Derry anti-war protesters to mark 20th anniversary of Raytheon occupation with Palestine Action rally
The Derry Anti War Coalition will mark the 20th anniversary of the occupation of the Raytheon facility this weekend by reiterating their call for the immediate deproscription of Palestine Action.
A spokesperson for the group endorsed local campaigners who gather weekly at Waterloo Place to challenge the ban on the protest organisation.
PA was proscribed by the former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper under section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after damage was caused to a number of military planes at an RAF base in Oxfordshire.
In February the High Court ruled the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful though this was overturned by the Court of Appeal in June.
The British Supreme Court, however, has since given co-founder Huda Ammori, permission to challenge the decision.
Ms. Ammori took part in the Bloody Sunday commemorations in Derry in 2024.
Davy McAuley of the DAWC has called for people to come out and show their support for peaceful protest: “This weekend will see the 20th anniversary of the first major occupation of the Raytheon facility in Derry.”
He was referring to the occupation of Raytheon’s former offices in Springtown on Wednesday, August 9, 2006, by nine members of the DAWC amid the 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah. The men, known as the Raytheon 9, were the late Colm Bryce, Gary Donnelly, Kieran Gallagher, Michael Gallagher, Sean Heaton, Jimmy Kelly, Eamonn McCann, Paddy McDaid and Eamonn O'Donnell.
The DAWC launched the protest over the company’s involvement in the manufacture of missiles systems.
The Derry men were acquitted of criminal damage charges in relation to the anti-war protest at the Belfast Crown Court in 2008
"The landmark judgment went on to inspire activists in Britain to set up the group Palestine Action and carry out similar, direct, non violent action against the arms trade,” said Mr. McCauley.
Four years after the acquittals Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) confirmed it was leaving Derry with its Springtown base closing on February 15, 2010.
“Derry led the way 20 years ago when taking on the might of Raytheon, Derry people should come out and support those who continue the struggle against the arms trade,” said Mr. McAuley.
The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSCC) meet at 3pm every Saturday in Waterloo Place to protest the ban on PA.