Derry: Raytheon 9 Charged & in Court this am

by ali la pointe - jack white's flying column Fri Aug 11, 2006 17:25

But it's more than that - its the balls-out macho authoritarian culture it fosters inside the party, the republican movement and the broader community. The political air around them is stagnant, rotten, devoid of any oxygen. Anyone who gets within 100 yards of them ends up gagging on the stench, losing their ability to think, relying on gossip, prejudice, intimidation, and what they've been told to think instead of the fraternal debate that the word republican would suggest. No surprise that the numbers they are capable mobilising are dwindling by the day. Instead of being a grassroots epitome of republicanism, the movements authoritarianism means that Sinn Fein's politics are the politics of death, for their activists, and the community around them.

For example, they could have given the lead on the Raytheon issue and pushed for them to be removed from Derry 2 1/2 years ago when they had an opportunity to adopt a firm policy against the arms trade. Instead they slagged off the left and all those involved in campaigning against Raytheon while going through the motions to humour them publicly (because public opinion is firmly against Raytheon). SF have engaged anti-Raytheon campaigners in a protracted series of committee meetings designed to divert them from calling Derry City Council on its promises.

My disillusionment with SF is warranted. The contrast between the SF Statement and the Labour Youth one couldn't be starker.

If only their grassroots would take their decision making power back from the politburo. If only.

by MichaelY - iawm Fri Aug 11, 2006 15:44

My good friend Ali,

Don't judge all Sinn Feiners re: the inane statements made by a few top heads who as they get closer to power (??!!??) will shift their ass more and more to the centre/right. Many Sinn Fein comrades, including a number of their TDs and Councillors, are genuinely and actively involved in the anti-war movement.
The same yardstick, of course, applies to the great statement put out by the Labour Youth above, who have also been extremely active in the anti-war movement. While supported by a number of their TDs and Councillors, it cannot be said that they have the active blessing of their top leadership who are, at the moment, on a very sticky wicket.
Our stance on this is that we should accept gracefully all the support, whatever its provenance, and question patienly and diligently the 'silence' of some.....as for MD of the SDLP words fail me....

by ali la pointe Fri Aug 11, 2006 13:03

I never thought i'd be more supportive of a Labour Youth statement than Sinn Fein but look at the wording of this extract from LY's statement and contrast it with Sinn Fein's;

"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."

Now what socialist and anti imperialist wouldn't be proud of that?

by Graham Ó Maonaigh Thu Aug 10, 2006 19:11

Radio Stations as far away as California are covering the occupation.

The Labour Youth statement in support of the occupation is posted here:

by Mark Hewitt - BAWM Thu Aug 10, 2006 17:36

McCann and another are applying to the High Court for bail tomorrow. There will be a solidarity gathering there at 9.30am. Bring banners placards
"Stopping war crimes is no crime"

by ciaran cunningham - ex maghaberry prisoner Thu Aug 10, 2006 16:11 ciarandernaroy at aol dot com

Fair play to all who moved in on raytheon, just heard 9 have been remanded for a month. If they dont get bail sombody advise them to aplly to get on to wings roe 3&4 in maghaberry for the duration theyll get a good reception there. Again fair play to them.

by Shane - WSM Thu Aug 10, 2006 14:52

The charges of Unlawful Assembly and Aggravated Burglary are "Scheduled" Offences under "anti-terrorist" legislation, meaning that the cases are to be heard by Diplock (Juryless) Court.

Diplock courts were the courts notoriously used by the northern Irish State for processing political prisoners as part of a parcel which included extended remand, under the Emergency Powers Act, after it was forced to remove Internment. Diplock courts do not meet any of the liberal democratic standards that would allow a person to be given what is considered a fair trial. They are political courts whose use exposes the lie of the State as a neutral arbitrer.

A PSNI spokesman is reported in Todays Derry news as having said that the protesters used violence to get in. This is a lie. The PSNI have used this to justify the use of the Scheduled Offence.

They are clearly afraid that a Jury would be sympathetic to the nine and acquit them, like the Pitstop Ploughshares 5.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplock_courts

by WSMer - wsm Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:40

Is over here - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77830

by krossie - wsm personal capacity Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:42

the May 1st branch of the WSM is full square behind the occupiers and is working on a statement - we would also welcome any practical suggestions for solidarity from Dublin.
Anti War Ireland has also issued a statement of support.

Krossie

by Eoin Dubsky Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:37

Congratulations you guys! Somebody please post up details where fellow travellers abroad can send donations and messages of support.

BTW... FEIC's website has some good background information about Raytheon in Derry: http://feiconline.org/feic_n.htm