15 Activists Found Guilty of Speaking the Truth

15 Activists have been found guilty for trespass during an action at Alliant Techsystems (ATK) on the 27th March. Alliant Techsystems produces DU munitions, cluster bombs and landmines in Edina, Minnesota. Three Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet are choosing jail in solidarity with prisoners, here and abroad, who are not allowed alternatives; and to emphasise the devastating impact of ATK's weapons on civilians and the earth, including the devastating consequences of military spending on the U.S.'s domestic needs. 400+ arrests in the past six years at ATK have led to a dozen trials, with 5 acquittals. This is the first time a jail sentence has been imposed for non-violent civil disobedience at Alliant Techsystems.

The action took place November 7, 2001 at Alliant's new corporate headquarters in Edina, Minnesota. The question asked that day of Alliant: Who profits? Who Dies? The activists walked onto the lawn near the parking lot which Alliant Tech rents, planting small warning flags to alert passersby of the danger of decisions being made inside.

At trial the group claimed they had a right, even an obligation to speak out, under the Nuremberg Principles, on what they argued was the violation of international law by Alliant. The weapons it produces "cause undue damages on indigenous populations" under article 51 of the Geneva Convention, and are "indiscriminate" under Geneva Protocol I. They cited Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, which says that such international treaties are the supreme law of the land superseding any state laws.

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From CADU News 10 : Spring 2002

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Page last updated: 6th December 2002