Prestwick

by: Milan Rai

London: Peace protestor Marcus Armstrong of Milton Keynes was sent to prison on 14 August after refusing to pay a fine when convicted of "trespassing" on Prestwick airport. Marcus was exposing the use of Prestwick by the US to help supply arms to Israel during the invasion of Lebanon last August. Please write to him. Trident Ploughshares expects him to be released on Friday 24 August. Letters (especially colourful picture postcards) are very welcome before then (the sooner the better!). Below is Marcus's address, and a report from a court witness: Marcus Armstrong HMP Kilmarnock Bowhouse KILMARNOCK KA1 5AA (emails sent to prisoners AT tridentploughshares.org will also be forwarded on to him) >>Report on Marcus' case and trial: During August 2006 US airforce planes, and planes chartered by them, were stopping to refuel at Prestwick airport while delivering munitions to the Israeli army. These bombs were then being used in the indiscriminate bombing of Lebanon and Lebanese civilians. Protestors gathered at Prestwick. Their aim was to raise awareness among the population locally and worldwide and to try to stop the flights. Information in the press and public channels was incomplete and contradictory. Some of the issues under discussion were Prestwick is a civilian airport unsuitable for such military activity There was much secrecy surrounding the flights. Why? Munitions passing through our peaceful part of Ayrshire were killing innocent civilians elsewhere. Shannon airport had already refused permission. Why was it granted at Prestwick? On 3 nights in early August some of the protestors broke into Prestwick and to carry out a citizens inspection of the planes to establish whether the flights were actually carrying munitions. 8 of these protestors were tried at Ayr sheriff court last week. Evidence against them was incomplete. After the first 5 days of the trail 7 were released. Today (14 August) was the last day of the trial. The last protestor, Marcus Armstrong, stood accused of breaking into the airfield and boarding a plane. Marcus bravely conducted his own defence. He didn't to deny the action but defended his motives. It was, he said, his responsibility, right and duty to try to protect the innocent civilians for whom the munitions were destined. He was trying to do this by gathering information, raising awareness and perhaps he would be able to disrupt the flights. Its a difficult thing for a civilian to defend himself in a court of law. Marcus remained calm and focussed. At the end of the day the sheriff found him guilty and fined him £750. (The maximum for this offence is £5,000) Marcus maintains that his action was not a criminal offence. He refused to pay the fine and has chosen the alternative, [immediate] imprisonment. The term of imprisonment is 28 days, though he is likely to serve only half of this.