PROTESTERS were ejected from an arms industry event in Edinburgh after accusing firms of being “genocide profiteers”.
Pro-Palestine activists on Tuesday targeted a stall for the weapons firm Leonardo at the SPIE Security and Defence conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
Leonardo, partly owned by the Italian state, is frequently targeted by pro-Palestine protesters over its ties with Israel.
The firm makes parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in its bombardment of Gaza, which are exempt from the Government's partial ban on arms sales to the Middle Eastern state.
Four activists with the group Target Leonardo were involved in the demonstration which saw protesters dragged away by police and security though none were arrested.
In a statement, the group added: "We, as Edinburgh residents, refuse to be complicit in the genocide committed by the murderous state of Israel. Leonardo and all other genocide profiteers will have no peace until Palestine has justice.”
Leonardo is the sponsor of the SPIE sensors and imaging conference in Edinburgh, which runs until September 19.
The event is intended to showcase weapons and tech which monitors the Earth's atmosphere for environmental purposes.
In July, protesters blockaded the Leonardo factory south of Pilton, Edinburgh for its involvement with the Israeli military.
A police spokesperson said: "Four people were ejected from within the venue with the assistance of security.
“No further action was taken by police.”
SPIE and Leonardo were approached for comment.
