[globenet] CAAB Press Release - CAN THE ENGLISH COURTS RULE ON WAR CRIMES?

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

From: The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB)

13 February 2005

CAN THE ENGLISH COURTS RULE ON WAR CRIMES?

On Tuesday 15 February 2005, three appeals by way of a 'case stated' will be joined together and heard (High Court, London at 10.30 am). The issues to be argued are important, arising out of protests on two American bases and Southampton water, during the start of the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. One of the issues to be argued is whether English courts can rule on war crimes.

The second Defendent in this joined case is Lindis Percy (Joint Co-ordinator of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases - CAAB) who protested during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 at the United States Air Force (USAF) base at Croughton, Northamptonshire, UK. She was arrested and charged with 'aggravated trespass' ((s.68 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994). Northampton Magistrates remanded her in custody to Holloway for one week.

In September 2003 at Northampton Magistrates' Court, District Judge Friel disqualified himself during the first trial because Ms Percy did not have a fair trial due to the intrusion and abuse by the American authorities in the court process. A retrial was heard in December 2003. In the second trial, District Judge Holland found Ms Percy guilty of ‘aggravated trespass’.

Ms Percy entered the base and placed an upside down US flag on the gate of the operations compound with the words WAR IN IRAQ – IMMORAL, ILLEGAL, MADNESS written on it.

Ms Percy said, "It is not possible to have a fair trial unless these important issues are resolved".

NOTES TO THE EDITORS:

Lindis Percy is the Joint Co-ordinator with Anni Rainbow, of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB).

CAAB has campaigned for many years to bring public scrutiny and awareness concerning the role and function by the occupation and control of the US Visiting Forces and their Agencies in the UK - including USAF Croughton Among other connected issues, CAAB has in particular focussed on the USAF base at Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire and the role of this base (with RAF Fylingdales) in the American Missile Defense System.

In November 2003, Ms Percy climbed the gates of Buckingham Palace in protest at the State visit by George W Bush.

Ms Percy is represented by: Nick Blake QC (Matrix Chambers), Rasa Hussain Barrister (Matrix Chambers) and Hossein Zahir Instructing Solicitor (Birnberg, Peirce and Partners).

CONTACTS:

Lindis Percy – 01482 702033 or mobile 07949897904

Anni Rainbow – 01943 466405

Hossein Zahir Solicitor – Birnberg, Peirce and Partners – 0207 9110166

CAAB website: www.caab.org.uk