Southampton Peace Activist Jailed
Gregor Samsa | 19.09.2006 21:11 | Anti-militarism
Reading, Berkshire. Tuesday 19th Sept 2006
Southampton-based artist and peace campaigner Lizzie Jones was today jailed by Reading Magistrates' Court.
In August 2005, Lizzie had taken part in a symbolic planting of vines and fig trees (see Micah 4:3 - part of the "swords into ploughshears" chapter) inside the grounds of the AWE, Aldermaston, and was subsequently ordered to pay £201 compensation to the Ministry of Defence for criminal damage to the wire fence.
Lizzie has refused to pay the MoD on principle, but had written and offered to pay "in kind", namely by offering her artistic services by painting a mural or decorating a room at the Establishment. However, the MoD had not replied.
The Court obviously did not find this acceptable, and as a result of her courageous refusal to pay, jailed Lizzie for seven days. It is hoped she will be free by the week-end.
Southampton-based artist and peace campaigner Lizzie Jones was today jailed by Reading Magistrates' Court.
In August 2005, Lizzie had taken part in a symbolic planting of vines and fig trees (see Micah 4:3 - part of the "swords into ploughshears" chapter) inside the grounds of the AWE, Aldermaston, and was subsequently ordered to pay £201 compensation to the Ministry of Defence for criminal damage to the wire fence.
Lizzie has refused to pay the MoD on principle, but had written and offered to pay "in kind", namely by offering her artistic services by painting a mural or decorating a room at the Establishment. However, the MoD had not replied.
The Court obviously did not find this acceptable, and as a result of her courageous refusal to pay, jailed Lizzie for seven days. It is hoped she will be free by the week-end.
Gregor Samsa
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