Antiwar resister sent to prison for refusal to repay fine resulting from MoD resistance on Holy Innocents Day 28th December 2004 over Iraq
Chris Cole in Prison
Just to let you know that Chris Cole was sent to prison today for refusing to pay a fine of £661 arising from an anti-war action at the MoD on Holy Innocents Day 28th December 2004. Chris was part of a small group which dug graves in the lawn of the MoD and sprayed ‘Remember the Innocent – No War in Iraq’. Four of the group were arrested and eventually convicted of criminal damage. Chris should be released on 5th February.
Chris was very clear with the court that the protest was an act of nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq. He said he could not in conscience pay the fine. He stated that it was reasonable for him to do this action, because the MOD institutions and buildings do not enhance life, instead they kill, maim and injure. He had a firm but fair magistrate who tried very hard to persuade him to pay, but he was steadfast in his refusal to pay, so she sentenced him rather reluctantly to 28 days.
Due to the current overcrowding of prisons, the magistrates court could say where he will be sent. When this is known information for those who would like to write to him.
............typed here by LHM
Previous convictions for peace
On 7 April, British ploughshares activist Chris Cole was declared guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to six months imprisonment, after breaking an injunction banning him from nonviolently challenging British Aerospace (BAe) arms sales to Indonesia.
BAe's barrister cited three breaches of the injunction: two cases of trespass on BAe property, and the writing of a "Call to Action" for the Stevenage trespass, and--somewhat confusingly--went on to say that "Mr Cole seeks imprisonment as a means of furthering the aims of his cause. And he must be stopped."
Chris happily then admitted his actions, quoting Bonhoeffer's statement that the task of christians is "not only to bind up the victims beneath the wheel, but also to put a spoke in that wheel". Chris went on to say: "I honestly cannot see how I can put a spoke in the wheel that is BAe ... by staying outside their fence." The judge said he accepted Chris's sincerity, but found him guilty of contempt.
Just to let you know that Chris Cole was sent to prison today for refusing to pay a fine of £661 arising from an anti-war action at the MoD on Holy Innocents Day 28th December 2004. Chris was part of a small group which dug graves in the lawn of the MoD and sprayed ‘Remember the Innocent – No War in Iraq’. Four of the group were arrested and eventually convicted of criminal damage. Chris should be released on 5th February.
Chris was very clear with the court that the protest was an act of nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq. He said he could not in conscience pay the fine. He stated that it was reasonable for him to do this action, because the MOD institutions and buildings do not enhance life, instead they kill, maim and injure. He had a firm but fair magistrate who tried very hard to persuade him to pay, but he was steadfast in his refusal to pay, so she sentenced him rather reluctantly to 28 days.
Due to the current overcrowding of prisons, the magistrates court could say where he will be sent. When this is known information for those who would like to write to him.
............typed here by LHM
Previous convictions for peace
On 7 April, British ploughshares activist Chris Cole was declared guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to six months imprisonment, after breaking an injunction banning him from nonviolently challenging British Aerospace (BAe) arms sales to Indonesia.
BAe's barrister cited three breaches of the injunction: two cases of trespass on BAe property, and the writing of a "Call to Action" for the Stevenage trespass, and--somewhat confusingly--went on to say that "Mr Cole seeks imprisonment as a means of furthering the aims of his cause. And he must be stopped."
Chris happily then admitted his actions, quoting Bonhoeffer's statement that the task of christians is "not only to bind up the victims beneath the wheel, but also to put a spoke in that wheel". Chris went on to say: "I honestly cannot see how I can put a spoke in the wheel that is BAe ... by staying outside their fence." The judge said he accepted Chris's sincerity, but found him guilty of contempt.
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