8 December, Liverpool: Another Census Refuser's Court Hearing

Sarah Ledsom, 56, of Bromborough, Wirral, a grandmother who suffers with a disabling chronic condition, is due to appear at the Magistrates Court in Liverpool on Thursday 8 December to answer a charge of failing to complete the 2011 Census form. Sarah's objections to completing the census relate to the contract with arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin for processing census data. Sarah refers in particular to the use by Israel of deadly Lockheed Martin weaponry on the people of Palestine.

Lockheed Martin F-16s used by Israel to bomb Gaza

REASONS FOR REFUSING

Sarah has said:

"[C]onscience will not allow me to complete the form and so collude with the war industry.

"My conscience will not, cannot condone what is happening to the good people of Palestine, innocent men, women and children being murdered by arms provided by Lockheed Martin to Israel. The very same Lockheed Martin who were given the contract to oversee the census 2011. On Thursday 8th of December I will be pleading not guilty as I will not be part of the collusion against Palestine. I will refuse to pay any fine and am more than prepared to go to prison. This is not about me; this is about the corruption and collusion going on between the UK/US/Israel against the innocent Palestinians and I am standing against it. Will you stand with me and all census resisters?"

SUPPORT NEEDED IN COURT

If you are able to get to Liverpool on 8 December, please come along to court from 9.30am to offer support and solidarity to Sarah and to maintain a visible presence against Lockheed Martin. Banners and placards are particularly useful in this respect. Circulate this information in your networks. Bring your friends along!

The Magistrates Court is at 107 Dale Street. Liverpool L2 2JQ. Nearest station Moorfields.

BACKGROUND READING

More information about Lockheed Martin and Israel here: