Cork Anti-war Activist to Appear in Court, Monday 10th May

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Saturday May 08, 2004 11:52 by Dominic Carroll - Cork Anti-War Campaign / Clonakilty Against the War corkantiwar at hotmail dot com

Join the gathering at Cork District Court, Anglesea Street, 10.30am

A Cork anti-war activist will appear in Cork District Court on Monday (10th May) following a peaceful protest at the Cork-based weapons manufacturer, DDC Ireland Ltd., a subsidiary of the powerful US multinational, Data Device Corporation (DDC).

Michael Hobbs of Dunmanway, Co. Cork is charged with trespass and failing to comply with a directive from the gardai. Mr Hobbs was part of a group that held a peaceful anti-war protest at the plant last June. DDC Ireland Ltd. manufactures microelectronic circuits for military aircraft, tanks and so-called Smart Bombs. DDC components are also used in US-built strike helicopters employed by the Israeli army for its recent assassinations of the leaders of Hamas. Speaking prior to his hearing, Mr Hobbs insisted that the protest at DDC was legitimate: “The attacks on Hamas were condemned by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, so surely Irish firms should be barred from supplying components for these aircraft. Given the deadly nature of DDC’s business, I believe my non-violent protest was entirely justified.”

Cork anti-war activists are encouraged to show solidarity with Michael by assembling outside the courthouse at 10.30am.