KITES were flown at events across Britain this weekend in protest at spy and battle drone flights by Western governments.

Afghans celebrate Nowruz — new year — on March 21 with the flying of kites, but they have also become accustomed to armed military and surveillance drones flying overhead.

Voices for Creative Non-Violence UK (VCNV) called for the Fly Kies, Not Drones national event this weekend in solidarity with the Afghan people and other drone victims.

“Kite flying is a well-loved Afghan pursuit which was once banned under the Taliban. For Afghans, kite-flying represents a freedom,” said VCNV.

“We heard reports that children in Afghanistan no longer want to play under the bright blue skies or fly kites because of the threat from drones.”

At Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens event, Palestine Action’s Adie Mormech said drones were also used by Israel against the Palestinians.

“Israel is the biggest producer of drones worldwide and since 2000 has killed over 1,000 Palestinians through its use of drones. Most of the Palestinian population are children,” he said.

“I lost a very good student of mine to a drone attack, along with her husband and two young children.”