Human shield flies to Iraq

Human shield flies to Iraq

Ms Emspon has friends in Iraq

A peace protestor from Birmingham is flying to Iraq to act as a human shield.

Judith Empson will join several hundred other foreign nationals in Baghdad on Friday who hope their presence will deter attacks by American and British forces.

Ms Empson has paid her own air fare and has bought an open-ended ticket.

She has promised to remain in Iraq for as long as it is necessary.

All it's going to breed is a hatred which will never, ever cease if we go and bomb them now

Judith Empson

Ms Empson said the potential danger of her mission hit home when she had to sign a disclaimer in order to be able to make the trip.

"There was a terrible feeling when I read it," she said.

"You must realise that this could happen, that could happen.

"Because, of course, they're not going to be responsible for you if you are killed."

Ms Empson has been to Iraq before and has friends in the country who she had in mind when she volunteered to return.

She feels attacking Iraq will have disastrous consequences.

"All it's going to breed is a hatred which will never, ever cease if we go and bomb them now," she said.