparently trying to stop the demolition of a Palestinian building in the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip when an Israeli army bulldozer ran her over, crushing her to death.

Amnesty International believes prior investigations -- conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) -- failed to resolve contradictions between the official IDF position and eyewitness testimonies. While the US government has assisted in the investigations into cases of US citizens killed by Palestinian armed groups, it has failed to do so in Corrie's case, raising the appearance of a double standard.

"As Rachel Corrie was an American citizen, the US government has a particular responsibility to ensure a thorough, proper and impartial investigation," said Krista Riddley, AIUSA's Advocacy Director for the Middle East. "When President Bush meets with Prime Minister Sharon later this month, he ought to make clear that the evidence demands proper independent investigation with the assistance of US law enforcement agencies."

Amnesty International urged members of the US House of Representatives to join 56 of their colleagues in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 111, which calls on the US government to undertake a "full, fair and expeditious investigation" into Rachel's death and to work with the Israeli government in investigating the cause of the incident.

Amnesty International has also called for an investigation into the wounding of Brian Avery, another US citizen who was shot in Jenin on April 5th, 2003. Avery was seriously wounded when Israeli troops opened fire on him, despite the fact that he reportedly had his hands up and was wearing a vest that identified him as an international worker.

Amnesty International has consistently condemned violations by all parties in the tragic cycle of violence that has killed and injured many hundreds of civilians.

The organization recognizes that the Israeli government not only has the right but the obligation to ensure the safety if its civilians, but that the use of force be conducted in accordance with international laws and norms. The failure to fully investigate deaths and prosecute those responsible is contributing to a culture of impunity and perpetuating the cycle of violence in the region.




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aiusa


Brilliant!

18.03.2004 01:00

An excellent action - well done to all involved! Especially how you did not seperate yourselves from the workers. I guess this shows the possibilites for small group actions and walking into factories completely unbothered!

asa


More photos

18.03.2004 23:12

Noone in particular


Excellent!

19.03.2004 12:19

Well done to all involved. It's essential we keep up the action against bastards like Caterillar who are in large part responsible not just for the death of Rachel but of countless numbers of Palestians.

Sid Arthur