PORT TOWNSEND — Peace activists from Jefferson and Kitsap counties are gearing up for a day of “nonviolent direct action” Sept. 23 at the gate to Naval Magazine Indian Island.
“This is a Ghandian type of action where you basically are putting your body in harm’s way for a greater cause,” said Glen Milner, a member of the Stewardship Council of Poulsbo-based Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, and a sponsor of the planned Indian Island action.
Such actions have resulted in several arrests at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor on Hood Canal in Kitsap County.
The most recent was in early August.
Three members of Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after police said they crossed onto Navy property during a demonstration.
Milner said he has been arrested several times in similar actions staged at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
Lawsuit filed
Milner on Monday filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Navy in U.S. District Court in Seattle, charging the Navy is violating the Freedom of Information Act.
Milner’s suit says that the Navy is not releasing documents relating to the “explosives safety quantity distance” arcs, or explosives handling zones, around Naval Magazine Indian Island, which is across Port Townsend Bay from the city.
“The risk of an explosion of ammunition at Indian Island poses potential threat to all residents in the area,” says Milner’s lawsuit.
Seattle attorney David Mann, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Milner, said, “We are only asking that the Navy comply with the law, in this case, the Freedom of Information Act.
“The public has the right to become informed about Navy activities which may impact our lives and our environment,” Mann added.