Star Wars 17: All over

Star Wars activists and independent journalists walk free

Four Greenpeace activists and two independent journalists who faced felony charges following a peaceful protest against the US Star Wars missile programme last July have walked free from court with varying probationary periods and one sentence of time served.(1)

Fifteen international activists and the two journalists originally faced double felony charges and up to six years in jail, but the felony charges were dropped in January when all 17 pled guilty to a misdemeanour offence of conspiracy to trespass. (2)

"We are pleased this case is now over. But the threats posed by Star Wars are not," said Greenpeace International campaigner, Mike Townsley. "The process of nuclear escalation has already begun, the US Administration is now threatening limited nuclear strikes and planning to arm Star Wars interceptor missiles with nuclear warheads, blowing apart the myth of a defensive shield - this is an offensive weapon. If the US continues with this programme it can only lead to a re-ignition of the arms race and a return to the 'cold war'".

Notes to editors:
Henk Haazen (New Zealand) received 3 years probation, Brent Maness (USA) received 2 years probation, Dan Rudie (USA) received 1 years probation, Guy Levacher (Canada) received 18 months probation, Steve Morgan (UK freelance journalist) received 1 years probation & Jorge Torres (Spain freelance journalist) received time served for three days already spent in jail.

Nine of the Star Wars activists were sentenced in January, and two more last Friday, April 12th - all received one years' probation. The 17 defendants came from the USA, UK, Germany, India, Sweden, New Zealand/(the Netherlands), Canada, Spain & Australia

Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255

Star Wars 17 defendants statements on sentencing

Henk Haazen - New Zealand
Your Honour, Thanks for the opportunity to say a few words, I have enjoyed this court as much as it is possible under the circumstances. and have a lot of respect for the style in which it is run, at the same time I will be very happy when this is over, as it has messed up my life a bit for the last 9 months.

However, the reasons why we did our protest action at Vandenberg are still there, and I feel as strongly about the need to campaign against the Star Wars missile defence system now as I did on 14 July. September 11th showed that you can never guarantee a 100% secure defence system that totally isolates or defends a big democratic country like the US from outside attacks.

The Star Wars missile shield system proposes to build an protective umbrella over the US, by doing so it is forcing other nations into a new nuclear weapons race that nobody can afford both in terms of money and resources, and because of the destabilising effect it has on the current nuclear weapons status quo. The money spend on this program would be better spend on improving life and the living environment for this planet and building bridges of friendship to neighbouring countries..

I think that you can compare the situation, to a being a wealthy person living in a poorer neighbourhood. Living as a wealthy person in a poor area you can choose not to have much to do with the neighbourhood, build a big wall around the property, put guards, dogs and locked gates on it, and try to defend and protect your property like that. This is expensive, builds up resentment and a negative reaction from your neighbours.

Alternatively you can talk to your neighbours get a bit involved with them in a nice way and help out here and there. In short become good neighbours with them, even if they come from a different culture or race and have a different outlook on life, religion etc. Making friends with you neighbours is a much more effective way to ensure a quite nights' sleep.

For me our protest on the 14th of July was to draw public attention to the fact that the US is in the process of isolating itself and building a wall around itself, ignoring protest from most major world governments at the same time. I'm from NZ and felt that it was necessary to come to the US and together with my American friends play an active role in the peaceful anti nuclear protest at Vandenberg, so that our voice could be heard by the people of this country, as this is the place were most of the changes need to be made. Your honour thanks you for your time.

Guy Levacher - Canada
Your Honour, This has been my experience since July 14th 2001. I was arrested by the FBI, chained and shackled. I spent 6 days in maximum security in a state penitentiary with hardcore criminals, drug traffickers and murderers. Travel restrictions were imposed upon me for 4 months, limiting me to the Los Angeles area, prohibiting me from returning to my country, to be with my family and to provide financial and emotional support.

I was unable to be at my wife's' side while her mother was dying of cancer. I was unable to pursue my law studies, for which I had worked so hard. I was a nine month sentence for having exercised my basic human right to protest peacefully. As I stand before you today, I ask that you allow me to return home to continue my legal studies as I await the arrival of my first child. Thank you

Brent Maness - USA
As a citizen of the United States it is my duty to oppose the policies of our government that are contrary to my political and ideological beliefs, this civic responsibility is one I refuse to take lightly. I believe that civil disobedience is an effective and appropriate method of voicing one's opposition to the injustice and violence perpetuated against living beings and the Earth.

I respect the rule of law, but feel that in extreme instances even legitimate law should be broken to prevent a greater evil. The rulings at Nuremberg found that it is intolerable for an individual to acquiesce when he is aware that his government is in violation of international law.

I believed, and still believe, that it was my responsibility as a citizen of the United States to do everything possible to prevent a violation of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty. With that said, I am prepared to accept any punishment that the court deems fitting for the crime that I have committed. I took part in the aforementioned action because I believe that by testing the Missile Defence System the U.S. is in violation of an international law that takes precedence over U.S. national law.

The development of the Star Wars program, the consequent U.S. withdrawal from the ABM treaty and other misguided and unfortunate actions taken by the Bush Administration have already begun to exacerbate international instability and create a new nuclear arms race.

This is apparent as the Bush administration embraces the cold-war era policy of "mutually assured destruction" as the best means of preventing nuclear war and speaks of using tactical nuclear weapons in a first strike against the so called "axis of evil". I fear the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been forsaken for the ignorance that often accompanies fear and hatred.

Now it is more important than ever that our nation exercise caution and prudence when making policy decisions. I believe that it will prove beneficial for U.S. economic and security interests to stop Star Wars and re-examine the policy decisions, both here and abroad, that have led us to our current state of war and reciprocal violence.

Star Wars 17: After sentencing

Nine Greenpeace activists today walked free from court after pleading guilty to conspiring to trespass on a military base, during a peaceful protest against the Star Wars missile defence programme last July.

All nine were given one year probation. No fines were imposed, and all are free to return home. Each of the defendants presented powerful statements to the court prior to sentence, outlining their moral and legal objections to the programme in Los Angeles this morning.

Seven other defendants, including two freelance journalists will be sentenced on April 15th, after the US Attorney's office announced it may demand jail time for some or all of those remaining.

"We are very pleased these nine activists are free to go home, but the US Attorney is needlessly persecuting the remaining activists and journalists," said Greenpeace International disarmament campaigner Mike Townsley. "All have pled guilty to the same charge, all should get the same sentence and go free. There was no need to push for felony charges right at the start of this case, those charges were dropped.(2) There is certainly no justification to single out some for jail time now." he added.

Notes to editors:
The US Attorney's Office dropped the felony charges against al the defendants. All those present in court pled guilty to a misdemeanour offence of conspiring to trespass. Greenpeace in the United States has been bound by a civil injunction preventing US staff from breaking the law at military bases in the US and Marshall Islands that support the Star Wars programme for the next five years.

Star Wars 17 defendants statements on sentencing:
Bill Nandris - UK
Your Honour, I am proud to be associated with Greenpeace and the many people who work so hard to achieve our common aims. We are strong, not only from within but because we have so much support around the world. It has been my privilege to witness this first hand through my involvement in this case and to see the support coming from far and wide. Greenpeace has in the past been ridiculed, subjected to intimidation and even state sponsored terrorist acts, only for its beliefs become enshrined in national and international law. Nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific and in the atmosphere, the dumping of nuclear waste at sea and indiscriminate drift net fishing are some examples that come to mind. It is my sincere wish that the Star Wars system and the National Missile Defence policy go the same way. This will happen because people instinctively know the difference between wrong and right. Encouraging a new nuclear arms race is wrong.

It is of great concern that jail time may be demanded for some of my fellow defendants, two of whom are freelance journalists. I would expect this kind of antic in Zimbabwe, or perhaps Indonesia, but never in the United States of America. Those calling for this forfeit should take a long hard look at their commitment to freedom of speech and the ideals of democracy.

I would like to thank the court for it's consideration in this case and in advance for coming to a sensible conclusion. Behaving peacefully and responsibly in matters of civil dissent is not just a requirement for those involved in protest but also for those charged with upholding the law and dispensing justice. The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental of democratic and civilised society to be treasured, not trampled. Stop Star Wars!

Stuart Lennox - Tasmania
Your Honour, I stand here in this courtroom for choosing to bear witness near Vandenberg Air Force Base to an illegal missile test conducted by the military for the United States Government. I am here not merely representing myself but the sentiments of many people from my home in Tasmania, my country Australia and from around the world who also want to live in a world free of nuclear weapons, nuclear energy and their associated problems.

In my observations of this country I find parallels with poorer so called third world countries that I have visited. Homeless people, poor people begging for money, education and health care shortfalls and I ponder the billions of tax payers dollars already wasted and still to be needlessly spent on the proposed Missile Defence Shield.

After spending a week in one of your prisons, I am positive that the money could be better spent on humanitarian aid to the under privileged of this country and around the world.

Greenpeace as a global organisation has over 30 years worked towards equality and quality of life for all and having been involved for 15 years, it is my belief that although I stand here guilty of trespass, the greater crime is committed by those who would trespass against our right to exercise civil disobedience. I shall stand proudly here today to accept the sentence that the court sees fit to hand out. Thank you.

Samir Nazareth - India
Your Honour, if those who seek peace through non-violent means face criminal charges then it is time the world housed only criminals.

I am dismayed at the government's attempt to jail some of us when we were all in the same boat and pleaded to the same non violent peaceful crime.

John Wills - UK
Your Honour, I conspired to enter Vandenberg Air Force Base without permission, because of my belief that the missile test taking place that day would break the Anti Ballistic Missile treaty and contribute to a new nuclear arms race. This treaty has been instrumental in ensuring a reduction in nuclear weapons world-wide; a breach will ensure a proliferation. So while I accept responsibility for my actions, my beliefs are no different today than they were before my arrest.

I have grave concerns about the number of nuclear weapons in the world at present, and even graver concern about a programme which threatens to increase this number.

The Greenpeace peaceful protest on July 14th was characteristic of some many others that have taken place throughout the world over the past 30 years for the protection of our natural environment. Without protests like these mankind will go on destroying the earth and when there is nothing left, we will be blaming each other for doing nothing about it.

Kelly Osborne - USA
Your Honour, with all due respect. I reckon the prosecution has got the wrong Texan.

Patrik Eriksson - Sweden
Your Honour, I stand here in front of you because I have broken a law in your country. I stand here today to take responsibility for this act. I do believe now as I did then that I had a duty to protest against the missile defence system. I will now explain to you why.

The missile defence system, also known as Star Wars will without doubt lead to a new nuclear arm race. It will clearly break the ongoing process of disarmament, it has indeed already lead to the United States withdrawing from the Anti Ballistic Missile treaty. I cannot and will not accept a future with more nuclear weapons. I believe we all have to work towards a world free from weapons of mass destruction, a world in peace. That is why I chose to break the law during the Greenpeace action to stop the test on the 14th of July 2001.

The consequences of implementing the Star Wars programme has for too long been ignored or misunderstood, both within the United States and around the world. It is a military system that has not been debated. Those consequences will have an effect on the whole planet, not just the United States, and that is why I believe I was right to come here to protest against the missile test in July last year.

This program has and will continue to cost tens of billion dollars. Instead of using this money to make the world more insecure it should be used to protect us from, for example global warming.

Civil disobedience is about standing up for your beliefs in order to make the world a better place. I stood up and said I will not accept a nuclear arms race. I will continue to do that. Civil disobedience is about taking responsibility for your action. I therefore stand here before you today, your honour, to take responsibility for mine.

Finally I just want to say, one can shoot the messenger but not the message.

Nic Clyde- Australia
Your Honour, the prosecution claim they are concerned about upholding the law. Greenpeace also has great respect for the law, which I share. I do not break the law lightly, and believe history will view my actions as closer to law enforcement than to law breaking. There are many examples of this throughout three decades of Greenpeace non-violent protests.

Take the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons at Amchitka or Moruroa, the dumping of nuclear waste at sea, the manufacture and use of CFCs, the clubbing of baby seals for the fur trade, or the slaughter of the great whales in our oceans. All of these activities were once regarded as legal. Society, people and laws change. Now those who would take such actions are the criminals, those of us who worked to stop such practises not only changed the law through our protest, but are now the guardians of it.

It is clear that 'conspiring to trespass' is illegal and therefore, I accept the court's right to judge my action and apply a penalty. In the same spirit of justice, there should be another defendant before this court today - The US government. The July 14 test used a Hawaii based radar system that is not covered by the Anti Ballistic Missile treaty of 1972. By this act the US Government breached both US and international law. I have pointed out that some laws are outdated and need to be changed - the ABM treaty is not among them - "if it ain't brokedon't fix it"!). But by that illegal act, and the subsequent decision to withdraw from the ABM The US is exposing itself and the rest of the planet to an increasing threat of nuclear war.

I am not alone in this belief. Over the last 6 months I have been absolutely amazed by the number of people in Australia - from all walks of life - who have supported our action. These people are not the radical fringethey range from Parliamentarians to school kids Almost without exception, people I have met since July 14, have been astounded that in the USA, the legal definition of peaceful protest is 'double felony'. Likewise, they fail to understand the motives of a system that makes jailbirds out of concerned citizens & millionaires out of weapons manufacturers.

To be fair, you would find Australian surfers who are sympathetic to the persecution of boogie boarders but I reckon even they would stop short of calling them felons.

A few people asked "Why did you do it? If you wanted to make a point you could have stood on the designated patch of grass outside the base with your banner!" Your honour, if this were an effective way to influence decision makers, you would see lobbyists for Boeing, Raytheon and TRW standing on the lawn outside the White House with little cardboard signs politely requesting that the Government buy more missiles. They wouldn't need to get their shareholders into government, and would have saved the USD$50,000,000 spent last year alone lobbying politicians.

If you offered USD$50,000,000 to the peace movement along with a handful of cabinet positions, you would find the need for direct action declining!

Finally your honour, I would also like to comment on the prosecution's request for jail time for some of my colleagues and the two freelance journalists. I am guilty of the same offence. I do not understand why a journalist covering the protest may be jailed, while an activist- who actually participated in the action - should go free.

Katie Flynn-Jambeck
Your Honour, the ultimate goal of my non violent action on July 14th was to prevent the development of the Star Wars missile programme, which, if allowed to develop, will lead to a new nuclear arms race. Working to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons is a goal I believe everyone of us should be working towards.

Jon Aguilar - US
During the last six months I've had the opportunity to participate in America's judicial system. This was my first arrest.

It's been an interesting experience - from being served breakfast in jail at three in the morning to watching the attempts to press a felony charge on me for a non-violent protest. I expected a misdemeanour charge and am prepared to accept a reasonable consequence for it, with the understanding that I have a wife, two stepchildren, a new baby and that I'm the only income provider right now. I participated in the action because I felt compelled to, since the Bush administration was and still is determined to spend billions of our dollars on an idea, that will never provide a true defence for America. Nevertheless, it's still being rammed down our throats without our permission.

Will I stop being an activist, No. But, because I have a family, I'll certainly choose my battles more carefully, since the current political climate in America appears to be one based on fear and ready to strike out blindly against those who don't play the flag-waving, God Bless America, keep-your-mouth-shut game.

This Star Wars protest was both my first action with Greenpeace and my first act of physical protest. I'm a new breed of activists - an educated, third party voting, meat eating, family man. I grew up in the Midwest. My dad was a Baptist preacher and everyone in my family, except me, votes Republican.

I served four years in the Marine Corps and two in the Army's 82nd Airborne. I was involved in military operations in Panama and Haiti, received numerous awards, citations and two honourable discharges. I studied politics of terrorism and nuclear arms issues in Israel and I'm keenly aware of most domestic and international current events. In other words, I intelligently formulate my own opinions and beliefs. And I assert my rights as a U.S. citizen.

After travelling or living in 15 countries, I've taken many long, hard looks at American foreign policies and actions abroad. I've seen plenty of major failures and then some moments of brilliance. The missile defence program, however, is and will be a major failure. It's a monster created by Cold War-era politicians, greedy defence contractors and misguided policy makers with plenty of university degrees but I'll bet little to no experience in the field - out among the world's citizenry. Imagine what would happen in American politics if policy makers listened to Serbian teenagers talk about growing up in the middle of a vicious civil war; looked at the stomachs of Palestinian youths scarred with bullet wounds; talked with an Israeli mother who's pregnant daughter-in-law narrowly escaped a suicide bomber; or watched an innocent Panamanian fisherman futilely beg a U.S. military officer to be allowed to close the freezer doors in his warehouse so his day's catch wouldn't rot. I'll bet, these policy makers would see a lot more grey in their black and white world. And just maybe, instead of wasting billions of bucks on their cool missile shield idea - because they can - they'd see the wisdom in offering up some economic incentives or opening up channels of dialogue rather than imposing either/or policies and solutions.

What I've really learned these six months is that in the end the only person I can change is myself, but that I must always be ready and willing to take action when I see the future of my children threatened by ignorance. Most importantly, though, I must show and teach my kids that they CAN step out into their world without fear, with their arms wide open, staying always curious to seek out answers to all their questions.

Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace UK press office on 020 7865 8255

Vandenburg Air Force Base: still protesting

Greenpeace activists who face jail over a peaceful protest against the Star Wars missile defence programme in the United States, have peacefully and lawfully returned to the military base to re-state their opposition to the programme.

While still awaiting sentencing, activists gathered at the front gate of Vandenberg Air Force Base holding banners that read "Still Protesting Star Wars".

14 activists and two freelance journalists pled guilty to conspiring to trespass at the base last July 14th. This Friday morning in Los Angeles, nine of the group are due to be sentenced. The charge carries a maximum of six months in jail.

"Greenpeace is proud of the action conducted in opposition to the test of the Star Wars missile defence programme at Vandenberg Airforce Base last July 14, and it is proud of the activists who carried it out. We remain committed to opposing the Bush Administration's dangerous and ill-conceived missile defence program, to working for a world free of nuclear weapons. We are still protesting Star Wars." said Greenpeace International disarmament campaigner Mike Townsley. "They can tie our hands, but they can't tape our mouths." Townsley added.

Even though all those present entered the same guilty plea last week, the US Attorney's office is demanding jail terms for seven of the group, including both freelance journalists.

"The government's insistence on felony charges in this case was outrageous and unprecedented. I never saw anything like it in my seven years as a federal prosecutor. That the government would compound this injustice by seeking jail time for seven of these peaceful protestors, most of whom have no prior convictions, is an affront to the principles of democracy." said Greenpeace lawyer Aaron Dyer.

All the activists due to be sentenced today will make statements in court detailing their opposition to the Star Wars programme and the fact that the July 14th test broke both US and international law - an allegation they would have been prevented from presenting to the court had they gone to trial.

Notes for editors:
The US Attorney's Office dropped the two felony charges against all the defendants. All those present in court pled guilty to a misdemeanour charge of conspiring to trespass. Greenpeace in the United States has been bound by a civil injunction preventing US staff from breaking the law during protests at military bases in the US and Marshall Islands that support the Star Wars programme for the next five years.

Those to be sentenced today are from the US, UK, India, Australia & Sweden. Those to be sentenced on April 15th are from the US, UK, New Zealand, Germany, Canada & Spain.

A Judge ruled today that nine Greenpeace protestors and one freelance journalist, facing felony charges stemming from a peaceful protest against a missile defence test in California on July 14th, can travel home before returning to Los Angeles for trial currently set for November 20, 2001. The two British Greenpeace protestors, Bill Nandris from London and John Wills from Guernsey along with freelance journalist Steve Morgan from Somerset, had been previously restricted to the Central District of California along with six other defendants since July 14th.

"It has been too long and I am looking forward to seeing my friends, family and the people who have supported me," said Bill Nandris from London. "However, I am also looking towards my return here and having my day in court when my integrity will become public record."

The Greenpeace volunteers and two freelance journalists were arrested by the F.B.I. near Vandenberg Air Force Base in California following a peaceful protest against the controversial missile defence program. All 17, including the journalists were charged with conspiring to violate a safety zone- a class D felony with a maximum six-year prison term and $250,000 fine. They were also charged with entering military property without permission- a misdemeanour with a 6-month maximum sentence and $5,000 fine.

While the six defendants from the United States were given immediate bail, the international defendants had their passports seized and all but one had their travel restricted to the central district of California. The other international defendants are from Australia, Canada, Germany, India and Sweden.

During today's hearing, the defendants plead not guilty to the second superceding indictment.

Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on: 020 7865 8255

international climate talks 2001

Greenpeace's recently appointed Executive Director, Gerd Leipold, today criticised President George W. Bush for putting the world's future at risk with a "truly astonishing policy path that could undo so much progress in environmental protection and world peace".

Speaking at the launch of the organisation's Annual Report, Dr. Gerd Leipold said that in pursuing the Star Wars (missile defence) programme, rejecting the Kyoto climate change agreement and threatening to open the Alaskan Arctic Wildlife Reserve to oil exploitation, President Bush was failing to protect the environment to satisfy his corporate supporters.

Leipold was particularly critical of the harsh conspiracy charges brought by the United States against 15 Greenpeace volunteers and 2 journalists. "The charges have a strong political motivation to them." All face up to six years in jail if convicted, unprecedented for peaceful protest and more usual for violent assault and drug dealing. Previous charges against protestors at Vandenberg have not been of a criminal nature. Their arrest followed a protest at sea off the Vandenberg Airbase at the start of a Star Wars missile test.

"All our volunteers are prepared to go to trial to defend what they believe in. It is Star Wars that should be on trial. Our volunteers were there because Greenpeacers care. No one else can do what Greenpeace is doing in opposing Star Wars. With our reach we can take the message globally. Our supporters, old and young, are committed to mobilise at short notice. From the Arctic to tiny Pacific Islands we are unique in being able to challenge President George W Bush in every area of the Star Wars programme. This is the kind of "globalisation" - people working together to make the world a better place - that should be seen as the way ahead for us all."

Gerd Leipold said Greenpeace had started in 1971 with a protest against US nuclear weapons testing and had for the last 30 years, challenged all those threatening to damage the planet.

With 25 national offices and a presence in 39 countries Greenpeace has continued to grow. "We now have 2.65 million paying supporters and with every additional supporter, we increase the strength of our voice."

Gross income rose by 14% to 146 million Euros (1999, 126m Euros) and net income rose for the sixth year in succession to 103m Euro (a 7% rise from 1999).

The global environmental organisation said its commitment to the developing world had continued with two offices - India and South-East Asia - beginning to campaign last year. Greenpeace China (which more than doubled its income) and Greenpeace Argentina (whose income rose by 87%) showed there is rapid growth of interest in Greenpeace and concern for environmental issues. The offices in both China and Argentina are now financially "self sufficient".

Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on 020 7865 8255

The 'Star Wars 17' face charges that carry sentences of up to six years in prison, following a peaceful Greenpeace protest which delayed a test of President Bush's Star Wars missile system in July(1).

The court hearing, at the Judge Roybal Federal Court Building, in Los Angeles on Monday 13 August started at 4.30 pm UK time or 08:30 am local time. The court hearing is called an 'arraignment hearing' and it is expected to set a trial date.

Greenpeace maintains that the charges are disproportionately harsh for a peaceful protest against the Star Wars test (2).

Greenpeace volunteers swam, used diving equipment and inflatable boats to enter an exclusion zone at the base and the launch was delayed for 40 minutes. Two of the seventeen people arrested are freelance journalists.

Notes to editors:
Biographies and photographs of the "Star Wars 17" will be available on request. Fifteen of the accused are Greenpeace volunteers from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Australia and India. The other two accused are journalists from Britain and Spain. The three British Citizens are two Greenpeace volunteers, Bill Nandris of London and John Wills of Guernsey and the British photographer Steve Morgan, from Frome, Somerset.

1) On 14th July this year at California's Vandenburg military base an interceptor missile was being prepared for launch in a test of the proposed anti-ballistic missile system.
2) The "Star Wars 17" face two charges. Conspiracy to violate a safety zone is a class D felony charge and carries a maximum six year jail term and $250,000 fine. Conspiracy to violate a direct order is a class A misdemeanour and carries a maximum 1 year jail term and $5,000 fine.

Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office: 020 7865 8255

The charges have been levelled against the 15 volunteers as well as the 2 journalists, even though the pair were simply documenting the peaceful protest. The trial date has been set for September 25th 2001.

"These charges are politically motivated, never has such harsh treatment been given out to peaceful protestors at Vandenberg. It should be Star Wars on trial, not Greenpeace, but we are ready to make our case in court" said Greenpeace International disarmament campaigner William Peden.

"We know that any jury that hears the whole truth about the Star Wars programme will agree with our opposition to it." Peden added.

Global protests in support of the 15 volunteers and two freelance journalists have been going on all around the world. 32 people were arrested in Sweden and Finland after volunteers chained themselves to the gates of the US embassies in Stockholm and Helsinki, including the brother and sister of Patrik Eriksson, one to the Los Angeles defendants.

US embassies and consulates in New Zealand, the UK, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland and the Czech Republic were also targeted by Greenpeace volunteers and supporters, and further protests are planned in Australia.

The protests and trial date come on the same day that US defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has been making further attempts to buy Russian support in Moscow for the Star Wars programme. But his Russian counterpart, Segei Ivanov has already dismissed the programme as a threat to stability and nuclear weapons reduction programmes.

"All around the world people are standing up and saying no to Star Wars. Our volunteers have done that, even the Russian Defence secretary is doing it. It is time George Bush realised this insane scheme is not needed or wanted." Peden added.

Notes:
The charges against all 17 are conspiracy to enter a safety zone and conspiracy to trespass on military property. The two charges carry a maximum jail term of six years and $250,000 fine.

The 15 volunteers and 2 journalists come from the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Australia, India and Canada.

Further information:
Contact Greenpeace press office on 020 78658255