Dutch anti-war activist, Barbara Smedema, has been imprisoned for
sabotaging the communication discs on an American communication bunker on
the military airport Volkel. She carried out her action on the night of 9th
of February 2003, where she dismantled the discs causing about 500,000
euros damage as a result. The action was taken as a protest against the war
in Iraq. In this bunker, that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the
military communicates on matters about the American nuclear bombs that are
located on the base in eleven special bunkers. It is claimed that for the
past 30 years secret planning has been taking place at this bunker in
preparation for any deployment of their nuclear missiles. "We don't have
the illusion that we can stop the war machine this way, but we want to show
hope and faith that it is possible to change course in this world." Please
send urgent letters of support to: Barbara Smedema, Gevangenis Ter Peel,
Patersweg 4, 5977 NM Evertsoord Holland.
March 3, 2003, Greece: Trial Begins For November 17 Revolutionary Group
Nineteen alleged members of the Greek revolutionary group November the 17th
have gone on trial in Athens for assassinations and bombings dating back 30
years. The 19 are on trial before a special tribunal at a high-security
prison, accused of murders and bomb and rocket attacks which have killed 23
people. The group's alleged leader Alexandros Giotopoulos denies about
1,000 charges. Wealthy businessmen, politicians, and foreign military
personnel, have been attacked by the left-wing group.
March 2, Italy: Women Held After Train Shootout
A woman arrested after a police officer was shot dead on a train is
believed to be a member of the revived far-left Red Brigades group, police
have revealed. The woman's male companion opened fire as police carried out
routine checks on the train, going from Rome to Florence. The man was
injured in the shoot-out that ensued, and has since died, according to a
news agency report. The pair are suspected of having links to two recent
political killings.
February 18, 2003, France: Prisoners Riot, Smash Equipment
Rioting prisoners took control of part of a jail in eastern France during
the evening, smashing equipment and prompting police to seal off the
prison, the Justice Ministry said. The ministry gave no information about
any injuries in the riot involving about 50 prisoners at the Clairvaux jail
in the Aube region. It said 46 prisoners were isolated in block A of the
jail and "were moving about freely inside." None of the prison's 156
inmates, all of whom are serving lengthy sentences, escaped, the ministry
said. It said the riot erupted when prisoners, apparently protesting
disciplinary measures imposed on a detainee, refused to return to their
cells. The rioters "smashed everything up," including security doors,
surveillance cameras, electrical equipment and locks on cell doors, said a
guard and union representative at the prison. He said prison guards had
been evacuated.
February 5, Spain: Repression Intensifies Against In Basque Country
Police arrested seven well-known members of Askatasuna (Askatasuna is an
organization that supports Basque political prisoners; it was created some
years ago when the organization that previously did this work - Gestoras
Pro Amnestia - was forbidden). Five of these people have been sent to
prison. The Spanish authorities say that with these detentions they have
dismantled the organization who controls the ETA inside jails and search
for new militants to join ETA. Since 1998 over 30 people linked with
prisoner support have been incarcerated under similar accusations.
Link: www.breakthechains.net
