Grasping the nettle

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Grasping the nettle: Ending Europe’s Trade in Execution and Torture Technology 13 France - Milipol 2013 The Milipol 2013 worldwide exhibition of internal State security was held in Paris from 19–22 November 2013. 45 Amnesty International and Omega obtained promotional material distributed at this exhibition from the Chinese company Yuanfar International that promoted spiked metal batons, whilst a company brochure distributed by the Jiangsu Wuwei Police Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd promoted “electronic shackles,” the trade in both of these items was prohibited under the Regulation. On 19 May 2015, Jiangsu Wuwei informed Amnesty International and Omega that: “If the “Electronic Shackles” is prohibited under the regulation, we will not export the electronic shackles to your country in the future.” 46 In addition, material obtained from Jiangsu Wuwei at Milipol 2013 promoted what appeared to be weighted leg restraints, whilst a catalogue from another Chinese company, Senken Tactical & Armor Products promoted weighted “leg fetters.” Finally, material distributed by Jiangsu Anhua Police Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd advertised: leg irons weighing 990 grammes, leg fetters weighing between 1.5 and 2kgs, and a handcuff linked to a leg fetter – these restraints appear to be similar, if not identical, to those promoted by China XinXing Import and Export Corporation at Eurosatory 2012. Although “weighted leg restraints” were added to the Regulation prohibited list after this exhibition, in July 2014; the promotion at Milipol 2013 (and previously at Eurosatory 2012) of such equipment, which is clearly inappropriate for use by law enforcement officials, is of concern. Above: Spiked baton from Yaunfar International catalogue, Left: legcuffs, Centre: “electronic shackles”, taken from Jiangsu Wuwei Police Equipment Manufacturing Co.Ltd catalogue, and Right: legfetters taken from Jiangsu Anhua Police Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd catalogue, all distributed at Milipol 2013. 45 For further details of the event and exhibitors list see the organiser’s website, available on: http://en.milipol.com/ (accessed 14 January 2015). 46 Email correspondence to Amnesty International and Omega from a representative of Jiangsu Wuwei Police Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd, 19 May 2014. Index: EUR 01/1632/2015 Amnesty International May 2015
14 Grasping the nettle: Ending Europe’s Trade in Execution and Torture Technology The UK - DSEI 2013 The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition was held in London from the 13–16 September 2013. 47 Amnesty International and Omega obtained promotional material distributed at this exhibition by French company, Magforce International, which included an “electric-defense truncheon,” (below, top right) an “electrical impulse gun” (bottom right) and a “riot control stun shield” (below left). In addition company materials also promoted “restraints” which appear to be for attachment to a prisoners ankles. 48 Similarly, Amnesty International and Omega obtained material from the stall of a Chinese company, Tianjin MyWay International Trading Co. that clearly promoted a weighted leg restraint “fetter” (below left) and “electric batons (below right).” The material from both companies appeared to promote products that were classed as Category A goods and thus prohibited under the UK Export Control Act 2002 and the attendant secondary legislation, the Export Control Order 2008 (as discussed in Section 2). Once evidence of such promotional activities had been obtained, a UK Parliamentarian, Caroline Lucas, immediately raised this case in Parliament and in correspondence with the event organiser, Clarion, and with the Secretary of State for Business. Clarion subsequently closed the two stalls concerned and expelled both companies from DSEI. 49 Amnesty International and Omega welcome the speedy action taken by the event organiser to terminate the two companies’ activities, and also acknowledge that the organisers did endeavour to inform prospective exhibitors of their obligations under UK export controls. 50 This Compliance and Eligibility to Exhibit 47 For further details see the organiser’s website, available on: http://www.dsei.co.uk/ (accessed 14 January 2015). 48 Magforce International product catalogue, distributed at DSEI 2013, September 2013 (Copy held by the Omega Research Foundation). 49 DSEI 2013, Statement on compliance breach, September 2013 http://www.dsei.co.uk/page.cfm/action=Press/libID=1/libEntryID=184/ listID=4; see also BBC News, UK, London arms fair organisers eject two companies, 15th September 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk- 24058609 (Accessed 20 May 2015). 50 DSEI, Compliance and Eligibility to Exhibit, http://www.dsei.co.uk/page.cfm/Link=36/t=m/goSection=15_28 (accessed 11 September 2013). Amnesty International May 2015 Index: EUR 01/1632/2015
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Grasping the nettle

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