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Prestwick Activists

Solidarity members across Scotland should make every effort to demonstrate their solidarity with those on trial by being present outside Ayr Sheriff court on Wednesday 8th August at 9:30am (Trial scheduled to start at 10:00am).  Solidarity banners and placards in support of the "Prestwick Eight" should be evident outside the courthouse.  There will be limited space available inside the courtroom for those who wish to observe the proceedings.  Further details and arrangements will appear on the main website soon. 

August 2007 Trial Of Prestwick Activists

For three nights running (5th, 6th and 7th August 2006) Trident Ploughshares activists organized citizens’ inspections at Prestwick Airport. They had been alerted to the likelihood that the airport was being used by the US military to supply Israel with munitions that would be used in their military bombardment of civilian areas of Lebanon. To campaigners usually concerned with Trident and its illegality, this use of Prestwick Airport by the US seemed to be yet another example of a flagrant breach of international law, this time involving the aiding and abetting of war crimes. The authorities which should have responded to these allegations, principally Strathclyde Police and the (then Labour-controlled) Scottish Executive, showed no signs of taking investigative action. In this vacuum Trident Ploughshares decided to act in the public interest and send in citizen inspectors to look for evidence.

Facing trial on 8 - 10th August are Matt Bury (50) from Somerset, Sarah Lasenby (68) from Oxford, Jean Oliver (48) and Douglas Shaw (56), both from Biggar, Olivia Agate (65) from Helensburgh, Marcus Armstrong (46) from Milton Keynes, Chris Bluemel (25) from Southampton, and Angie Zelter (55) from Cromer. They are charged with various offences under the Civil Aviation Act.