Four Women Sentenced for Vandalism During Elbit Systems Protest
Nashua, N.H. — Four women who protested at Elbit Systems in Merrimack on November 20, 2023, are facing jail time following their conviction for vandalism and trespassing. As part of a demonstration against the war in Gaza, the women unlawfully entered the defense contractor’s premises, vandalizing the building by breaking windows and spraying it with red paint.
During a court hearing on Thursday, the defendants pleaded guilty to Class A misdemeanors, resulting in a sentence of one year in jail, with 60 days to be served immediately. Merrimack Police Chief Brian Levesque noted that this incident was particularly severe compared to a second protest that occurred later. Levesque expressed satisfaction with the sentence but indicated he wished it had been longer, citing the destruction caused and the resources required for the response. “The amount of destruction, the amount of fear and terror they caused the business there, and the amount of resources we had to bring in,” Levesque stated, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated in Merrimack or New Hampshire.
In addition to their jail time, the women have been ordered to pay restitution exceeding $95,000 for the damages incurred and to complete 25 hours of community service. The judge underscored the importance of the penalties as a deterrent to future offenses.
This case has highlighted tensions surrounding protest actions and the challenges they present to both law enforcement and the communities they affect, raising questions about the balance between freedom of expression and public order.
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Photo credit www.wmur.com
