Labour Youth supports occupation of Raytheon Weapons Factory

Issued : Thursday 10 August, 2006

Members of the Derry Anti-War Coalition yesterday (August 9th) occupied the Raytheon weapons factory in protest at the production of missile components there, currently being used in the Israeli assault on Lebanon

The Raytheon factory produces components for Guided Missile Units (GBU) such as Patriots, Mavericks, Sidewinders and Sparrows, all of which are used by Israel and paid for with US taxpayer's money.

The protestors were removed last night and charged with the scheduled offences of Unlawful Assembly and Aggravated Burglary and were brought to court this morning.

Graham O'Maonaigh, Chair of Labour Youth said, "Labour Youth supports the protest of the Derry Anti-War Coalition. Rather than anti war protestors being charged and brought to court Raytheon should instead be put on trial for supplying components of death to the Israeli State.

"It is incredible that Raytheon was brought to Derry as part of the 'peace dividend' when in fact they are part of a brutal and violent global arms industry.

"We are calling for arms components manufacturers to be shut down all over Ireland - North and South. It is disgraceful that so many companies in Ireland are profiteering from the maiming and murder of peaceful and innocent civilians in the Middle East. We are calling for and supporting non-violent occupation of all weapons manufacturers that supply arms to the Israeli Military."

ENDS

For more information contact Graham O'Maonaigh 086 838 1556

www.LabourYouth.ie