Anti-war news

Two important events coming up organised by Stop the War Coalition and the anti-war movement. I will be going to the protest at the Court of Appeal but want to take this opportunity of saluting the courage of soldier Joe Glenton. Never has it been more necessary to speak out against the war in Afghanistan.

JOE GLENTON TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON

Soldier Joe Glenton, who was court martialled and imprisoned for

refusing to fight in Afghanistan, will be released from military

jail in Colchester on Monday 12 July and Stop the War supporters

will be there to welcome him.



As well as refusing to return to fight a war he regarded as

unjustified and unwinnable, Joe courageously spoke out publicly,

giving his reasons at Stop the War demonstrations and meetings.



BACKGROUND:

* Joe delivers a letter to then prime minister Gordon Brown: why

I won't return to Afghanistan: http://bit.ly/eO3V0

* Joe speaks out at Stop the War's Bring the Troops home

demonstration on 24 October 2010: http://bit.ly/reppW



If you live in the London area and would like to join us when we

welcome Joe on his release, contact the Stop the War office for

transport arrangements: Tel: 020 7801 2768



JOE GLENTON'S RELEASE


MONDAY 12 JULY 10.30AM


MCTC, BERECHURCH HALL CAMP,


COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO2 9NU



*************************************

PICKET IN SUPPORT OF GAZA PROTESTORS

Over 100 people were arrested last year after demonstrating

against the Israeli invasion of Gaza. Seventy-eight were charged

with violent disorder, and many were given deterrent sentences of

up to two and a half years for as little as throwing a plastic

bottle. Almost all of those charged are very young and from

Muslim backgrounds. (SEE http://bit.ly/9sIjcO )



Ten protestors will appeal against their sentences on Tuesday 13

July. If successful, the appeals will impact on all current and

any future cases where the courts try to pass deterrent

sentences.



A picket has been called at the appeal court at 9am, calling for

the release of all those imprisoned, the dropping of any further

charges, an end to the intimidation of the Muslim community and

in defence of the right to protest.



PICKET IN SUPPORT OF GAZA PROTESTORS


TUESDAY 13 JULY 9AM


ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE,


THE STRAND, LONDON WC2A 2LL