Support for accused protesters
Anti-war protesters have claimed that nine people who have appeared in court in connection with a rooftop protest at a factory in Staffordshire have been charged without good reason.
More than 40 campaigners gathered outside Cannock Magistrates Court yesterday where nine people appeared in connection with a rooftop protest at UAV Engines Limited in Shenstone, near Lichfield, earlier this month.
They have been accused of obstructing lawful activity, but all defendants deny the charges.
Around half of the protestors who gathered yesterday ahead of the court hearing were brought by the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Some members of the group gave speeches while police overlooked the peaceful protest.
Naeem Malik, chairman of the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: "We are supporting these people who have been charged without good reason.
"We are here because we want peace and justice for Palestinians."
The defendants are Hilary Aked, aged 28, of Cottage Green, London; Naiara Bazin, 23, of Lettsom Street, London; Charles Deas, 26, of Stirling Road, London; Maya Evans, 34, of Carisbrooke Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex; Ewa Jasiewicz, 36, of Morpeth Street, London; Joseph Lee, 29, of Essex Road, London; Adie Mormech, 36, of New Islington Marina, Manchester; Jessica Nero, 37, of Graham Road, Mitcham, Surrey, and Sami Wannell, 27, of Lyneham Walk, London.
Their cases were sent to North Staffordshire Justice Centre for a case management hearing on October 6 and they were given conditional bail.
