DIE-IN AT ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS
- & Uranium-238 (depleted uranium) weapons on trial

On June 14, the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Army, four peace activists lay "dead" on the front entry way to Alliant Techsystems headquarters in Hopkins, Minnesota's largest military contractor. Three others outlined their bodies in red paint, symbolizing the blood of the victims - those who have suffered because of the products this company makes.

Their statement explained, "Every product Alliant Techsystems produces results in a victim. At this time in history we recognize weapons are hi-tech and the conflicts are more global in scope but individuals are still at the center, at the heartbeat.

"Individuals make the decisions to use violence as a solution and individuals are the ones who suffer and die as a result of those decisions.

"Whatever the reasons may be, we as a community are demonstrating here today in front of this weapons merchant, that there are victims - even though the results are very far away and impersonal."

The seven were arrested and misdemeanor charges have been filed against those portraying the victims, while felony charges of damage to property are pending against those who poured the "blood."

Alliant Action Trial Update

Judge Gary Larson agreed to hear the defense argument for a "claim of right" under international law at the April 24 trial of 63 people arrested for trespass last November 1 at Alliant Techsystems. Defendant John LaForge presented the primary defense in the opening statement, building particularly on Alliant's production of 15 million 30mm "depleted" uranium-238 bullets used by the A-10 aircraft in the Iraq and Kosovo assaults, in violation of international treaties and obligations. Other defendants buttressed the main argument in their own testimony, some of it as eye witnesses to the devastation in Iraq.

Larson listened attentively and then, scarcely pausing for a breath at the conclusion of the trial, declared the defendants guilty of trespass. A fine of $25 was imposed for all but ten people who served at least eight hours in jail on the day of the arrest.

In the morning before the afternoon trial, a mock trial was held in front of Alliant featuring the same defense testimony. Alliant workers who watched the proceedings declined to offer any defense for their accused employer when asked, and the mock judge declared Alliant guilty of crimes against humanity for their production of uranium-238 weapons.

For more information, contact Alliantaction@circlevision.org, or call (651)698-2810.