That's the inspiring message from Smash EDO! activists in Brighton ahead of a big public meeting in the Sussex city featuring local and national activists fighting the arms trade.
The event is being held on Wednesday May 23, from 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Brighthelm Centre in North Street.
Speakers include:
* Jo Wilding (activist and writer who visited Iraq with some clowns)
* Milan Rai (anti-war activist and author)
* Beccie D'Cunha (Local campaigns co-ordinator for Campaign Against the Arms Trade)
* Keith Taylor (Green Party councillor/candidate for Brighton & former UN Peace Messenger)
* Speaker from the Smash EDO! campaign
Meanwhile, the trial of three anti-arms trade protesters at EDO has been adjourned until July 23.
The three protesters had locked themselves to concrete barrels outside the gates of Brighton-based arms company EDO-MBM during Israel’s 34 day offensive in Lebanon, which left over one thousand dead.
The protesters’ defense team had been arguing that EDO-MBM’s trade (with the Israeli military) was illegal and that they are complicit in war crimes committed in Lebanon and Gaza last summer.
The campaigners are charged with 'preventing lawful activity'.
In a joint statement the defendants said: "Last July the Israeli bombing of Lebanon resulted in over a thousand dead, nearly a million people were displaced, and entire villages were destroyed. Still today children are being killed by cluster bombs left over from the onslaught.
"To date Israel has not had to answer for its crimes in Lebanon. We will use our time in court as an opportunity to expose EDO-MBM's illegal supply of weapons components to Israel."
Smash EDO is a campaign against the arms manufacturer and dealer EDO/MBM in Brighton. This company produces and supplies vital weapons components for the UK, US and Israeli militaries.
The campaign began in 2004 by residents of Brighton who were sickened to learn that a company in their home town was profiting from the illegal and immoral slaughter in Iraq.
The campaign has included pickets, regular noise demos, rooftop protests, blockades, marches through town and summer peace camps.
Protesters also defeated EDO when they attempted to impose an injunction in the high court, and last year EDO was forced to close ˜EDO rugged systems' (one third of their operation in Moulsecoomb.)
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Wake up and smell the roses
25.07.2007 20:55
What planet are you on, the factory is not going to close because you stand outside and yell abuse.
Three people have now been found guilty, with more soon to come.
The only people on the brink of victory are Brighton police, good for them.
Realist
Wake up and read the article
31.10.2007 03:43
It doesn't say 'brink of closure' anywhere you nupty.
You are correct. And this is not what happens at noise demos. Go along and find out for yourself. Might aid your critique.
Yeah right; guilty of having their interim injunction dismissed. Your prediction was incorrect. Ah... hindsight.
A victory for EDO MBM would force those lucky boys & girls of Brighton & Hove Police to go and do some real police work instead. Aw do we have to? (They love it).
D minus. Must try harder. Stop making shapes for EDO and go back to big school baby boy.
Realist-er