Labour Youth supports occupation of Raytheon Weapons Factory

Members of the Derry Anti-War Coalition yesterday 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