Chaos erupted at a Manchester depot this morning after a lorry was dramatically brought to a standstill by protesters, who covered it in red paint and climbed onto its roof
A lorry was dramatically halted at a Manchester depot this morning (February 3). Angered activists vandalised the vehicle with red anti-climb paint and occupied its roof, forcing the entire DSV Transport facility to shut down and blocking two controversial arms shipments in a bold protest that left the depot in chaos.
Around 7am this morning, UK-based activist group People Against Genocide stopped two shipments going from Manchester to Ashdod, south of Tel Aviv, Israel. The action took place at the DSV Transport depot at Graeber Road, Manchester, and involved two activists from the People Against Genocide group.
As the shipment was leaving the DSV facility, bound for Ashdod, via Antwerp, the driver of the vehicle was distracted by the activists, one of whom was dressed as a security guard.
The group detailed in an official statement that this morning’s action “allowed the activists to immobilise the HGV, by occupying the roof, and covering the vehicle in anti-climb paint”. The press release further stated: “Through this action, the whole depot of DSV Manchester was forced shut, stopping the two shipments destined for Israel today.”
As per the group, Danish company DSV has been moving weapons from British factories for Israel’s biggest arms maker, Elbit Systems. They took over after another company stopped working with Elbit.
Because of this, protest group People Against Genocide had already targeted DSV last December, blocking lorries at their Purfleet site. Elbit allegedly makes most of Israel’s deadly drones and other military gear.
DSV sends these weapons from the UK to Israel every week, the group claims. Today, two shipments were meant to leave Manchester, but protesters stepped in to stop them.
The activists argue that despite a supposed ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine, people are still being killed by the Israeli army, who use weapons from Elbit. “This week, Israel bombed a girls’ school in Iran, killing at least 185 children, and hit several hospitals,” the statement shares.
“Hundreds of Iranians have been killed by the US and Israel. Despite all this, the UK government still supports Israel and lets weapons made here be sent to the Israeli military.”
Whilst on top of the lorry, one of the action takers was filmed exclaiming: “DSV, how many more dead kids, adults, babies? How many more people made homeless?
“How many more arms and legs lost? How many more lives ruined?
“These are the sorts of questions I could ask you. It’s worthless.
“You don’t care.” Another said: “We are here today on top of a lorry outside of DSV Manchester on Graeber Road.
“We’re doing that because DSV not only is transporting weapons for Elbit Systems, but we know that today there are two shipments that are coming out of that depot right there, that are destined for Israel, and we’re not going to let that happen.” A spokesperson for People Against Genocide said: “Since our leaders are too cowardly and corrupt, ordinary people have to stand up to stop this madness.”
Greater Manchester Police exclusively told the Daily Star that officers have arrested two men after being called to a protest in Wythenshawe this morning. A spokeperson said: “We were called to Greeba Road at around 7.05am today after reports of an assault.
“The two men were arrested at 9.40am on suspicion of criminal damage, assault and possessing an offensive weapon. The pair remain in custody for questioning.
“We deployed neighbourhood and specialist resources to the area within minutes. There are currently road closures in place at this time.”
The Daily Star has contacted DSV UK and Elbit Systems for comment.
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