Five activists indicted for violating a secure area at naval base in Washington

TACOMA, WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) – Five activists on Friday were indicted for violating a secure area at Naval Base Kitsap’s Bangor complex, near Silverdale, Washington, prosecutors said.

Stephen M. Kelly, 60, of Oakland, California; Susan S. Crane, 65, of Baltimore, Maryland; William J. Bischel, 81, of Tacoma, Washington; Anne Montgomery, 83, of New York City, New York; and Lynne T. Greenwald, 60, of Bremerton, Washington, were indicted for conspiracy, trespass, destruction of property on a naval base and depredation of government property.

"All citizens are free to disagree with their government. But they are not free to destroy property or risk the safety of others," said U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan. "These defendants quite literally crossed the line and must be held accountable."

The defendants, also known as the "Bangor 5" group, were known local activists who staged many nuclear weapons protests. The Bangor 5 illegally broke into the Naval Base Kitsap with the intention to call attention to the illegality and immorality of the Trident weapons system in the military complex.

"The manufacture and deployment of Trident II missiles, weapons of mass destruction, is immoral and criminal under International Law and, therefore, under United States law. As U.S. citizens we are responsible under the Nuremberg Principles for this threat of first-strike terrorism hanging over the community of nations, rich and poor," The Bangor 5 group said after their arrest.

On November 2, 2009, the five activists used bolt cutters to cut holes in three chain link fences in order to enter the Main Limited Area (MLA) at the Naval Base Kitsap’s Bangor complex. First they passed through the perimeter fence and made their way to the Strategic Weapons Facility-Pacific (SWFPAC).

In the SWFPAC they managed to cut thru the first chain link fence and walked to and cut the next double layered fence. After that they were able to walk onto the grounds of SWFPAC, holding a banner saying "Disarm Now Plowshares: Trident: Illegal + Immoral."

The Bangor 5 group left a trail of blood, and hammered on the roadway which is essential to the working of the Trident weapons system. They also hammered on fences surrounding the SWFPAC and scattered sunflower seeds throughout the base.

The defendants were ultimately apprehended and arrested by armed military personnel. They were then thrown to the ground face down, handcuffed, and hooded and held there for 4 hours on the wet cold ground.

"These defendants entered a naval installation during a time of war, cutting through three fences into a clearly marked prohibited zone. They endangered themselves and prompted military personnel, who are duty bound to guard the area, to quickly make a decision over the use of force," Durkan added.

Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Trespass charges carry a sentence of up to six months in prison. Destruction of property on a naval installation has a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and depredation of government property is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

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