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/uk24058609 (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