The trial of Christian activists who caused a huge blockage of arms dealers trying to enter the DSEi military equipment show in London in September 2013 will take place on the 3 and 4 February 2014 at Stratford Magistrates Court.
The trial of Christian activists who caused a huge blockage of arms dealers trying to enter the DSEi military equipment show in London in September 2013 will take place on the 3 and 4 February 2014 at Stratford Magistrates Court.
The five include Ekklesia associate and former director Symon Hill, along with James Clayton, Chloe Skinner, Chris Wood and Daniel Woodhouse. Two others – Angela Ditchfield and Alison Parker– joined them to block the entrance, but left before the arrests took place.
The five all pleaded Not Guilty in Thames Magistrates’ Court in east London, on 24 September 2013, to a breach of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
They insist they did nothing wrong when they blocked an entrance to the arms fair by kneeling in prayer. They say they were inspired by Jesus’ example of nonviolent direct action in the Jerusalem Temple, when he protested against the exploitation of the poor.
Those who have sent messages of support include former Archbishop of Canterbury, now Master of Magdalen College, Cambridge, Dr Rowan Williams.
Supporters are encouraged to go along to show encouragement and join the five for a Vigil outside Stratford Magistrates Court at 10am on both days.