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Published on Tuesday, 20 June 2006 14:37
The Government faces a test
of its new anti-terror legislation after deciding to
proceed with charges against a peace activist arrested
while protesti ng at an American communications base.
Seven weeks after becoming one of the first
individuals arrested under a little-noticed clause in
the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, Helen John,
68, of Keighley, west Yorkshire, has been charged with
criminal trespass and bailed to appear next week before
magistrates in Harrogate, north Yorkshire.
Mrs
John and a fellow peace campaigner, Sylvia Boyes, 62,
were arrested on 2 April while crossing the sentry line
at Menwith Hill, the US communications base in the
Yorkshire Dales.
Mrs John, who could be jailed
for up to 12 months if the case goes to court, said:
\"I want this case to be heard in a court of law, but
that is probably the last place the Government wants it
go.\"
Mrs Boyes, who was unable to attend a
police station yesterday, expects to be charged next
week.