Friends arrested at arms fair are named
Quakers arrested at the DSEI arms fair have been named
Friends who witnessed against the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair in London last month and who were subsequently arrested have been named.
The Quakers involved were participating in nonviolent direct action to try to prevent weapons and other military equipment getting in to the event.
At least ten were arrested: Jo Frew, Sam Donaldson, Sylvia Boyes, Susan Clarkson, Richard Levitt, David Henshaw, Paul Milling, David Amos, Hank Eynton and Chris Gwyntopher.
Charges have been dropped against Sylvia Boyes and David Henshaw.
Hank Eynton and Chris Gwyntopher pleaded guilty to ‘obstructing weapons from being transported in to the arms fair to prevent acts of evil’. They were given six months conditional discharge with £105 costs.
Jo Frew, Sam Donaldson, Susan Clarkson, Richard Levitt and Paul Milling pleaded not guilty.
Chris Gwyntopher, who is a member of Wanstead Meeting, told the Friend: ‘Sylvia, David, Sam, Hank, Paul and I have already gathered since the arms fair and committed ourselves to sharing our experiences and maintaining our witness. Another DSEI arms fair is planned for 2019. Any friends who would like to join us can do so by contacting David Amos at amosdavid@hotmail.co.uk.’
