PROSECUTIONS of anti-arms trade activists are “clearly political” and “designed to deter peace protests,” campaigners warned today before three pro-Palestine demonstrators go on trial next week.

The Hastings Three — 71-year-old Laurance Holden, 31-year-old Clem McCullough and 24-year-old Thomas Delves — took part in a protest outside arms manufacturer General Dynamic’s Hastings premises on February 29.

They will appear at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and plead not guilty to charges of aggravated trespass.