A nonviolent activist has been charged with “vandalism” while protesting against the Trident nuclear weapons base in Faslane in Scotland. Another two were detained by police but released without charge.
The three – Jean Oliver, from Biggar, Janet Fenton from Edinburgh and David Mackenzie from Largs – are known as the Peaton Peace Pirates. They are members of Trident Ploughshares, a network of people taking nonviolent direct action to disarm Trident.
The charge of vandalism appears to relate to a poster that the group attached to a fence at the base. Their supporters have been quick to point out that this is hardly comparable to the “vandalism” that could be caused by Trident.
They described their action as “a distinct improvement to this unmistakable blot on the moral landscape”.
Direct actions at nuclear bases are becoming increasingly frequent in the UK as the general election approaches. Parliament is due to make a decision on whether to renew Trident in 2016.
[Ekk/1]