Protesters accuse Raytheon of abuses, block plant entrances

PORTSMOUTH (AP) A group of activists blocked the entrance to a Raytheon plant in Rhode Island on Thursday morning to protest what they allege is the company’s role in the “killing of civilians” and “other human rights abuses.”

Some members of a group called the Fang Collective chained themselves to a car next to the guard shack at the entrance to the Portsmouth plant.

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Law enforcement, firefighters and tow trucks had also responded to the scene.

The group in an emailed statement said it was protesting the Waltham, Massachusetts-based defense contractor’s “weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and Israel, and their involvement in enforcing the U.S.- Mexican border.”

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“Raytheon profits from the killing of civilians, families and children in Palestine, Yemen and elsewhere,” the group said.

Raytheon’s Missiles & Defense plant in Portsmouth focuses on what it calls seapower capability — sensors, combat management systems, radar and sonar. About 1,000 people work at the facility.

“We respect the right to lawful and peaceful protest,” the company said in a brief emailed statement.