Britons face trial over arms protest

Greenpeace also staged protests in the UK

Two Britons are flying to the United States on Saturday to face trial for their part in a protest to stop the controversial "Son Of Star Wars" missile defence system.

Greenpeace campaigner Bill Nandris and freelance photographer Steve Morgan, 37, of Hull, could face up to six years in jail and a £180,000 fine.

But the environmental group says the penalty, for a peaceful protest against the US anti-missile defence system, is unprecedented.

Another 14 Greenpeace activists, from America, Australia, Canada, Germany, India, New Zealand and Sweden, and a Spanish freelance journalists also face charges of violating orders and knowingly entering Vandenberg Air Force base without permission.

Free speech

The activists allegedly tried to delay the test launch by riding inflatable boats into the test area in the Pacific Ocean off the California base on 14 July.

They were arrested by officers from the FBI and charged with conspiracy to violate a safety zone - a charge that carries a maximum prison sentence of six years.

The system will face diplomatic hurdles

They spent a week at the maximum security jail at Bakersfield in California before being released on bail.

And one Indian activist was held for 10 days after prosecutors alleged his passport was faked.

The trial is expected to be held on 8 January in Los Angeles.

But Mr Nandris, from Islington in north London, says such severe charges should not be brought against people who are exercising the right to free speech.

I have to stand up and clear my name

Greenpeace campaigner, Bill Nandris

"I am worried about having to go to jail and how it is going to affect my family and friends," he said.

"It is quite a scary thought."

But the 32-year-old added: "I have to stand up and clear my name and I still feel strongly about the issue.

"I am confident that the jury will be fair and will be able to distinguish between peaceful protesters and an actual threat to the United States."

But the US Attorney's Office said the charges were appropriate in this case and did not reflect any change in policy by the administration.

The $100m (£76m) launch went ahead 40 minutes late despite two Greenpeace divers and boats being within the safety zone area.

'Hit to kill'

The US declared the test a success after the missile interceptor destroyed a mock nuclear warhead over the Pacific Ocean.

It was the first test of the "hit-to-kill" technology that the administration of US President George W Bush hopes will become a key element of a missile defence network.

Two out of the three previous tests had failed.

Greenpeace has reacted to the successful test by accusing the US of risking the start of a new arms race.

The National Missile Defence programme is to develop and deploy a defensive screen for the whole of the US, which would have the ability to track and destroy incoming ballistic missiles.

It has been nicknamed Son of Star Wars after the original Strategic Defence Initiative - or Star Wars - of President Reagan, although the new plan is not nearly as complex or extensive.