Rose Gentle, mother of Fusilier Gordon Gentle who was killed in Iraq, at her 24 hour peace camp outside 10 Downing Street on 19 October 2005.
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Bereaved mother Rose
Gentle, founder of Military Families Against the War, was joined by
Susan Smith, another mother whose son was killed in July, and a father
and two sisters of young men killed in the Iraq war, to camp outside
Downing Street on the stormy night of 18-19 October. Their demand
was for legal aid to challenge the legality of the war. The camp outside Downing Street was inspired by Cindy Sheehan in America, mother of Casey Sheehan, also killed in Iraq, who camped this summer outside the Texas ranch of President Bush. Rose Gentle said that they learnt a lot from each other when she visited Ms Sheehan's 'Camp Casey' earlier this year. Whether in the US or UK, mothers are furious their sons died because of the illegal actions by the two governments. Ms Gentle told us it was time for the killing to stop, and the troops to come home, and that in Scotland where she lives, she works closely with an Iraqi man who keeps her informed about the horrendous conditions his family are suffering in Iraq. The public gave them warm support, tooting their car horns, and they were joined by a number of supporters, including from the Strike, who visited to help keep watch or bring supplies. Ms Gentle informed us that later this month she plans to set up a 'Camp Gordon', to tour Scotland and end up again in London, along the lines of the tour Cindy Sheehan made across the US. People can support the campaign by donating to the legal fund at www.mfaw.org.uk or calling 020 7278-6694 |
