War Profiteers News

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Issue number
91
March 2020
Stop Arming Saudi!

Dear friends,

Apologies for sending War Profiteers News twice this month - the original email didn't include our story on how the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted arms trade events around the world. We've also added a story about the #MadeInEurope day of action organised by the European Network Against Arms Trade against arms sales to Saudi Arabia and their coalition partners.

Best wishes,

Andrew

Coronavirus pandemic disrupts arms trade events around the world

Placheolder image

A number of arms fair events around the world have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, including some of the world's largest arms fairs, causing huge disruption to the arms industry.

#MadeInEurope - online action against arms sales to Saudi

Two people stand holding signs saying "Stop Arming Saudi"

On Wednesday 25th March - the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the Saudi-led coalitions war in Yemen - people across Europe have used social media to protest against arms sales to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and other countries involved in the conflict.

Who arms the Saudi coalition?

A Eurofighter Typhoon taking off

For five years, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been at war in Yemen. Huge volumes of weapons have been shipped from arms companies in Europe and elsewhere, from a large number of arms companies. Find out how you can take action on the website of the European Network Against the Arms Trade, and more details about some of the companies who have supplied Saudi Arabia below.

UK: University of Huddersfield criticised for involvement in Bahrain "torture hub"

Four protesters hold signs outside the University of Huddersfield. The placards detail human rights abuses at the Bahrain Royal Academy

The University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom has been accused of training Bahraini police at a base that is well-known as a “torture hub”.

Canada: court allows Eritreans to continue legal action against mining company

The Bisha mine in Eritrea

Canada’s supreme court has ruled that three Eritrean’s can cotinue their case against a minig company, despite their accusations of human rights abuses by the company taking place abroad.

War profiteer of the month: Pindad PT

A tank being used in a military display. In the background are many other military vehicles

Pindad PT is an Indonesian state-owned arms company, producing a wide range of weapons for the Indonesian military, police and security forces, and exporting to a number of other countries in the region. In 2016 the company had just over 2000 employees and revenue of around £100m.

Greek authorities use range of tear gas against migrants

A large pointed tear gas canister labelled CS 560.

The Omega Research Foundation has identified a range of different “less lethal” weapons being used by Greek authorities – including potentially lethal tear gas - being used against migrants by Greek security forces at the Turkish/Greek border.