Derry Anti War Protesters Blockade raytheon

derry | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Friday January 09, 2009 11:37

by George Row

Dawn Protest Outside the Firm that Makes the Bombs Raining Down on Gaza

A group of 70 -100 antiwar protesters staged a dawn blockade of raytheon's Derry plant.

Early morning at Raytheon Derry: End the Bombing of Gaza.

A well attended meeting of Derry Anti-War coalition earlier in the week had voted to blockade the Derry raytheon plant.

On Friday 9th January 2009, as Israel continued to rain bombs on the people of Gaza, antiwar protesters staged a dawn blockade of raytheon's Derry plant.

Having gathered nearby, a group of 70-100 protesters arrived at 7:30 am and blockaded the Derry raytheon plant with banners and plackards. On the pavement in front of the entrance they re-created, with tiny coffins and blood spattered clothes, the real end products of raytheon's technology.

There was a heavy police presence. At first they tried to force the protesters out of the way ... this was greeted with chants of "if you are being pushed sit down. if you are being pushed sit down." The outcome was an even more blocked entrance.

After negotiation with a senior PSNI officer, agreement was reached about providing a clear passage for staff from other companies who share the complex with raytheon. Most of the workers approaching the protesters appeared happy to declare their affiliation with a company other than raytheon.

Up until 8:45 (when I left the scene) no staff from raytheon had tried to enter the building.

There was coverage on BBC Radio Foyle and other local media.

The protests dispersed at 10:00 am their point having been made.