Avrusta - Campaign for the disarming of Swedish weapons export

In September 2008 a campaign against Swedish weapons export was initiated. Named "Avrusta" (Disarm), the campaign had a clear goal in sight; to step up the peaceful resistance against Sweden's international trade with weapons.

October 16, 2008 saw two coordinated actions against leading weapons factories in two different cities located in central Sweden. Equipped with hammers and bolt cutters, activists gained access to the manufacturing halls where they found and disarmed weapons used in the American-led war on Iraq and warfare material destined for India.

The disarmament continued in the early morning of March 22nd, 2009. This time the activists were heading towards the Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets, located in Saab's hangars in Linköping.

The peace activists in the campaign were sentenced to a total of 27 months in prison and 100 000 Euros together for the three disarmament actions.

The campaign ended in January of 2011, but the struggle against the Swedish weapons export continues in other ways.