Spy base 'disarmed for Jesus' - accused

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A man on trial for attacking the Waihopai spy base has told Wellington District Court how he and two fellow activists planned and executed their mission.

Adrian Leason is accused with Peter Murnane and Sam Land of slashing the inflatable dome covering the satellite dishes and cutting fences around the Marlborough facility operated by the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB). Total damage done exceeded $1m.

Leason told how images from Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and the effects of protest actions by the Christian pacifist Ploughshares group influenced his decision to attack the base.

After several protests outside the facility and thorough reconnaissance of the perimeter fence the group launched their attack early on April 30 last year.

Leason said he was surprised they were able to cut through the electric fences without setting off any alarms or getting electrocuted.

He said that on penetrating the base's defences the men reached one of the domes, and, placing their hands on its plastic surface, said "we disarm you in the name of Jesus Christ".

Using sickles they then slashed the dome's outer covering.

"We weren't there to smash it up," Leason said.

The trial is continuing.

- NZPA