Long arm of law grabs China protesters

<*> Three members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) have been charged with causing obstruction and criminal damage in China, although they had not even left London.

They were protesting on the steps of the Chinese Embassy, in Portland Place, London, on 15 May, after authorities had announced that there had been a nuclear test at the Lop Nor test site in North West Xinjaing province.

The Chinese test came only four days after the world agreed the renewal of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which includes clauses committing China, the UK, France, Russia and USA to make steps towards nuclear disarmament.

Marilyn Croser, a 17-year-old Youth CND member at school in Cumbria; Kate Lewendon, a Youth CND activist from Reading; and CND vice-chair Dave Durham were arrested and taken to Marylebone Police Station where they were charged with criminal damage, obstruction, and trespassing in China. When arrested they were told by the police that the last charge "basically means you have invaded China".

The three are on bail until 11 July, pending a decision by the attorney-general on the validity of the trespass charge.

Youth CND, 162 Holloway Rd, London N7 (+44 171 607 3616)