SIR - Between April 26-30 at a unique Bristol Crown Court hearing, several Thornbury and many Bristol Quakers joined others to support the Fairford Five. The five felt that the Iraq war was illegal and wanted this tested in the courts.
They committed minor damage to naval and military property, including the Fairford air base in Gloucestershire, hoping to prevent or delay the Iraq invasion and also to raise the issue of the legality of the war.
The Fairford Five were all remanded (the only woman was at Eastwood Park Women's Prison), charged with minor criminal damage.
On the final day of the hearing, the judge accepted the prosecution's case that British Government foreign and military policy still cannot be examined as a defence for action in English courts. The defence argued that this made it impossible for the five to have a fair trial and they will therefore appeal.
Thornbury Quakers feel that many share our belief that conflict can almost always be resolved with greater justice through peaceful means rather than through the terrible bloodshed and cycle of revenge caused by war.
Candia Barman, Littleton on Severn, On behalf of Thornbury Quaker Meeting.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article