It's Maize Jim, But Not As We Know It!

The three French farmers who destroyed 5 tons of Novartis genetically engineered Bt maize seed (see French Farmers Destroy GE Maize in Feb AU) have been sentenced: two of them to eight months suspended imprisonment, one to five months, and all to pay Novartis FF 500.000 damages. It is not yet clear whether they will appeal the decision or agree to pay Novartis.

One of the 3 included this in his account to the court:

"Today, I am... accused of committing a serious crime according to the law. The alleged crime is: the destruction of sacks of genetically modified maize. Yes, this is serious, and that's why I assume full responsibility for it... I believe in the ability of everyone to act as an individual. There is no place in our trade union for a hierarchy of responsibility... The strength of our union movement rests on this determination to mobilise free individuals who accept all the consequences of their acts knowing fully the motive for them. Yes, on the 8th of January I participated in the destruction of genetically modified maize, which was stored in Novartis's grain silos in Nerac. (And the only regret I have now, is that I wasn't able to destroy more of it.). I knew that by acting in this way I was doing something illegal. But it was necessary, and we had no other choice. The way in which genetically modified agricultural products have been imposed on European countries didn't leave us with any alternative. When was there a public debate on genetically modified organisms? When were farmers and consumers asked what they think about this? Never. The decisions have been taken at the level of the World Trade Organisation, and state machinery complies with the law of market forces... A democratic debate simply doesn't exist... Everything has to be allowed to continue in silence. By appearing before you today, I'm aware of being in breach of the law which wants every citizen to be content with expressing her or his views by simply putting their vote in the urn every six years... Yes, this action was illegal, but I lay claim to it because it was legitimate. I don't demand clemency, but justice. Either we have acted in everyone's interest and you will acquit us, or we have shaken the establishment and in that case you will punish us. There is no other issue."

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