Dutch Activists Block Marines En Route to Iraq

Doorn (Netherlands), Wednesday, July 23, 2003

Onkruit Press Release

Beginning at 6 a.m. this morning, activists operating under the name Onkruit blocked a bus carrying Dutch marines from the Van Braam Houckgeest Barracks at Mariniersweg 7 in Doorn to the Eindhoven airfield, from which the marines later flew to Kuwait, where they will be deployed at the beginning of August. [The blockade was broken up in an exceptionally violent manner by the marines. One activist was beaten up in the process.] Onkruit resists Dutch participation in the occupation force in Iraq. The occupation force represses and murders the Iraqi population and plunders their land behind the facade of "reconstruction." The action was supported by the national Platform Tegen De Oorlog (Anti-War Platform).

Despite the enormous worldwide opposition to the war—which it has become increasing obvious has been waged based on metaphors and lies—and the continuing resistance of the Iraqi populace against the USUK occupation force, the Netherlands trots after the imperialists like a lap-dog. Onkruit’s appeal is that the Iraqis be given a say in matters that affect their own lives and in the reconstruction of their own country.

In a previous anti-occupation action carried out under the name Onkruit, a train carrying American armored vehicles was effectively blocked the night of April 11-12 near Sevenum. In order to bring an end to ongoing murder and repression, Onkruit calls for resistance against the state and its military apparatus, which form the foundation of all military violence.

No border! No nation! Stop the occupation!