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War crimes defence over firm raid | War crimes defence over firm raid |
(10 minutes later) | |
The Londonderry offices of US defence company Raytheon Systems were stormed by protesters to prevent war crimes, a court has heard. | The Londonderry offices of US defence company Raytheon Systems were stormed by protesters to prevent war crimes, a court has heard. |
Six men including well-known journalist Eamonn McCann are accused of affray and three counts of criminal damage. | Six men including well-known journalist Eamonn McCann are accused of affray and three counts of criminal damage. |
They admit causing £20,000 damage in August 2006 but a defence lawyer said their motives were the key issue. | |
A Crown lawyer said the men had a right to legitimate protest, but had "engaged in an orgy of wanton destruction". | A Crown lawyer said the men had a right to legitimate protest, but had "engaged in an orgy of wanton destruction". |
He told Belfast Crown Court the men could not hide behind their right to protest at what they perceived Raytheon were engaged in. | He told Belfast Crown Court the men could not hide behind their right to protest at what they perceived Raytheon were engaged in. |
However, Mr McCann's London-based barrister said his client's motives were what was at issue. | However, Mr McCann's London-based barrister said his client's motives were what was at issue. |
He asked the jury to consider whether his conduct that day was an act or protest and vandalism, "or was it to prevent a crime being committed?" | He asked the jury to consider whether his conduct that day was an act or protest and vandalism, "or was it to prevent a crime being committed?" |
"Was his conduct designed to impede, obstruct, prevent the commission by Raytheon of war crimes?" he added. | "Was his conduct designed to impede, obstruct, prevent the commission by Raytheon of war crimes?" he added. |
The barrister claimed Mr McCann believed that Raytheon were aiding and abetting "crimes against humanity" by the Israeli defence forces in the Lebanon. | The barrister claimed Mr McCann believed that Raytheon were aiding and abetting "crimes against humanity" by the Israeli defence forces in the Lebanon. |
The case continues. | The case continues. |