Smash EDO protesters prevent delivery companies supporting war crimes in Iraq.

Protesters blocked a delivery vehicle on Home Farm Road in Brighton today (Thurs 06/03/2008) on it's return from EDO MBM who make weapons for the US

One person attached themselves by their neck, using a bicycle D-lock, to the courier van. The driver, despite being clearly told that a person was locked

his vehicle revved his engine and attempted to drive forwards.Only the refusal of demonstrators to move from in front of his van and the timely arrival of the police prevented a reckless killing. After being cut off by police the protestor was arrested for Obstructing lichighway. All people filming this incident had their cameras seized by police under section 19 of the Police And Criminal Evidence Act, including an NUJ registered Photo Journalist. It is highly unlikely that this was a lawful seizure.

This action was in response to a national call out for a month of action against companies, including DHL, TNT and Interlink Express, who deliver services to EDO MBM.Andrew Beckett, press spokesperson for the campaign said ‘EDO MBM have no in-house transport service so all the weapons components they manufacture are delivered to their destination by couriers like TNT. We are calling on these companies to stop aiding and abetting EDO MBM in carrying out their criminal business.’

EDO MBM,recently purchased by ITT, a corporation that supported the German Nazi Party's military effort throughout World War Two, produces components used in weapons that have caused the deaths of civilians in the illegal occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan and Israeli occupied Palestine.

Chloe Marsh, press spokesperson for the Smash EDO campaign said: “As we approach the fifth year of war in Iraq the campaign against EDO goes from strength to strength and we will continue to draw public attention to these merchants of genocide.”

For more info contact Andrew Beckett or Chloe Marsh:

tel 07875708873 or email  smashedopress@yahoo.co.uk

Notes for Journalists

EDO MBM Technologies Ltd are the sole UK subsidiary of huge U.S arms conglomerate EDO Corp, which was recently named No. 10 in the Forbes list of 100 fastest growing companies. They supply bomb release mechanisms to the US and UK armed forces amongst others. They supply crucial components for Raytheon's Paveway guided bomb
system, widely used in the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Iraq .
Campaign against EDO MBM

People involved in the anti-EDO campaign include, but are not limited to: local residents, the Brighton Quakers, peace activists, anti-capitalists, Palestine Solidarity groups, human rights groups, trade unionists, academics and students. The campaign started in August 2004 with a peace camp. It's avowed aim is to expose EDO MBM and their complicity in war crimes and to remove them from Brighton.