Press Releases & Updates 2003
11th March 2003
Stop The War! Citizens Of East Anglia Take Direct Action At Lakenheath
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Nine citizens of the Norfolk and Suffolk area cut their way into the American
airbase, "RAF" Lakenheath, at approximately 11 am, to take nonviolent direct
action to disrupt preparations for a war against Iraq.
The citizens range in
age from 22 and 40 and come from all walks of life; within the group there is
a university lecturer, a Suzuki violin teacher, 3 parents and 2 students
At 11:25 am, Rupert Eris, 39, and Zina Zelter, 29, cut a five foot high and
four foot wide hole in the fence on the northwest corner of Lakenheath
airbase. The other seven citizens then cycled through the hole in the fence,
while Zelter and Eris stayed by the hole, with banners reading "No nukes no
war" and "No War for Oil" to take full responsibility for their action. They
were arrested at midday and released charged with suspicion to cause criminal
damage at 18.00h.
Once inside, the other seven spread out widely on their bicycles. Paul Dolman
cycled up and down the main runway, while 6 others locked themselves down or
lay down on the old runway and could not be removed for three hours.
The participants in the action entered the base because they believe that Bush
and Blair seem set on war despite massive international opposition to such a
course. Samantha Maher, one of the cyclists, said, "It is my duty as an
international citizen to uphold the law and keep the peace."
Zina Zelter added that Lakenheath has been involved in bombing Iraq since the
Gulf War and is already playing an important part in this war, making actions
at "RAF" Lakenheath particularly important.
And according to Rupert Eris, "I believe that the massive attack that the U.S.
and the U.K. governments are preparing and those parts of that are already
happening, such as increased bombing and special forces activity within Iraq,
are equally illegal."
The nine citizens decided to carry out the action completely nonviolently,
including being fully accountable. They are prepared to be arrested and go to
court to defend their action should it be necessary.
More information about the citizens’ arrests and charges, as well as other up
to date information, can be obtained from the contact numbers listed. Video
footage will also be available later this afternoon (mini dv).
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Trident Ploughshares,
0845 45 88 366
Email addresses:
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