COMIC book hero Mark Millar will try to save the day for pensioners locked up for protesting Trident, it has emerged.
Former Latin teacher Brian Quail, 79, and 66-year-old Angie Zelter were arrested after forming a human road block outside a nuclear arms base.
The pensioners were placed on remand after refusing to agree not to go within 100 metres of HM Naval Base Clyde, near Helensburgh, and are currently awaiting trial. Yesterday Kick-Ass creator Millar, who learned Latin and classics from Quail at St Ambrose High in Coatbridge at the age of 11, said he was “horrified” and offered to pay their legal costs.
READ MORE: Jailed Trident protester Brian Quail writes letter from prison to The National
The Glasgow-based writer is one of the most powerful figures in fiction and film, having worked for both Marvel and DC Comics.
Many of his stories have been adapted into Hollywood blockbusters, including last year’s superhero battle Civil War, which pitted Captain America against Iron Man and made more than £1 billion at the box office within its first month.
Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy starred in the cinema version of his Wanted series, about an office worker turned assassin, and his Wolverine: Old Man Logan storyline led to the latest movie about the X-Men character and featured Australia’s Hugh Jackman in the lead role.
His work will again hit the big screen in September with the release of Kingsman sequel The Golden Circle, starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.
He is now in contact with representatives for Quail and Zelter after The National put them in touch.
On his former teacher, who has had a double heart bypass, Millar told The National: “He’s still fondly remembered by my pals because even as kids we knew he was a guy of tremendous convictions.
“I remember his class being filled top to bottom with anti-war posters and he gave me the first CND badge I ever pinned to my school blazer.
“He was blisteringly intelligent and I’ve enjoyed seeing his continued resistance in the papers over the years. Hearing that he’s been locked up in a Scottish prison now, at the age of 79 and not in great health, is monstrous.
“This is a peace-protestor who’s dedicated his life to non-violent protest sent to prison for representing the vast majority of Scots who are firmly against Trident.
“Had this happened in North Korea we’d be up in arms about it, but somehow in Scotland we’re talking about the new Doctor Who.
“I’ve written to Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell today asking if they can help, but surely First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will intervene on behalf of Brian and fellow protestor Angela Zelter now when they need her help?
“I’ve contacted his friends at Trident Ploughshares and offered to help financially if it gets these two good people back in their homes as soon as possible. It’s the least I can do as a thank you to my old Latin teacher.
“Salve Magister, if you’re reading this, Brian.”
The help pledge comes after a letter sent by Quail – who has previous convictions for activism – from inside HMP Low Moss emerged. It says it has been many years since he “last supped porridge as a guest of Betty Windsor”, adding that he has been unable to leave his cell unsupervised.
The message details his “intense disappointment” at the position of Dumbarton Justice of the Peace Court on the blockade, which stopped traffic for several hours.
He called the anti-nuclear push “the most important campaign in the world”, adding: “On 7th July the UN made the most important decision it has ever made since its foundation in 1946 after WW2.
“The draft international treaty agreed by 122 batons means that nuclear weapons must be banned, as are chemical and biological weapons.
“Either we have a nuclear free future or we have no future at all.”
Quail, from Glasgow, and Zelter, from Wales, are expected to appear in court on August 3.
They were arrested alongside Sam Donaldson, from Hull, Almudena Izquierdo Olmo, from Madrid, and Juan Carlos Navarro Diaz, from the Canary Islands, during a week of activism organised by Trident Ploughshares. The three co-accused were released on bail after accepting the court’s condition.
READ MORE: Jailed Trident protester Brian Quail writes letter from prison to The National
A spokesperson for the group said: “We are very pleased to have the kind of practical support that has been offered. The two prisoners have been in touch and are in good spirits but obviously challenging this breach of our rights to be able to go and peacefully protest is important.”
Last night more than 2500 people had signed a petition calling on the pair to be released.
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