Famed British Peace Activist Brian Haw Dead at 62

Posted June 19th, 2011 at 6:15 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

Brian Haw, a peace activist who for years held a nearly non-stop vigil in a tent across from Britain's parliament, has died, his family announced Sunday.

Almost everyone who worked in or visited the London landmark had seen him. A former carpenter and member of the Merchant Navy, Haw set up his tent near opposite the Houses of Parliament in 2001 to protest British and U.S. sanctions against Iraq.

His protests became more vocal and elaborate when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were launched — accusing Western leaders of mass murder and draping his tent with posters and pictures.

British courts rejected efforts to evict Haw and he often tussled with passersby who argued with him.

But many others, including some members of Parliament, praised Haw for what they say was his commitment to peace and refusal to keep silent.

Haw was being treated for lung cancer in Germany when he died Saturday. He was 62 years old.