Protesters march as ‘Boeing Four’ trial begins

A small group of activists has marched in protest against global giant Boeing as a trial begins for four people charged after protesting the shipment of US arms to Israel.

Protesters Margaret Pestorius and David Sprigg.

A small group of activists has marched in a bid to draw attention to their cause ahead of the trial for four protesters charged with “unlawful” assembly and assault.

The “Boeing Four” will defend all charges this week in a trial expected to run for several days at Brisbane Magistrate Court after they entered the Boeing building in January to protest the shipment of US arms to Israel.

The march began at Boeing’s Brisbane headquarters and ended at the Roma Street Courthouse.

The four protesters face charges stemming from disruptive protests at Boeing in Brisbane CBD and another weapons manufacturer, Ferra at Tingalpa.

During their alleged protests the defendants displayed graphic images of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, recited poetry and called for an end to arms exports to Israel.

Their banners read “Arms Embargo Now” and “Stop Arming Israel,” showing their stance against military support for genocidal actions.

A “Boeing Four” spokesman said Boeing, a leading arms manufacturer with annual sales exceeding $30 billion, came under fire for its involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Reports indicate that shortly after Israel began its aerial bombardment of Gaza, Boeing expedited the shipment of thousands of Joint Direct Attack Munitions and 2000-pound bombs to the Israeli military,” the spokesman said.

“Critics argue that Boeing’s products have been instrumental in strikes that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.”

Margaret Pestorius, one of the defendants who is representing herself in court, said her alleged co-offenders demanded an end to the genocidal bombing of Palestinian and Lebanese communities.

“Boeing has been allowed to profit from the genocide in Gaza for a full year,” Ms Pestorius said.

“Sending thousands of bombs to a genocidal army is an absolutely heinous crime. Impunity for war profiteers like Boeing must end.”

Ms Pestorius said her alleged crimes were those of “peace makers”.

“We displayed artworks featuring the children murdered by Boeing’s bombs. Unlike Boeing, we are not profiting from this genocide and hold the wellbeing of humanity as our goal and guide. Boeing should be on trial here, not us,” Ms Pestorius said.

Ms Pestorius the defendants were ready to defend their actions as part of a larger anti-genocide movement.