Local man jailed for Afghan war protest

Gabriel Carlyle, long-time peace activist, key organiser of last year’s Rebellious Media Conference and Peace News Promotions Worker, was sent to prison today for two weeks.

This is his third imprisonment for reasons of conscience. Along with over 40 others, Gabriel took part in a nonviolent die-in for NATO’s victims in Afghanistan back in May 2009. The die-in took place close to the gates of Britain’s command centre for the Afghan war, a base in Northwood in North London.

At a subsequent trial, Gabriel was found guilty of highway obstruction and ordered to pay £355 in fines and compensation. This he has steadfastly refused to do, despite repeated visits from bailiffs. Last week he received notification that a warrant had been issued for his arrest for non-payment, and he rang Hastings Magistrates Court to arrange a hearing.
This morning (Wednesday 21 March), Gabriel appeared in the fines court in Hastings and was sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment. He is likely to be released next Tuesday 27 March.
Gabriel’s imprisonment follows the jailing of fellow activist Maya Evans, who was imprisoned for two weeks for refusing to pay her fine arising from the same action. Maya was released on 6 March.
Before going to court, Gabriel wrote: ‘The recent massacre of 16 Afghan civilians –
including 9 children –  by US soldier Robert Bales is just the tip of the iceberg of NATO killings in Afghanistan, most of which – unlike Bales’ attack – have not been carried out by “rogue” individuals but by soldiers following orders. Most Afghans – and most Britons – back peace talks to end the war, but this option has long been blocked by the US with British support. In the wake of the Taliban’s “game-changing” announcement that it will open a political office in
Qatar, there is now a crucial window of opportunity for those of us who want to see peace in Afghanistan to force the US to the negotiating table and end the bloodshed.’
Please write to Gabriel (colourful, cheerful cards preferred):
Gabriel Carlyle, HMP Lewes, Brighton Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1EA

[1] Read the full story here
[2] See eg. “NATO Confirms Recent Airstrike Killed 8 Afghan Civilians”, Voice of America, 15 February 2012
[3] Peace activist jailed over peace protest, Hastings Online Times, 28 February 2012

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