Trident Ploughshares 2000 Press Briefing 22nd October
Campaigners Plan Next Steps
The acquittal of Ulla Roder, Ellen Moxley and Angie Zelter at Greenock Sheriff Court has been recognised worldwide as a landmark for the peace movement.
The women were charged with malicious damage to and theft from the barge "Maytime", a floating laboratory on Loch Long in Scotland which provides operational support for Trident submarines. In the 18 day trial before a jury and Sheriff Margaret Gimblett, the defence called expert witnesses who gave evidence on the applicability of international law to the case and on the nature on Britain's Trident nuclear weapon system and the country's defence policy. The Crown offered no substantial rebuttal of this testimony.
The Sheriff concluded that the women had acted without malice and without criminal intent. In her view the illegality of the Trident system under international law justified their action. She directed the jury to acquit the women on all charges.
A Trident Ploughshares spokesperson said: "This is a wonderful victory but we are now looking at the next stage. The verdict provides renewed scope for applying legal pressure on the criminal activity of our national leaders. Further direct action against the illegal installations is currently being planned. Watch this space."