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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 but the defence said their motives were the key issue. 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.