Now It's The Turn Of The 'B52 Two' To Face Trial

bristol | policing | feature Saturday September 30, 2006 19:59 by Bristol Indymedia Editorial Group - Bristol Indymedia

Following the trial of Margaret Jones and Paul Milling - known as the 'Fairford Disarmers' - which ended with no clear verdict, now Phil Pritchard and Toby Olditch - known as the 'B52 Two' - face trial. The trial begins Monday 2nd October at Bristol Crown Court, and is expected to last up to two weeks.

During March 2003, fourteen U.S B52 bombers arrived at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. These were the very same bombers which had been used to carpet bomb Vietnam a generation earlier. Protests broke out in opposition, and escalated. Others broke in and attempted to prevent, or delay, their take off, and the bombing of Iraq which began on 20th March 2003. "Oxford peace activists Philip Pritchard and Toby Olditch entered RAF Fairford and attempted to disarm USAF B-52 bombers early on 18th March 2003. Their decision to take this peaceful direct action was a response to absolute frustration; that all previous international pressure and efforts to prevent the prosecution of an illegal and unjustified war had come to nothing." More On The 'B52 Two' Website

Green writes: We are inviting people to come at any point during the trial. There will be a gathering of supporters at 9am on Monday 2nd October outside the Court. Please show your support! There will be cakes and pretty banners! Full Article. Bristol Crown Court is on Small Street, off Corn Street, in the Centre. Margaret Jones writes: They're charged with the same thing as Paul and me - conspiracy to commit criminal damage. They were trying to reach a B-52 bomber to disable it, when they were both arrested. Naturally Paul and I, while awaiting our re-trial, are watching ... how this second trial may turn out. Paul and I had magnificent support, which I shall remember with deep gratitude all my life. We hope people will feel moved to come down and offer similar backing to Phil and Toby. Also to Josh Richards, when his trial comes up in Nov. Full Article

Celebrate Resistance! : Free Music and Poetry Event. Thur 5th October 7.30pm to midnight at the Queen's Head, Easton Street, Easton, BS2. To celebrate resistance to state violence and war | (Images: THEN and NOW : Left - A B52 carpet bombs Vietnam. Right - B52s over Baghdad a generation later.) | Support the B52 2! | Support Phil and Toby @ Bristol Crown Court in October + 'Celebrate Resistance' Gig on 5th October | Trial Of Margaret Jones and Paul Milling: 'Fairford Disarmers' Trial Ends With 'No Clear Verdict' | Fairford Disarmers Trial - "THIS WAS NOT A PROTEST" |

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