Swedes nearly disarmed export fighter jets

In the early morning of March 22, three peace activists were arrested at
Saab Aerospace Systems’ weapons factory in Linköping, Sweden. Martin
Smedjeback, Annika Spalde and Pelle Strindlund were on their way to disarm
Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets intended for export to India, Thailand
and South Africa.

The peace activists, who are all part of the anti-militaristic network
Ofog, entered Saab’s industry area in Linköping, 200 kilometers from the
capital Stockholm, by cutting holes in the barbed wire fence surrounding
the area.

In 2010 the Indian air defence will order 126 Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets.
Saab is currently marketing these jets in India with vast support from the
Swedish government. If Saab gets the contract, the Swedish-built jet could
be mounted with weapons of mass destruction, as part of the Indian nuclear
weapon programme.

The affair with South Africa is just as objectionable. According to the
South African Christian council, the agreement should be stopped
immediately. According to them the country’s largest enemy is poverty and
that the money is needed for that struggle, she continued.

In general, we should follow the law, but senseless obedience is not in
any way worth striving for. Civil disobedience by peacefully objecting the
law can be an obligation in certain situations. When governments and
companies cooperate to export weapons to poor countries and conflict zones,
it is ordinary citizens’ duty to intervene, says Pelle Strindlund.

For more information : http://www.ofog.org/introduction