Palestine Action storms Instro Precision weapons factory at Sandwich Discovery Park again
10:01, 09 September 2024
updated: 15:02, 09 September 2024
Police have been called after protesters stormed into a business park, blocking roads and painting buildings red.
Members of Palestine Action have returned to the Instro Precision weapons factory in Sandwich Discovery Park, home to Elbit Systems - a site they have already targeted this year.
Activists have used vehicles to obstruct the entrances and climbed on top of security boxes and the ledge of Discovery Park House. They have covered parts of the premises in red paint, which they say is “symbolising Palestinian bloodshed spilt by Elbit's weaponry”.
This is the second time the group have stormed the premises, with similar action taken in June.
Palestine Action has pledged to continue targeting Elbit Systems until the company can no longer operate in Britain.
Manufacturing military-grade electro-optical equipment, activists say Instro is a major exporter to Israel and its products are likely to be used in ground operations in Gaza.
It comes after last week's announcement by the government that is suspending some arms sales to Israel.
But a Palestine Action spokesperson said: "Despite the ongoing Gaza genocide, Britain has allowed 92% of arms export licenses to continue and given permission for Israeli weapons factories to keep operating across the country.
“Although our government have failed to take meaningful action, ordinary citizens refuse to be complicit in the mass murder of Palestinians and are stepping up to shut Elbit down."
An Instro Precision spokesperson said: “We will work with the authorities to prosecute any person or group threatening the safety of our staff or their important work.
“Our facility is designed to meet the requirements of the UK armed forces and in particular support the British Army with a range of state-of-the-art electro optics and night vision systems.
“It is highly irresponsible to attempt to sabotage this work, particularly during a period of global instability.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police officers are currently at Discovery Park, Sandwich after being called to a report of a protest shortly before 7.15am on Monday 9 September.”
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