Pit Stop Ploughshares Update
by Pit Stop Ploughshares
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com address: C/- DCW 83 Corrib Rd. Kimmage Dublin 6W IRELAND phone: 087 918 4552
Awaiting Trial for Disarmament of U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport 3/2/03
Legal Update, Solidarity Actions, Continued Vigilance Against the War & Celebration of Resistance.
CONTENTS
1) Legal Update
2) Accompany the Ploughshares to Court Thursday May 27th.
3) Reflections on Prison Sunday May 30th
4) Benefit Gig Tueday June 8th.
5) Ploughshares Defence Fund
1) LEGAL UPDATE
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly are awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage ($US 2.5 million & 200 euros). Charges arise out of their 3/2/03 nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport en route to the invasion of Iraq. Shannon Airport continues to host 10,000 U.S. troops a month, enroute to the invasion, occupation and plunder of Iraq.
In December 2003, (trial) Judge Mathews ordered the Prosecution to provide further discovery to the Ploughshares defendants. The discovery ordered relates to the nature of U.S. military flights stopping off at Shannon in the six months preceeding to the action. The Prosecution are keen to strip the disarmament of any military context and reduce it to vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution team was replaced and moves began to get Judge Mathews to reverse his December decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the Four Courts eight times this year as these Prosecution machinations played themselves out. On Feb. 29th. Judge Mathews ruled "it is as it was" on the discovery question. This Thursday (May 27th.)the Prosecution will initiate a judicial review on Judge Mathews discovery rulings. The defendants are also required to appear before Judge Mathews on a remand hearing this Thursday (May 27th.)
2) ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO COURT MAY 27TH.
We ask you to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts this Thursday, May 27th.
*9 am Sharp gather at The Spire, (nr. GPO O'Connel St.).
*9.20 am Single file peace walk to the Four Courts.
*10 am Solidarity Vigil Outside the Four Courts.
*Please wear black in memory of the war dead.
*Defendants will provide the visuals (banners, placards etc please respect!)
More Info Ph. 087 918 4552
3) REFLECTIONS ON PRISON-MAY 30TH.
On Sunday evening (May 30th.) 7.30 pm there will be shared relections on imprisonment and the abolition of prisons. Video from "Sisters Inside", Guest Speaker on Restorative Justice as an alternative to the prison industry, shared experiences from folks who have spent time in Irish, Australian & U.S. prisons.
Venue - 83 Corrib Rd. Kimmage, 19A to Lower Kimmage which intersects with Corrib
More Info 087 918 4552
4) MEMORIAL DAY VIGIL AT U.S. EMBASSY -MAY 31ST.
Memorial Day (May 31st.) is a national holiday in the U.S. where the war dead are remembered. There will be a vigil held with U.S. citizens against the present war in Iraq at Dublin's U.S. Embassy (cnr. of Elgin & Pembroke) on Monday May 31st. 5pm-7pm.
*A peace vigil will then be held from 5 pm- 7pm every Monday in the lead up to Bush's visit to Ireland on June 25/26.
We will be demanding an end to the war and the immediate release of all U.S. military resisters (eg.recently court martialled Sgt. Camilo Mejia) and peace prisoners (eg. Kathy Kelly who was active in ireland and Iraq against the war last year, Dominican Srs. Jackie Hudson, Ardeth Platte & Jackie Hudson serving 2 & 3 years for carrying out a weapons inspection & plowshares action on an ICBM missile silo in Colarado).
More Info. Ph. 087 918 4552
5) BENEFIT GIG FOR PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES
There will be a benefit gig for the Pit Stop Ploughshares Defence Fund at Mother Redcaps (nr. Christchurch) on Tuesday June 8th. (8.30 pm - late)
Performing- Ronan & Rossa O'Snodaigh and other friends from Kila, Paul O'Toole and Afro-Celtic music.
UnWaged- 5 euro
Waged - 10 euro
More info. 087 918 4552
6) DONATIONS TO "PLOUGHSHARES DEFENCE FUND"
Donations can be lodged at any Bank of Ireland branch:
Ploughshares Defence Fund
Account Number-18972983
Sort Code-900551
7) Dublin Catholic Worker Website www.oocities.org/dublincatholicworker
8) Pit Stop Ploughshares Website http://www.ploughsharesireland.org
Staging the Last Scene of Macbeth as Bush resides at Dromoland Castle
by Ciaron O'Reilly - Dublin Catholic Worker & Pitstop Ploughshares
address: 83 Corrib Rd. Kimmage D6W (intersects with Lwr. Kimmage Rd.) phone: 087 918 4552
DCW & Friends are exploring creating the last scene from MACBETH while president George W Bush resides and Dromoland castle on June 26th.
We've got a powerful paranoid king on his last legs. We've got him in a castle. We've got the prophecy of the witch that his reign will end when the woods come to the castle. We've got a copy of Polanski's Macbeth. We've got peaceniks and shrubbery.
VENUE - 83 Corrib Rd. Kimmage, Dublin 6
DIRECTIONS
*Get a 19A to Lower Kimmage Rd. get off after you pass the two petrol stations. Turn left into Corrib Rd. We are on the right hand side of the roundabout park.
7.30 PM VIDEO SCENES From Polanskis Macbeth (We'll have a vote on watching the whole thing or the relevant scenes!)
7PM Soup
6 pm Regular Catholic Worker liturgy
*Feel free to come to all or any events.
On Sunday June 30th.(the following week) - our 7.30 meeting will be on the Abolition of Prisons, Sharing Prison Experiences and a Speaker on Restorative Justice
THE DUBLIN CATHOLIC WORKER COMMUNITY HAS PRESENTLY COMMITED TO THREE THINGS CONCERNING THE BUSH VISIT
*Organising a Memorial Day Vigil at U.S. Embassy 5 pm - 7 pm Monday May 31 st. (mORE DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED)
This will become a weekly Monday 5-7 pm peace vigil at the Embassy until Bush arrives.
Possibly daily in the week of his arrival.
*Checking out possibility of providing crash space (sleeping bag/mat) accomadation around Limerick/ Ennis on the Friday night (jUNE 25TH.) of Bush's arrival.
*Exploring the MACBETH scenario as a means of approaching the castle and bringing an end to the reign of Bush.
**Over the past two years we have a good track record of working with folks from varied and no faith backgrounds on the basis of nonviolence. so come along - if this proposal appeals.
CONTENTS
1) WED M19 11 AM - 1 PM Vigil at Spire Against U.S. Warship Visit to Dublin
2) RELEVANT D.U. LINK
3) NEXT PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES COURT APPEARANCE
THUSDAY MAY 27TH.
4) NEXT PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES BENEFIT GIG
TUESDAY JUNE 8TH.
1) WED. 11am VIGIL AT SPIRE AGAINST U.S. WARSHIP VISIT TO DUBLIN
by Pit Stop Ploughshares & Dublin Catholic Worker
dublincatholicworker@yahoo.co.uk phone: 087 918 4552
DU Firing USS La Salle Involved in Both Wars Against Iraq Comes to Dublin
A vigil against Wednesday's visit of the U.S. warship USS La Salle to Dublin - will be held at the Spire Wed 11am - 1pm.
Pit Stop Ploughshares & Dublin Catholic Worker will host the vigil. Hope you can make it. Contact us for more info on 0879184552.
The Irish sea and Dublin's shores will be
greeted by a very significant piece of the US Navy's arsenal this Wednesday, May 19th.
The links below will give you more info. on the background and military
engagements (albeit from the US Navy's perspective) of the Sixth Fleet and
the USS La Salle more specifically. In July 1972, USS LA SALLE replaced USS
VALCOUR in Kuwait and began Maritime Interception Operations in support of
United Nations sanctions against Iraq. During a ceremony to mark the
relieving of it's wartime Captain Haley and the commisioning of the
flagship's new Captain, the guest speaker Rear Adm. Stanley Bozin,
Commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean, "praised Haley's leadership of the La
Salle crew during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. USS La
Salle was the operating platform for Sixth Fleet, and its embarked staff and
crew had a role in coordinating air strikes from ships in the
Mediterranean".
The C-40A plane we disabled at Shannon was known to have been destined to
land at Sigonella US Naval Airbase in Sicily, Italy, which provides critical
logistical support for the Sixth Fleet. The Sixth Fleet has explicitly
hailed it's role in Operation Enduring 'Torture' in Iraq.
*Due to work commitments Pit Stop Ploughshares & Dublin Catholic Worker will hold a vigil for peace and against this warship visit at The Spire from 11am- 1 pm, Wednesday May 19th.
**The IAWM will be holding a protest at 6 pm Wednesday on the East Link Bridge (see below or check their website for more info).
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/6th%20Fleet
http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/dstorm/ds1.htm
SCROLL DOWN TO THE SECOND ARTICLE
http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil/panorama/Archive/30JanStories.htm
**The Irish Anti-War Movement will be holding a protest on the East Link Bridge at 6pm
Emergency Protest East Link Bridge on Wednesday 19th May at 6pm
The Irish Anti-War Movement condemns the arrival of the USS La Salle,
from the US Sixth Fleet into Irish waters. The ship is stationed in
Alexandria Basin on a supposedly "goodwill visit" and claims that its
area of responsibility includes the North Atlantic.
The IAWM further notes that the missile system on the USS La Salle is
capable
of firing 3,000 uranium bullets per minute. Depleted uranium weaponry
has brought an increase in cancer rates in both Iraq and the Balkans.
info@irishantiwar.org
http://www.oocities.org/dublincatholicworker
2) Relevant link on Depleted Uranium Shells and Their Effects
http://www.ericblumrich.com/pl_lo.html
http://www.ericblumrich.com/pl_lo.html
3) NEXT PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES COURT APPEARANCE
Thursday May 27th.
*Vigil 9 am The Spire O'Connel St. Dublin
*9.20 am single file peace walk to court
*10 am Vigil at Four Courts
The Prosecution initiated Judicial Review will begin also on this day in another court.
4) PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES BENEFIT GIG
Tuesday June 8th. 8.30 pm - late
An Evening with Steve Cooney - renowned traditional musician.
Special Guests - Members of Kila & Paul O'Toole
ENTRY - 15 euro waged/ 5 euro unwaged
VENUE - Mother Redcaps, Back Lane, near Christchurch, Dublin
More info. www.ploughsharesireland.org
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com
Ph. 087 918 4552
Dublin Catholic Worker
HOUSEWARMING
& Peter Maurin's 127th. Birthday
WHEN - Saturday, May 8th.
WHAT - 3pm Liturgy - Celebrating Community
5pm Food (bring some to share) & Drink (byo alcohol)
7pm Music and Fun - Chris Goodchild (London) Jimmy Fleming (Galway) Joe Black (Dublin)
& your party piece
*feel free to come to any or all events!
WHERE - 83 Corrib Road, Kimmage, Dublin.
Take the 19A bus (from O'Connell St., Dame St., Georges St.) to Lower Kimmage Rd. Get off at the second stop at the shops near the pedestrian traffic lights. The stop is just after two petrol stations on the left hand side. Corrib Road intersects with Lower Kimmage Rd.
or the 15 A will drop you at Kimmage Cross Roads and walk back down toward town to Corrib intersection.
RSVP if possible (but not essential) email text or call
*Background on Peter Maurin http://www.catholicworker.org/roundtable/index.cfm
**Dublin Catholic Worker website www.oocities.org/dublincatholicworker
***To be informed of ongoing Dublin Catholic Worker activities email dublincatholicworker@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile - 087 918 4552
Landline - 01-492 6100
Treena Lenthall
Damien Moran
Ciaron O'Reilly
Dublin Catholic Worker May Day 2002-04
by Ciaron O'Reilly - Dublin Catholic Worker
dublincatholicworker@yahoo.co.uk address: 83 Corrib Rd. D6W phone: 0879184552
*Soapbox speaking photos www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=64580
Comfort the Afflicted, Afflict the Comfortable!
The Catholic Worker Movement founded by French soapbox philospher Peter Maurin and New Yorker journalist activist Dorothy Day in NYC in 1933. A radical christian-anarchist-pacifist movement it compromises of approx. 90 autonomous communities in North America, a dozen in Canada, a couple in Mexico and also communites in Brisbane/OZ, Auckland & Christchurch/Aotearoa, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Amsterdam, Dortmund, Hamburg & Dublin.
The movements themes remain the practise of the Acts of Mercy, nonviolent resistance and intentional faith based community.
Dublin Catholic Worker Two years On!
by Ciaron O’Reilly
The Sunday before May Day we headed into Temple Bar to help kick off the Speaker’s Corner (Cearno’g na gCainteoiri). The dream of Kila muso Rossa O Snodaigh was finally taking fruition. The initial period was an enjoyable vibe of preaching to the choir of “usual suspects” with small forays into trying to get a 2nd and 3rd soapbox going simultaneously. Then capital fought back, with nearby pub doors wide open and a cover band drowning us out with rebel songs. Someone remarked, ‘isn’t it sad that those songs that one inspired people into action are now about sedation and inspiring no more than the next pint!’ Attempts to negotiate with the bar manager gained only the info. that the band plays to 2 pm when they can start serving alcohol. So it’s a 2 pm start every Sunday from here on in!
The vibe was dissipating under the audio onslaught enhanced by the talented-wired-for-sound-guitar-wielding comedian Dave McSavage busking nearby. We thought it important to hang in and keep the experiment going so we moved nearer to the automatic teller machine, where we were guaranteed a captive audience. When McSavage concluded his crowd turned around and became ours! We were joined in our attempt to go the distance by Rosanna Flynn from “Residents Against Racism” and Smith, a Johnny Depp looking-zen influenced-beatnik rapper. The last hour or so was a different vibe with a circle of innocent bystanders who just happened to be in Temple Bar and a circle with encouraged interjections and moments of debate. Lots of potential here!
The Catholic Worker movement began in a similar setting in 1933 with Peter Maurin reciting his Easy Essays in the Speakers Corner of Union Square on the Lower East Side of New York. Peter’s reflection and analysis met Dorothy Day’s “sure-can-do” activism and our movement was born! Predominantly based in the United States (90 houses), we have communities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand & half a dozen in Europe. (www.catholicworker.org)
We landed in Ireland 2001 when Treena Lenthal formerly of the Liverpool CW took up residence. Treena hooked up with “Reclaim the Streets” and scored work with a homeless charity. I landed in Ireland a couple of days before the 2002 May Day Dame St. Garda Masacreeee when the cops went crazy on a bunch of peaceful folks reclaiming the street. Somehow I ended up on police liaison with Treena at Pearse St. as riot cops ran out of the station, the wounded protesters and bystanders limped in with head and body wounds. I remember trying to chill out the desk sergeant as he leaped over his desk and threatened to bash us all. His Robo-Cop baton-wielding son was to become a media icon on the street that day. Two years on, there still hasn’t been a satisfactory investigation into the well-televised events of that day.
I was house & dog sitting for a friend who had gone to East Timor for the Independence celebrations and started to get relief work at a shelter for young people using heroin. I began a weekly peace vigil and house liturgy with Mike Schorsm, a Catholic student from U.S. and Buddhist Danny/Situationist Fergus and Action Faction Cathy. In August our profile got lifted with the visit of Dan Berrigan SJ who did a speaking gig for us. 1,000 people turned up. On the strength of this, RTE did a “Would You Believe” documentary and Catholic Anarchist Pacifism had landed on the Irish political landscape (dominated by political parties seemingly distinguished by at which point in history they have accepted the British partition of the island!). We began to meet locals with past U.S CW experiences – Paul & Benny at LACW, Fr. Steve & Caoimhe at NYCW, Mary at Milwaulkee CW, Petria at Oregon CW and a lot of folks who had heard something of the tradition.
By the end of 2002 the world was fast tracking to war and the U.S. war machine had transformed the civilian Shannon Airport into a militarised pitstop on its way to the invasion, occupation and plunder of Iraq. In the last two months of 2002 I met Deirdre Clancy, Damien Moran, Nuin Dunlop and was reacquainted with Karen Fallon. By the first week of February 2003 we were all together in Limerick Prison after enfleshing the prophecy of Isaiah “to beat swords into ploughshares” by disarming a U.S. Navy war plane(www.ploughsharesirland.org). The reaction to this action was immense - the government deployed the Irish Army & Navy to secure the airport, three U.S. companies transporting some of the 10,000 troops a month through Ireland pulled out within 3 weeks. It was “warm friends cooling” as the moderate peace movement distanced itself, and oppressive bail conditions banning us from County Care and demanding we sign on at a Garda station daily were put in place.
The past 15 months have been a Kafkaesque ride though the Irish prison and judicial system as we have awaited trial. It has been a struggle to hang together as a community and to continue to confront Irish complicity in the US/UK war on Iraq. The trial judge ordered the Prosecution to provide evidence in relation to U.S. military flights through Shannon leading up to the outbreak of the bombing campaign on March 20th, 2003. Instead of providing this the Prosecution has initiated a judicial review of the Judge’s order. A manoeuvre that would mean either of two things: 1. The Irish government were so sycophantic and negligent that they didn’t bother collecting this information or 2. They have got it but don’t wish to be transparent about what weapons are moving through Shannon to Iraq.
On Ash Wednesday 2004 we burnt $US at the Dail marking the entrance with ash and proceeded down to the Aviation Authority which we also marked. We kept a daily vigil outside the Authority throughout Lent. At Easter, Damien and I went to England to complete the 50 mile walk from London to Aldermaston Nuclear Weapons Factory. We kept vigil throughout the night outside the Israeli Embassy as Justin went to Ashkelon prison to welcome the release of Mordechai Vanunu after 18 years incarceration. Each Dublin court appearance is preceded by a peace vigil and walk through town. We continue to celebrate the disarmament with gigs – the next big one with Steve Cooney on June 8th, at Mother Redcaps pub, near Christchurch Cathedral.
Damien, Treena and I have moved into a house in Kimmage to explore CW life and action. We are having a housewarming, mass, music and craic on Peter Maurin’s birthday May 8th, and hope to establish a regular rhythm of liturgy, celebration, reflection and conspiracy! We keep in contact with the homeless through our work with various Agencies. It ain’t perfect but it’s a start.
http://www.catholicworker.org
Photos from the First 'Speakers' Square' at Temple Bar Square
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=64580
CONTENTS
1. Ploughshares Benefit Gig, Thursday April 29th. Mother Redcaps 8 pm - late
2. Report & Photos of Ploughshares Solidarity Vigil with Vanunu
3. Legal Update
4. Financial Support for Pit Stop Ploughshares Legal Defence Fund
1) BENEFIT GIG, MOTHER REDCAPS THURSDAY APRIL 29TH. 8 pm - late
Celebrate Hope & Resistance: Support the Pit Stop Ploughshares
Music, Info & Bar at Mother Redcaps (nr. Christchurch, Dublin)
Playing: Paul O'Toole, Afro- Celt Music with Brian & Friends (De Jimbe) and many more
Speaking 9 pm: Caoimhe Butterly reports back from Iraq & Palestine
2) REPORT & PHOTOS: PLOUGHSHARES SOLIDARITY VIGIL WITH VANUNU
www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=64532
3) LEGAL UPDATE
The initial round in the Government's judicial review of Judge Mathews discovery order to supply information on U.S military flights through Shannon leading up to U.S. bombing campaign has been put back to May 6th.
Pit Stop Ploughshares have a remand hearing on Friday April 30th. (Gather at Spire in O'Connel St. 9 a.m. for peace walk to vigil at court).
At last court appearance the year long ban on the Pit Stop Ploughshares from County Clare was lifted and downsized to a 5 mile radius ban from Shannon Airport.
4) FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES LEGAL DEFENCE
*Donations can be lodged at any
Bank of Ireland branch
"Ploughshares Defence Fund"
Account No. 18972983 Sort Code 900551
* Cheques can be sent to
"Ploughshares Defence Fund"
134 Phibsborough Rd.
Phibsborough
Dublin 7
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Ciaron O'Reilly
www.ploughsharesireland.org
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
"The poor tells us who we are,
The prophets tell us who we could be,
So we hide the poor,
And kill the prophets" - Phil Berrigan
Ban from Clare lifted for Pitstop Ploughshares
The 5 Catholic Workers got their ban from the County of Clare lifted
today
in the Four Courts by Judge Matthews. The prosecution, represented by
Inspector Kennedy, agreed to lift the ban and replace it with a ban
from a
five-mile radius of Shannon Airport.
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron
O'Reilly
are awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage worth
$US 2.5
million and 200 euro. These charges arise out of their 3/2/03
nonviolent
disarmament of a US Navy war plane at Shannon Airport en route to
Iraq.
Shannon Airport continues to host around 10,000 US troops a month. In
March
of this year, the figure rose to almost 17,000 troops.
The ban was originally imposed by District Court Judge Mangan in
County
Clare, who has used this penalty both as a bail condition and as a
conviction for anti-war protestors consistently since activists began
protesting at Shannon. Deirdre Clancy of the Pitstop Ploughshares
said, "A
District Court judge should not be given the power to impose a ban
from a
whole county of Ireland. This ongoing misuse of power against anti-war
protestors, and indeed others accused of relatively petty crimes, is
indicative of the arbitrary nature of the sentences and bail
conditions
handed down by this particular judge. For instance, initially our bail
included the requirement to sign on at a Garda Station each day. I
have
since heard of murder and rape cases where the accused signed on once
or
twice a week. This hyperbolic panic about a single act of disarmament
in a
time when arms have the power to obliterate humanity, contrasted with
the
less stringent reaction toward acts which inflict harm on
individuals, is indicative of a socio-political system that is in
deep
denial and that values property over human welfare and human life."
In December 2003, Dublin Circuit Court Judge Mathews ordered the
prosecution to provide further discovery to the Ploughshares
defendants.
The discovery ordered relates to the nature of US military flights
stopping
off at Shannon in the six months preceding to the action. The
Prosecution
is keen to strip the disarmament of any military context and portray
it as
vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution
team
was replaced and moves began to get Judge Mathews to reverse his
December
decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the Four Courts five times
in
February as these prosecution machinations played themselves out. On
February 29th, Judge Mathews ruled "it is as it was" on the discovery
question.
The prosecution is currently initiating a judicial review to try to
reverse
Judge Matthews' discovery ruling, prolonging an already long drawn out
process for the defendants, their legal team and their supporters.
For more information, phone: 087 918 4552, or 086 151 2013
Also see: www.ploughsharesireland.org
Dublin April 20 - All Night Vigil at Israeli Embassy on Eve of
Vanunu's
Release
by Dublin Catholic Worker & Pit Stop Ploughshares
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com phone: 087 918 4552
Support All night Vigil at Dublin's Israeli Embassy April 20 -21
The international nonviolent movement against Weapons of Mass
Destruction
readies itself to welcome Mordachii Vanunu's deliverence from an
Israeli
prison. Vanunu has spent just short of 18 years in prison following his
kidnapping by the Mossad in Rome. Vanunu exposed Israel's nuclear
weapons
program.
There will be an all night vigil outside the Israeli Embassy 122
Pembroke
Rd. Dublin D4. *Begins Tuesday April 20 7.30 pm *Multi faith service
8.30 pm
*Walk to Dail Wed 11 am More info 087 918 4552
*Bring wet gear. sleeping bag, placards & banners related to Israel's
WMD &
Vanunu. If possible text 087 918 4552 if you can commit to doing part
of
the vigil.
April 21, 2004.
If you can believe the word of the state of Israel, that is the day
that
Mordechai Vanunu will be released from prison for the crime of telling
the
world the truth about his government's secret nuclear weapons program.
The
date is just five months short of his full 18-year sentence.
On the eve of this release the Israeli State has announced restrictions
to
make Vanunu's existence impossible.
Vanunu can be rearrested if he
-approaches within 100 metres of an embassyy.
-approaches within 300 metres of a nationall boundary
-moves to another city without receiving peermission from the police
-communicates with any foreign nationals orr media.
- Vanunu will also be denied a passport forr an initial 6 months or
allowed
to leave the country
In January, it was reported that Israeli officials were considering
various
conditions and restrictions once Vanunu is released. On February 24,
Prime
Minister Sharon and other Israeli officials had a meeting to discuss
their
options. They reportedly decided that keeping Mordechai in
administrative
detention would likely not pass a High Court review, but they do plan
to
impose restrictions, including not allowing him to leave Israel.
But this is absurd. Mordechai Vanunu has been locked away from the
world for
almost 18 years. He has no more secrets to reveal and is not a threat
to the
security of the state of Israel.
There are of course many unknowns, but the international campaign is
moving
forward with plans for Mordechai's release, while carefully considering
the
different possibilities that might occur. 95 internatiohnal activists
will
be travelling to Israel to welcome the release. State restrictions will
deny
direct contact with a "freed" Vanunu.
Public pressure has brought important changes over the years. In 1998,
pressure from his supporters around the world pried open the lock on
Mordechai's isolation cell after his first eleven and one half years in
solitary confinement. Israel once claimed that the transcript of
Vanunu's
closed door trial was so sensitive it could never be made public. But
several years ago, bending to public pressure, it released most of the
trial
record and permitted the Knesset's first open debate on nuclear
secrecy. And
although Israel still officially denies that it has a nuclear arsenal,
government censors are allowing increased coverage of the once taboo
topic
in Israel's mainstream media.
If the Israeli government doesn't unconditionally release Mordechai
Vanunu,
we will need your help to apply maximum pressure and demand that they
do so.
http://www.vanunu.com
FAIR COP GUV..CIARON AND DAMIEN TRACK DOWN WMD AT ALDEMASTON IN BERKSHIRE ENGLAND!
Accompany Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
by Pit Stop Ploughshares - Dublin, Ireland
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com phone: 087 918 4552
They're on Trial For Us, We're on the Loose for Them!
Monday, April 19th.
*12 noon sharp gathering at The Spire, (nr. GPO O'Connel St.).
*12.20 pm Single file peace walk to the Four Courts.
*12.45 pm Solidarity Vigil Outside the Four Courts.
*Please wear black in memory of the war dead.
*Defendants will provide the visuals (banners, placards etc please respect!)
On Thursday, April 22nd, the judicial review intiated by the prosecution is
up for brief mention.
APRIL 19th - Accompany Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly
are awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage ($US 2.5
million & 200 euros). Charges arise out of their 3/2/03 nonviolent
disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport en route to the
invasion of Iraq. Shannon Airport continues to host 10,000 U.S. troops a
month, enroute to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. On March of this
year, the figure rose to almost 17,000 troops.
In December 2003, (trial) Judge Mathews ordered the Prosecution to provide
further discovery to the Ploughshares defendants. The discovery ordered
relates to the nature of U.S. military flights stopping off at Shannon in
the six months preceeding to the action. The Prosecution are keen to strip
the disarmament of any military context and reduce it to vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution team
was replaced and moves began to get Judge Mathews to reverse his December
decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the Four Courts five times in
February as these Prosecution machinations played themselves out. On Feb.
29th. Judge Mathews ruled "it is as it was" on the discovery question.The
Prosecution subsequently indicated they were initiating a judicial review on
Judge Mathews discovery rulings.
The nature of this Monday's hearing (April 19th) is an attempt by the
defendants to get their ban from Co. Clare lifted. Chief Superintendent John
Kerin will testify for the prosecution in an attempt to prevent the ban from
being lifted.
We ask you to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
Dublin Catholic Worker and Pitstop Ploughshares Update
1) Saturday April 17th Protest against EU Foreign Ministers Meeting at
Tullamore, Co. Offaly
On Saturday April 17th, members of the Offaly Anti-War Movement and the
Dublin Catholic Worker will stage a vigil in commemoration of the Iraq war
dead and injured and protest the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister's and Irish
government's deep complicity in the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The protest will take place as Minister Brian Cowen and the Irish government
host EU Foreign Affairs Ministers at the Gymnich Informal Meeting in
Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Damien Moran of the Dublin Catholic Worker, currently awaiting trial and
a potential 10 years imprisonment for his part in disabling a US Navy
Warplane at Shannon Airport on February 3rd, 2003, said: "Minister Brian
Cowen's intransigence, during Ireland's term on the UN Security Council at
the end of 2002, about the Iraq sanctions and it's 1.5 million death toll
was deafening and tragic.
By allowing 172,000 US troops to land and dutyfree shop since January, 2003,
warplanes to refuel and munitions of war receive Irish blessings at Shannon
Airport, while enroute to wage an illegal and immoral war in Iraq, the Irish
government and Minister Cowen have ensured that Ireland's traditional role
as neutral peacemakers has been severely damaged. The Irish people do not
want to be complicit in sending young US soldiers to their deaths or to
facilitate them in killing the people of Iraq. If this government and
Minister Cowen had any sense of morality they would immediately withdraw the
use of Shannon Airport by the US military.
Shannon Airport has become a key European stepping stone in the occupation
and privatised plundering of Iraq aand we demand that this unethical
practice be stopped."
*Gathering in O'Connor Square, Tullamore Saturday at 11am
*Funeral March towards the Tullamore Court Hotel (where Foreign Affairs
Ministers are meeting)
For more info. Contact Damien 087 9638398 or Dave 0860629594
2) Fairview Against the War: Holocaust Martyrs Remembrance Day meeting,
Sunday April 19th @
3pm, Teachers Club, Parnell Square.
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=64311
3) Pitstop Ploughshares Bail Hearing
APRIL 19th - Accompany Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com phone: 087 918 4552
APRIL 19th-They're on Trial For Us! We're on the Loose for Them!
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly
are awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage ($US 2.5
million & 200 euros). Charges arise out of their 3/2/03 nonviolent
disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport en route to the
invasion of Iraq. Shannon Airport continues to host 10,000 U.S. troops a
month, enroute to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. On March of this
year, the figure rose to almost 17,000 troops.
In December 2003, (trial) Judge Mathews ordered the Prosecution to provide
further discovery to the Ploughshares defendants. The discovery ordered
relates to the nature of U.S. military flights stopping off at Shannon in
the six months preceeding to the action. The Prosecution are keen to strip
the disarmament of any military context and reduce it to vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution team
was replaced and moves began to get Judge Mathews to reverse his December
decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the Four Courts five times in
February as these Prosecution machinations played themselves out. On Feb.
29th. Judge Mathews ruled "it is as it was" on the discovery question.The
Prosecution subsequently indicated they were initiating a judicial review on
Judge Mathews discovery rulings.
The nature of this Monday's hearing (April 19th) is an attempt by the
defendants to get their ban from Co. Clare lifted. Chief Superintendent John
Kerin will testify for the prosecution in an attempt to prevent the ban from
being lifted.
We ask you to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts this
Monday, April 19th.
*12 noon sharp gathering at The Spire, (nr. GPO O'Connel St.).
*12.20 pm Single file peace walk to the Four Courts.
*12.45 pm Solidarity Vigil Outside the Four Courts.
*Please wear black in memory of the war dead.
*Defendants will provide the visuals (banners, placards etc please respect!)
On Thursday, April 22nd, the judicial review intiated by the prosecution is
up for brief mention.
http://www.ploughsharesireland.org
4) Israeli Embassy Vigil (Tues. April 20th from 7.30pm) for Mordechai Vanunu
After 18 Years Israeli State to Release Vanunu on Short Leash!
by Dublin Catholic Worker & Pit Stop Ploughshares
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com phone: 087 918 4552
All night Vigil at Dublin's Israeli Embassy April 20 -21
The international nonviolent movement against Weapons of Mass Destruction
readies itself to welcome Mordachii Vanunu's deliverence from an Israeli
prison. Vanunu has spent just short of 18 years in prison following his
kidnapping by the Mossad in Rome. Vanunu exposed Israel's nuclear weapons
program.
There will be an all night vigil outside the Israeli Embassy 122 Pembroke
Rd. Dublin D4.
*Begins Tuesday April 20th 7.30 pm *Multi faith service 8.30 pm *Walk to
Dail Wed 11 am
More info 087 918 4552
April 21, 2004.
If you can believe the word of the state of Israel, that is the day that
Mordechai Vanunu will be released from prison for the crime of telling the
world the truth about his government's secret nuclear weapons program. The
date is just five months short of his full 18-year sentence.
On the eve of this release the Israeli State has announced restrictions to
make Vanunu's existence impossible.
Vanunu can be rearrested if he
-approaches within 100 metres of an embassyy.
-approaches within 300 metres of a nationall boundary
-moves to another city without receiving peermission from the police
-communicates with any foreign nationals orr media.
- Vanunu will also be denied a passport forr an initial 6 months or allowed
to leave the country
In January, it was reported that Israeli officials were considering various
conditions and restrictions once Vanunu is released. On February 24, Prime
Minister Sharon and other Israeli officials had a meeting to discuss their
options. They reportedly decided that keeping Mordechai in administrative
detention would likely not pass a High Court review, but they do plan to
impose restrictions, including not allowing him to leave Israel.
But this is absurd. Mordechai Vanunu has been locked away from the world for
almost 18 years. He has no more secrets to reveal and is not a threat to the
security of the state of Israel.
There are of course many unknowns, but the international campaign is moving
forward with plans for Mordechai's release, while carefully considering the
different possibilities that might occur. 95 internatiohnal activists will
be travelling to Israel to welcome the release. State restrictions will deny
direct contact with a "freed" Vanunu.
Public pressure has brought important changes over the years. In 1998,
pressure from his supporters around the world pried open the lock on
Mordechai's isolation cell after his first eleven and one half years in
solitary confinement. Israel once claimed that the transcript of Vanunu's
closed door trial was so sensitive it could never be made public. But
several years ago, bending to public pressure, it released most of the trial
record and permitted the Knesset's first open debate on nuclear secrecy. And
although Israel still officially denies that it has a nuclear arsenal,
government censors are allowing increased coverage of the once taboo topic
in Israel's mainstream media.
If the Israeli government doesn't unconditionally release Mordechai Vanunu,
we will need your help to apply maximum pressure and demand that they do so.
http://www.vanunu.com
Pit Stop Ploughshares Go Searching for Weapons of Mass Destruction
by Pit Stop PLoughshares - Dublin, Ireland
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com address: c/-Ploughshares 134 Phibsborough Rd. Phibsborough DUBLIN 7,IRELAND phone: 087 918 4552
The Pit Stop Ploughshares await trial on charges arising out of their nonviolent disarmament of a US Navy war Plane at Shannon Airport on February 3rd. 2003. Conviction carries maximum penalties of 10 years imprisonment
PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES GO SEARCHING FOR WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!
This past week, the Prosecution has delayed the trial of the Pit Stop Ploughshares by initiating a judicial review of the trial judges order of discovery in relation to the nature of US military flights through Shannon preceeding the outbreak of the US bombing campaign. The move is reminsicent of the British state's response to the discovery order in the Katherine Gunn/MOD case - where discovery on the British Attorney General's opinion on the legality of the war given to Blair was ordered and remains unrevealed.
For the past several weeks of Lent, the Ploughshares have maintained a daily vigil outside the Irish Aviation Authority in downtown Dublin. This has been an attempt to remain awake to the monthly movement of 10,000 US troops through Shannon Airport en route to Iraq. This contribution to the U.S. war effort is sanctioned by the Irish Aviation Authoritiy and other government and private bodies. Many passers by are shocked to discover that the U.S. military are still using Ireland as a pit stop. The public genearlly assumes this is a practice, war and issue of the past.
This past week saw a US military plane flyig the skull and cross bones land at a Dublin airport. The flag of pirates (privateers) is appropriate in the ongoing plunder of Iraq. The basis of the Pentagon's ongoing war on the people of Iraq has always been to expand power and profit. The marketing of the war as a crusade against Weapons of Mass Destruction and against Terrorism is steadilly exposed with each passing day of no WMD finds and Iraq's transformation into a font of humiliation, vengeance and the terror of the ilequipped.
Both terrorism and weapons of mass destruction remain serious issues in our world. Dublin Catholic Worker's, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly, will join the search for WMD in England over the Easter season participating in the 50 mile peace walk from London to Aldermaston - Britain's nuclear bomb factory www.youthstudentcnd.org.uk ***Apri 9th. - 12th.
Ploughshares/Catholic Worker & friends will also maintain an overnight vigil outside the Israeli Embassy on the last night of the 17 1/2 year incareration of Maordachii Vanunu http://www.nonviolence.org/vanunu In 1986, Vanunu was kidnapped in Rome by Mossad after exposing Israel's secret nuclear weapons program. he was drugged and illegally taken to Isarel where he has spent the last 17 1/2 years in prison (The first 11 years in solitary confinement). The Dublin vigil will comence on ***Tuesday April 20th. 7.30 pm and conclude at 12 noon April 21st. It will be one of many vigils at Israeli Embassies around the world.
Friends contiue to be arrested and imprisoned for nonviolently confronting the terrorist training camp that is the School of the Americas www.soaw.org Kathy Kelly, founder of Voices in the Wilderness www.nonviolence.org/vitw began a four month prison sentence this week.
The Pit Stop Ploughshares will next return to court for a bail hearing on Monday April 19th.
The Prosecution appears for its judicial review on April 21st.
A2 DUBLIN -Accompany Pit Stop Ploughshares to Court
by Pit Stop Ploughshares - Disarmament of US Navy War Plane at Shannon Thursday, Apr 1 2004, 2:27pm
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com phone: 087 918 4552
dublin / anti-war / news report
A2 - Accompany Pit Stop Poughshares to Court, Dublin
Prosecution initiates judicial review on trial judge instruction to provide information to the defense on the nature of US military flights through Shannon leading up to the war on Iraq. The Ploughshares 5 are banned fom Co. Clare while Rumsfeld leads prowar rallies at the airport.
The Ploughshares 5 continue their long journey through the courts - please join them!
The nature of the April 2nd. appearance is a bail hearing to lift the ban from County Clare.
FRIDAY APRIL 2ND..- ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO THE FOUR COURTS, DUBLIN
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly are awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage ($US 2.5 million & 200 euros). Charges arise out of their 3/2/03 nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport en route to the invasion of Iraq. Shannon Airport continues to host 10,000 U.S. troops a month, enroute to the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
In December 2003, (trial) Judge Mathews ordered the Prosecution to provide further discovery to the Ploughshares defendants. The discovery ordered relates to the nature of U.S. military flights stopping off at Shannon in the six months preceeding to the action. The Prosecution are keen to strip the disarmament of any military context and reduce it to vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution team was replaced and moves began to get Judge Mathews to reverse his December decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the Four Courts five times in February as these Prosecution machinations played themselves out. On Feb. 29th. Judge Mathews ruled "it is as it was" on the discovery question. Last Friday the Prosecution indicated they have initiated a judicial review on Judge Mathews discovery rulings.
We ask you to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts this Friday April 2nd.
*9 am Sharp gather at The Spire, (nr. GPO O'Connel St.).
*9.20 am Single file peace walk to the Four Courts.
*10 am Solidarity Vigil Outside the Four Courts.
*Please wear black in memory of the war dead.
*Defendants will provide the visuals (banners, placards etc please respect!)
THE SHANNON FIVE
Danny Cusack
Queenslander Ciaron O’Reilly (44) is a long-time peace activist who has already served two jail terms. The first was a 13-month stint in the USA in the early 1990’s for an action undertaken at a US airforce base in New York state immediately prior to the first Gulf War, and, more recently, four-and-a-half months imprisonment in Australia for his involvement in a protest at the Jabiluka uranium site in the Northern Territory in 1998. Now O’Reilly along with four colleagues faces the possibility of up to ten years jail for ‘criminal damage’ to a US Navy transport plane at Shannon Airport in February 2003. The disarmed plane had been en route to Iraq. The five are also charged with trespass at the airport located in the south-west of Ireland.
Instantly recognisable by his long dreadlocks, O’Reilly has become something of a media icon as the leading spokesperson for the group. Ciaron is a proud Irish-Australian whose father Garrett is a native of Clara, Co. Offaly. Ciaron has visited his father’s homeplace on many occasions and was fortunate enough to meet his grandfather an Old IRA veteran before his death. Ciaron’s father and his Australian-born wife Mary live in Brisbane. Here Ciaron was raised and attended a local Christian Brothers school. Brother Bill Tynan, a former teacher and later employer recently attended rallies in Dublin in support of Ciaron and his co-accused. In order to support himself Ciaron works part-time in a Dublin homeless shelter. He is much inspired by the example of long-term US peace activists, Fr. Daniel Berrigan, and his brother, the late Philip Berrigan (whose first anniversary was 6 December last). The Berrigans’ father was Irish and mother German.
Irish Diaspora
Three leading nations of the Irish diaspora Britain, the USA and Australia are represented amongst the Shannon Five. Karen Fallon (31) is Glaswegian-Irish while Nuin Dunlop (32) is a North American of mixed Cherokee-Dutch-Irish-Scots ancestry; Deidre Clancy (33) is a Dubliner while Damien Moran (23) hails from Banagher, Co. Offaly (not far from Ciaron’s ancestral homeplace). The five are all committed peace activists and members of the Catholic Worker movement. They are linked to Ploughshares activists in other countries and guided by the biblical injunction ‘to beat swords into ploughshares’ (Isaiah 2:4). Their action on 3 February 2003 was motivated by opposition to the then imminent US-led invasion of Iraq, which began some seven weeks later on 20 March.
In the early hours of Monday 3rd February, they effected entry to a hangar at Shannon Airport and inflicted symbolic damage on a US transport plane en route to Iraq. They poured human blood on the runway that has been servicing the US/UK military invasion, constructed a shrine to the soon-to-be slaughtered Iraqi children and decorated it with the Bible, Koran, rosary and Muslim prayer beads, Brigid’s crosses, flowers and photographs of Iraqi children. They then began to take up the runway, working on its edge with a mallet. They painted ‘Pitstop of Death’ on the door of the hangar housing the US navy plane. This was part of a wider ongoing protest against the use of Shannon as a refuelling stopover by US warplanes en route to Iraq.
Criminal Charges
The five were eventually arrested by the gardaí and imprisoned in Limerick Jail for up to eleven weeks as they refused to co-operate with bail conditions. They initiated a fast and called for mass non-violent resistance to ‘Irish complicity in the war on Iraq’. During the first Gulf War and during the more recent conflict Shannon Airport was used as a re-fuelling stopover for US warplanes. During the past twelve months over 130,000 US troops have passed through Shannon in transit to or from Iraq. The five Ploughshares activists took their action in order to demonstrate their opposition to the use of this civilian airport in the invasion of Iraq and to highlight the way in which the current Dublin government has compromised Ireland’s neutrality. The action took place amidst widespread opposition within Ireland to war on Iraq and mass protest rallies throughout the country. On 14 February 2003 over 100,000 people marched down O’Connell Street in Dublin in a massive display of anti-war sentiment.
In the six months after the action at Shannon a string of bail and preliminary hearings took place at local courts in Clare and Limerick before transferring to the Dublin Central Court where very strict bail conditions on some of the defendants were considerably relaxed. However, Ciaron and his companions are still banned from entering Co. Clare, where Shannon Airport is located.
Since last November further preliminary hearings have taken place at the Four Courts in Dublin. Judge Matthews has been assigned to the case; the five are happy enough with this choice. Prior to each of these hearings it is the practice for a parade of Ploughshares supporters to march from the Spire outside the GPO in O'Connell Street along the quays to the Four Courts where a vigil is held. Amongst the contingent of supporters are always to be found a sprinkling of Australians, Americans, British and people of other nationalities.
Personal Comments
Last February I interviewed Ciaron O’Reilly and put the following questions to him:
What is your assessment of the present state of play regarding the court proceedings, and how do you feel about the likely outcome?
The community has a lot of confidence in our legal team, both technically and politically. One solicitor was integral in ensuring a referendum took place on the Nice Treaty instead of the government being allowed rush legislation through the Dáil which would have compromised Irish neutrality. Another solicitor worked on retired Irish Defence Forces Commandant Ed Horgan’s action against the Irish State allowing the recent use of Shannon as a transit for US forces on their way to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The junior barrister was an anti-war student leader in the 70’s and both senior counsel have worked on high-profile criminal cases in Ireland. At least one of them marched against the war. The Judge [Matthews] seems reasonable so far. He ruled that the prosecution needed to provide us with expanded police discovery in relation to the purpose and policing of US military plans passing through Shannon. The prosecution seem to be dragging their heals on this, causing delay.
Given your past involvement with Ploughshares actions in Australia, the USA and Britain, can you offer a brief reflection on your Irish experience?
Although such non-violent resistance is evident in Irish history, it remains largely unrecognised and uncelebrated. The public is more familiar with celebrating the traditions of armed struggle that is the foundation of the modern state - and demonising it in recent history. Five months before our action at Shannon, 1000 people attended a meeting in Dublin with Ploughshares founder Fr Daniel Berrigan SJ. There may be a tendency to celebrate such actions as something of the past that happened in another country but to be shocked that we experimented with it in the here and now to challenge Irish complicity in the war. The tradition is more recognised in the USA, not so much in Australia or Ireland. Public liturgically-based non-violent direct action seems to be a shock to both the Irish church and to the secular left/moderate anti-war movement. The Catholic Worker and Ploughshares traditions are relatively new here, so its very much frontier work.
Given your experience to date living in Ireland, do you have a brief reflection on Irish society and where Ireland is heading?
It seems that Ireland has modernised very recently and that the spiritual baby has been thrown out with the religious bath water to embrace the consumerism of the ‘Celtic Tiger’. But there are a lot of good people folks around wrestling with the issues of peace and justice, and maybe without the infrastructure that exists in other places. The government is extremely sycophantic to the British and American governments. Ireland had a wonderful opportunity to send a message of peace, justice and sanity during the war hysteria of last year but the government, church and major cultural figures were too timid to seize it. Such a message to the Irish in the diaspora in Britain, USA and Australia would have contributed significantly to anti-war opposition. So ‘for the silence of the wise, we as fools had to speak and act’!
As an Irish-Australian, do you have any particular message to share with other Irish-Australians?
We have to be honest about our culture, history and traditions. To romanticise or demonise them is a cop out! Hopefully, our disarmament of a US warplane commuting through Shannon has contributed to the health of the Irish experience both at home and in the diaspora. We invite you to join us as we journey through the Four Courts and if necessary back through the prison system, a journey of speaking truth to power.
Latest Developments
The Shannon Five have experienced a groundswell of public support and sympathy, along with expressions of solidarity from around the world. In early February the first anniversary of the action at Shannon was marked by the five Ploughshares activists welcoming South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu at Dublin Airport. Tutu declared publicly his support for the five and their cause.
The trial and its outcome are eagerly awaited. It remains to be seen whether the jury can be convinced by the host of prominent witnesses who will be called to support the case of the defendants. The prosecution has engaged in further stalling and foot-dragging. At the last hearing on 23 February the judge gave them a further extension until 22 March to produce the information requested of them. It now seems unlikely that the trial proper will commence until May at least. Further developments can be traced at www.ploughsharesireland.org.
DANNY CUSACK
Centre for Irish Studies
School of Social Enquiry
Murdoch University
Murdoch
Western Australia 6158
Phone: (08) 9360-6702
*reply to pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com
M29 - Accompany Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
by Pit Stop Ploughshares - Dublin, Ireland
pitstopploughshares"hotmail.com phone: 087 918 4552
M29-They're on Trial For Us! We're on the Loose for Them!
Prosecution initiates judicial review on trial judge instruction to provide information to the defense on the nature of US military flights through Shannon leading up to the war on Iraq. The Ploughshares 5 continue their long journey through the courts - please join them!
MONDAY MARCH 29TH.- ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO THE FOUR COURTS, DUBLIN
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly are awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage ($US 2.5 million & 200 euros). Charges arise out of their 3/2/03 nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport en route to the invasion of Iraq. Shannon Airport continues to host 10,000 U.S. troops a month, enroute to the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
In December 2003, (trial) Judge Mathews ordered the Prosecution to provide further discovery to the Ploughshares defendants. The discovery ordered relates to the nature of U.S. military flights stopping off at Shannon in the six months preceeding to the action. The Prosecution are keen to strip the disarmament of any military context and reduce it to vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution team was replaced and moves began to get Judge Mathews to reverse his December decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the Four Courts five times in February as these Prosecution machinations played themselves out. On Feb. 29th. Judge Mathews ruled "it is as it was" on the discovery question. Last Friday the Prosecution indicated they have initiated a judicial review on Judge Mathews discovery rulings.
We ask you to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts this Monday March 29th.
*9 am Sharp gather at The Spire, (nr. GPO O'Connel St.).
*9.20 am Single file peace walk to the Four Courts.
*10 am Solidarity Vigil Outside the Four Courts.
*Please wear black in memory of the war dead.
*Defendants will provide the visuals (banners, placards etc please respect!)
Archbishop Desmond Tutu meets with Catholic Worker Five
See also Ireland Indymedia
LARGER PICTURE AT: http://pictiur.com/jd/tutu/
A day after Shannon Airport welcomed a fresh batch of US troops and their cheerleader Donald Rumsfeld, five Dublin Catholic Worker peace activists welcomed South African Archbishop Tutu at Dublin Airport.
The Catholic Worker group are awaiting trial in Dublin on charges arising out of their February 2003 disarmament of a US Navy War plane at Shannon last February (www.ploughsharesireland.org). Ten thousand U.S troops continue to pass through Shannon on a monthly basis.
Bishop Tutu met with the peace activists at the airport. He compared them to the Dunne's Stores workers who refused to handle apartheid goods. Initially, these workers were isolated and ridiculed, only to be vindicated in their contribution to the liberation of his people. Tutu stated to the Catholic Worker five: "I'm proud to be a human being, alive at a time when people want to stop a war in a country several miles away. There's no real reason why they should be caring about Iraqis I'm sure, but they did. I support your opposition to the war very warmly."
The Bishop was in Ireland to attend a conference on HIV/AIDS. Damien Moran from the Catholic Worker stated: "Like the Bishop, we have all been called as Christians to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable!"
Bishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his non-violent struggle against the South African apartheid regime. In a speech in London recently, Tutu stated: "An immoral war was...waged and the world is a great deal less safe place than before. There are many more who resent the powerful who can throw their weight about so callously and with so much impunity."
More information: 087 918 4552
LENT -A SEASON OF FAITH & RESISTANCE
TO IRISH COMPLICITY IN
THE WAR ON IRAQ
Organised by the Dublin Catholic Worker Ph. 087 918 4552
CONTENTS
1. Monday Feb. 23rd - Accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
2. Ash Wednesday Feb. 25th - Anti-War Action at the Dail
3. Ongoing Daily Vigil Outside the Aviation Building (11.30 am - 12.30 pm /Monday to Friday throughout Lent)
4. Thursday Feb. 26th. 8 pm Public Meeting "Putting the War on Trial!" with Dennis Haliday, Davis Lecture Theatre, Trinity Colege
5 Financial Appeal to Support the Pit Stop Ploughshares
1) MONDAY FEBRUARY 23RD.
ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO THE FOUR COURTS, DUBLIN
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly are
awaiting trial charged with two counts of criminal damage ($US 2.5 million & 200 euros). Charges arise out of their 3/2/03
nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy War
Plane at Shannon Airport en route to the invasion of Iraq. Shannon Airport
continues to host 10,000 U.S. troops a month,
enroute to the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
In December 2003, (trial) Judge Mathews ordered the Prosecution to provide
further discovery to the Ploughshares defendants.
The discovery ordered relates to the nature of U.S. military flights stopping
off at Shannon in the six months preceeding to the
action. The Prosecution are keen to strip the disarmament of any military
context and reduce it to vandalism.
One working day before the discovery was due (26/1/04) the Prosecution team was
replaced and moves began to get Judge
Mathews to reverse his December decision. The Ploughshares have returned to the
Four Courts for the past four Mondays as
these Prosecution machinations played themselves out. Judge Mathews has set
Monday February 23rd. for conclusive legal
argument on the discovery question.
We ask you to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughshares to the Four Courts
*9 am Sharp gather at The Spire, (nr. GPO O'Connel St.).
*9.20 am Single file peace walk to the Four Courts.
*10 am Solidarity Vigil Outside the Four Courts.
*Please wear black in memory of the war dead.
*Defendants will provide the visuals (banners, placards etc please respect!)
More info. 087 918 4552
2) WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25TH. 11 am
ASH WEDNESDAY ACTION AT DAIL
Last year
www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?id=32858
This year we will bring symbols of Irish complicity in the U.S. war on Iraq to
the Dail. In a multi-faith/no faith ritual we will burn
symbols of the death & destruction wreaked on the people of Iraq ($U.S., Aer
Rianta & Govt. documents etc.) marking
ourselves and the Dail. Please join us bring symbols of complicity with the war to burn!
We will then proceed down to the Aviation Buildling (one block east of O'Connel
St. Brdige on the south side) and begin a Lenten Peace Vigil.
3) ONGOING DAILY VIGIL AGAINST THE CONTINUED US OF SHANNON AIRPORT BY THE U.S. MILITARY - AVIATION BUILDING, DUBLIN
Monday - Friday /11.30 am - 12.30 am /throughout the Lenten Season.
More info 087 918 4552
4) THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26TH.
PUBLIC MEETING - "PUTTING THE WAR ON TRIAL"
Trinity Colege, Davis Lecture Theatre, 8 pm
Pit Stop Ploughshares & Dennis Halliday (former assistant Secretary General of
the United Nations and U.N. Co-ordinator of Humanitarian Aid in Iraq)
*Co-sponsored by Action from Ireland (Afri)
5) APPEAL FOR FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES
Cheques payable to "Ploughshares Defence Fund"
134 Phibsborough Rd.
Phibsborough
Dublin 7
IRELAND
More information
087 918 4552
pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com
www.ploughsharesireland.org
Ciaron O'Reilly
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
Monday F16- Accompany Ploughshares to Four Courts
by Pit Stop Ploughshares Thursday, Feb 12 2004, 2:26pm
Protest the Use of Shannon by the U.S. Military
"They're on Trial for Us, We're on the Loose for Them!"
The Pit Stop Ploughshares are facing two charges of criminal damage €2million & €100) arising out of their nonviolent disarmament of a US Navy war plane at Shannon Airport 3/2/03. Sentences carry a max of 10 years.
* The nature of this hearing is to review bail conditions and set a date for legal argument on the prosecution's belated submission in relation to discovery ordered by the trial judge.
** This is the fourth Monday in a row the Ploughshares crew have been in the Four Courts. The Spire Vigil, the single-file peace walk and Four Courts solidarity vigil maybe the sole visual _expression in Dublin to opposition to U.S. troops commuting through Shannon in the past month. It maybe an opportunity for you to express solidarity and opposition.
MON. FEB. 16TH. ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO THE FOUR COURTS
* Meet 9 am Sharp at "The Spire", GPO, O'Connel St. Dublin
* 9.20 am Single File Peace Walk to the Four Courts
* On Arrival at Four Courts - Peace Circle
* 10 am Solidarity Vigil outside the Four Courts
* Wear Black in memory of the war dead!
Ciaron O'Reilly
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
CONTENTS
1. Kris Kristofferson Advisies Pit Stop Ploughshares
"Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down!"
2. Feb 2nd. Court Report by Damien Moran
3. A Call for International Solidarity on St. Patrick's Day (March 17th.)
4. Feb. 8th. Back to the Four Courts
5. "Ploughshares Defence Fund" needs your financial support!
1. KRIS KRISTOFFERSON ADVISES PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES
On Saturday night, Damien and I headed down to Dublin's "The Point" (5000 capacity) where Kris Kristofferson has sold out 3 nights www.rte.ie/arts/2003/1203/kristofferson.html & www.ohboy.com/kris.html.
On the strength of the anti-war sentiments of his latest album and our upcoming court date, we thought this might be a crowd worth leafletting about ongoing Irish complicity in the U.S. war on Iraq. I stood on the gate giving a rap and Damien when inside the grounds up to the door..amazing what a clean cut guy with a fluroscent jacket can get away with for 10 minutes before he was evicted by security!
Meanwhile two young-very tall-slightly drunk-Gaelic speaking lads from the Isle of Skye approached and engaged me and gave me a free ticket. Seems that the other member of the travelling trio had otherwise been detained! So leaving Damien at the gate, I went and in & joined the lads. They were roaring out, freaking out the older country & western crew and knew a lot of the words.
Great two hour gig with a lot of anti-war sentiment expressed. When Kris Kristofferson came out to do the encore he dedicated the title song of his latest album "Don't Let the Basatards Get You Down!" to the Pit Stop Ploughshares on trial for resisting the war! I remember the Latin version of this statement hanging for many years at the Jonah House resistance community in Baltimore.
2. FEB 2ND. COURT REPORT BY DAMIEN MORAN
Monday February 2nd. 2004
See previous Ploughshares summative report for background:
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=63195
Pitstop Ploughshares return to Four Courts,Dublin - Monday, February 2nd, 2004.
On February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (Candlemas), the Pitstop Ploughshares 5 presented themselves before Judge Matthews and the DPP at Dublin's Four Courts, charged with Section 2(1) of The Criminal Damage Act.
Almost exactly one year after their non-violent disabling of a US Naval C-40A aircraft (Militarised version of Boeing 737 and critical logistics support to the US Navy ) on the early hours of February 3rd, 2003 at Shannon Airport, where - Karen Fallon, Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Ciaron O'Reilly and Damien Moran - symbolically and actually enacted the vision of Isaiah and Micah, to "beat swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks".(www.ploughsharesireland.org).
In 2003, 125,000 US military troops passed through Shannon Airport en route to engagement in the 2nd Gulf War. US aircraft being deployed for war-making refuelled at Shannon and the semi-state management, Aer Rianta, made €15 million from this arrangement. Munitions of War, Tomahawk, Cruise, and Patriot missile components aswell as napalm were amongst the gifts the Irish State faciltated at their west coast 'civilian' airport in the US/UK build up in the Gulf.
Today's hearing at Circuit Court 23 witnessed the Prosecution requesting clarity on issues pertaining to the exact nature of Judge Matthews order on Dec. 19th, 2003. They also requested a transcript of the judges particular orders. Judge Matthews wittingly retorted, "As long as you don't want this order sexed up". Laughter rippled through the spect-actors Monday morning sleepy countenances.
On Dec. 19th Judge Matthews had ruled that the State must comply with the defendants request for discovery in relation to:
a) the nature, destination, purpose and legal status of, and cargo on board the plane in question
b) the nature, destination , purpose and legal staus of, and cargo on board all US military aircraft (and those under US military contract) which passed through Shannon Airport prior and subsequent to the defendants action on Feb. 3rd, 2003, in the build up to the US war against Iraq.
The judge ruled that the above stated were relevant factors to the case and every attempt must be made by the Prosecution to procure them for the defendant's legal counsel.
A six week date was set for prosecution's submission.
During yesterday's short engagement, the Prosecution's Senior Counsel stressed he was "very anxious about issues raised" on Dec.19th in relation to discovery. He continued to emphasise the neccessity for prosecution to attain the transcript. These concerns seemed to rest on two factors:
a) the six week time constraint of procurement
b) A lack of clarity regarding the timeframe and dates of the defendants request in relation to the US military planes landing at Shannon.
The judge agreed that Prosecution "were entitled to clarity and delegated 10am on February 11th as an opportunity for the Prosecution to grieve their woes.
The Pitstop Ploughshares community wish to thank all those who have supported them in their humble attempt to bring the Irish Government's complicity in the ongoing war against Iraq to the courts of law before the conscience of Irish people.
3. CALL FOR SOLIDARITY ON ST.PATRICK'S DAY (March 17TH.)
We are hoping folks will atend their local St. Patrick's Day Parade with a message of peace, demanding Ireland stop offering refueling & transit facilities at Shannon Airport to 10,000 U.S. troops a month invading and occupying Iraq. Email pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com with your postal address and we will post you a poster demanding "No War Planes at Shannon". We will also inform you what Irish politician could be coming to your town for St. Ptrick's Day.
4. FEB. 8TH. ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO THE FOUR COURTS
* Meet 9 am Sharp at "The Spire", GPO, O'Connel St. Dublin
* 9.20 am Single File Peace Walk to the Four Courts
* On Arrival at Four Courts - Peace Circle
* 10 am Solidarity Vigil outside the Four Courts
5. "PLOUGHSHARES DEFENCE FUND - Need Your Financial Support
We are hoping to bring a number of expert witnesses to Ireland to testify at our trial and speak out against continued Irish complicity in the invasion and occupation of Iraq. We are in deep need (some say desperate!) of your financial support to continue the disarmament witness into the court room. Please send what you can to "Ploughshares defence Fund" 134 Phibsborough Rd. Phibsborough, Dublin 7 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Ciaron O'Reilly
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
Sunday Feb 1st
Celebrate the anniversray of the Pit Stop Ploughshares disarmament action at Shannon.
Where - Catholic Worker Cottage - 53 Rialto Cottages, Rialto, Dublin
Directions - Get the 123 bus from town, get off in St. James Hospital, exit the hospital in the direction of the bus you got off, turn left when you leave the hospital and cross the bridge over the light rail under construction, take the next right into Rialto Cottages, go down the lane with the statue of Mary at the entrance, 2nd. last cottage on the left
*3 pm mass celebrated by Fr. Jim Hynes recently released after serving 6 months in a Texas prison for nonviolent resistance at the School of the Americas, Ft. Benning, Georgia, USA. (www.soaw.org)
*5 pm - late - Soup-Music-Craic BYO alohol, bring some food to share
Monday Feb 2nd.
*9 pm sharp - Gather at Spire
*10 pm Vigil Outside Four Courts
* Placards and banners provided by defendants (please respect!)
*Wear Black in memory of the war dead.
RECENTLY RELEASED PEACE PRIEST
ACCOMPANIES
CATHOLIC WORKER 5
TO THE FOUR COURTS
Monday February 2nd. 2004
On the anniversary eve of their disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport, five members of the Dublin Catholic Worker community will return to the Four Courts, Dublin. Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly are charged with two counts of criminal damage ($2 million and $200) arising from their actions at Shannon on February 3rd. 2003 (www.ploughsharesireland.org). Their trial has been moved to Dublin's Four Courts from County Clare and is expected to take place in May. Their year long journey through Shannon, Limerick Prison and the courts continues this Monday.
This Monday, the Prosecution has been ordered by Judge Mathews to provide information and documentation to the defence iin relation to the legality of U.S. military planes at Shannon en route to the theatre of war.
This Monday the Catholic Worker will be accompanied to court by Fr. Jim Hynes. Fr. Hynes was recently released from a Texas prison after serving 6 months for a nonviolent trespass action at Ft. Bennin, Georgia, USA. Ft. Benning is home to the notorious "Schhol of the Americas" (www.soaw.org). Ft. Benning is also the departure point for many of the 115,000 U.S. combat troops who have passed through Shannon their way to war in the past 12 months.
Fr. Hynes originally from Ballyfermot is stationed in San Antonio Texas for the past 25 years. He has also served as a missionary in Peru.
* Fr. Hynes and the Catholic Worker will be available for interview at 9 am as they gather at "The Spire", GPO, O'Connel St. They will then process to the Four Courts.
CONTENTS
1. Anniversary Celebrations of Pit Stop Ploughshares Disarmament, Sunday February 1st. Dublin
2. Back in Court Monday February 2nd.
3. Call for International Solidarity on St. Patrick's Day
4. Deirdre Clancy's Court Report from January 26th.
1. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
...will take place at Catholic Worker Cottage (53 Rialto Cottages, Rialto, Dublin) on Sunday February 1st.
Please text or call 087 918 4552 for more details.
2 MONDAY FEBRUARY 2nd. ACCOMPANY PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TO THE FOUR COURTS, DUBLIN
*Gather at Spire, GPO, O'Connel St. Dublin, 9am Sharp
*Vigil outside the Four Courts from 10 am
*Wear Black in the memory of the war dead
*All visuals - placards, banners etc. will be provided by the defendants (please respect)
3. CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY AND WITNESS AGAINST ONGOING IRISH COMPLICITY IN THE US/UK WAR ON IRAQ
Irish politicians have a tradition of abandoning the country on St. Patrick's day to party all over the world. We ask you to carry out a solidarity witness (solo or with others) at St. Patrick's Day parades and events in your hometown.
If you send us a postal address asap we will mail you a Shannon peace poster that you can use.
For further background on the peace tradition of St. Patrick contact the Worcester Catholic Worker (Mass. USA)..contact details in the comuunity section of www.catholicworker.org
Worcester CW has a long traditon of peace witness on this day and can share their research.
4. PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES COURT REPORT JANUARY 26TH.
by Deirdre - Pitstop Ploughshares Wednesday, Jan 28 2004, 2:35am
& Joan Baez Gives us her Blessing
Pitstop Ploughshares Update: Successful Hearing and _Expression of Support from Walking Legend of Nonviolence Joan Baez
On Monday, January 26th, the Pitstop Ploughshares appeared again before Judge Matthews in the Dublin Ciruit Court. It will be a year next week since the five - Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly - decommissioned a US naval airplane at Shannon Airport in an attempt to enflesh the biblical mandate to 'beat swords into ploughshares.' During that time, we have been out on bail and endeavouring to continue our witness within the limited parameters of our bail conditions.
Context of Monday's Hearing
At our previous hearing on December 19th, Judge Matthews had upheld our solicitor Joe Noonan's application for items of discovery regarding the presence of US military aircraft at Shannon Airport. Our Senior Counsel Hugh Hartnett had argued at this hearing that the assessment of 'lawful excuse' in the Criminal Damage Act depends on the defendents' perception of a situation; that a jury cannot be deprived of the knowledge of whether the acccused were correct in their assessment, and therefore must have access to all relevant information. Amidst protestations from counsel for the prosecution that his decision flew 'in the face of logic', Judge Matthews had maintained that the information sought was relevant to the context in which the case was fought, given that that the aircraft and munitions 'didn't come here by accident; they came here by design.' Addressing Senior Counsel (Coughlan) for the prosecution, he had also added 'I think, Mr. Coughlan, it's to the High Court you must go to quash me for flying in the face of logic.'
Monday 26th January 2004
Monday of this week saw a cursory hearing, which dealt with the prosecution's attempts to cobble together the required information; Nuán O'Bhreánáin for the prosecution indicated at that hearing that work is in progress in this regard. Our initial anxiety that the state would apply for a judicial review of Judge Matthews' previous order was allayed; and our legal team indicated that it is now unlikely that this will happen due to a groundbreaking case, 'Dunne v. the DPP', in which the guards made no effort to obtain vital video evidence (the Supreme Court ruled that due to this failure, Dunne could not be put on trial).
A full six weeks after the December 19th hearing, the prosecution requested a transcript of that hearing in order to ensure that they understood the judge's order correctly. This delayed request in turn has further delayed the securing of a trial date for us. The delay in the availabiliy of the transcript is also due to the fact that on December 19th the court recorder went to lunch rather than sit through a large part of the proceedings.
We are up for mention again at the Circuit Court next Monday February 2nd. Please join us on our journey through the judicial system, as we try our best be a witness to the Irish government's complicity in the Bush regime's fanatical quest for global dominance through economic power and military might.
At the Afri 'Féile Bhríde' conference in Kildare at the weekend Susan George, the well-known groundbreaking critic of the power structures used to maintain global imbalances in the distribution of wealth, referred to the Bush regime as 'proto-fascist' and intent on rolling back the constitutional liberties in which many Americans were taught to take pride. She maintained that resistance to the current US regime is pro-American, rather than vice versa. What would Mary Harney, with her glib attempts to dismiss all anti-war activists as anti-American, have to say to the Americans who say that it is actually their administration that is anti-American?
Similary, in Vicar Street last night, Joan Baez began her concert by apologising for her president's existence, later telling a joke about a microsurgeon who boasts that he put George Bush together with only a cowboy hat and a horse's ass to work with. From a very young age, Baez has been involved in nonviolent resistance to war; her beautiful voice and her philosophy of nonvioence are two gifts which she uses interchangeably. Her vision has remained steadfast for over four decades, despite the cynicism of the times. 'I sang in the bomb shelters of Hanoi during the Vietnam War; in the Laotian refugee camps in Thailand; in the makeshift settlements of the boat people in Malaysia', she has written. As well as defying the forces of nature by having the same singing voice she possesses on the vinyl records I have of her made in the early 1960s, only richer and stronger, she also does a mean Dylan impression.
I presented her with a Pitstop Ploughshares t-shirt after the concert as she was mingling with the audience and signing autographs, and in response she wrote a message of solidary: 'GOD BLESS THE PITSTOP PLOUGHSHARES! Joan Baez.' It is an honour for our group to receive the blessing of someone who has used her considerable talents in such a committed and creative way to resist both warmongering and other human rights violations; who has stood at police barricades arm-in-arm with Martin Luther King; and who has advocated on behalf of the marginalised at every juncture of her career as a musician.
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
IRELAND - January 26th - Pit Stop Ploughshares Back in Court!
Five Catholic Worker peace activists, known as "The Pit Stop Ploughshares" are due to appear before Judge Mathews at Green St. Special Criminal Courts in Dublin on Monday January 26th.
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly face two charges of criminal damage ($US2 1/2 million and 200 euros). These charges arise out of their nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, Ireland on February 3rd. 2003. The five claim to be inspired by the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah "to beat swords into ploughshares" and the commands and example of Jesus to defend life with nonviolent resistance. At the time, the U.S. Navy was integral in enforcing genocidal sanctions on Iraq and was mobilising for an escalated bombing campaign, invasion and occupation of Iraq. In 2003, Shannon Airport facilitated 125,855 U.S. troops en transit to invade Iraq. The major criminal damage charge faced by the five, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
DECEMBER APPEARANCE
The Pit Stop Ploughshares appeared before Judge Mathews at the Four Courts in December, 2003. Their defence team presented motions of discovery in relation to expanded police evidence. The motions related to the purpose of the disarmed U.S. Navy war plane. The Prosecution opposed these motions arguing that a relevant defence was not available as there was a lack of "immediacy" in relation to those threatend by the plane. Judge Mathews responded that he didn't see how geographical distance denied "immediacy" as Prime Minister Blair had taken Britain to war claiming they were under "immediate" threat from Iraq! Judge Mathews later ruled in favour of defence requests and instructed the Prosecution to approach U.S. and Irish authorities and return with the information related to the purpose of the plane by January 26th. Judge Mathews is sitting at Green St. Special Criminal Courts in this present session. A trial date for the Pit Stop Ploughshares has yet to be announced.
STATEMENT
Ciaron O'Reilly of the Pit Stop Ploughshares stated, "Hundreds of young Americans who passed through Shannon Airport have returned home in body bags, thousands with amputations and other serious injuries, thousands have been withdrawn from Iraq rendered psychologicaly unfit to function!
The Iraqi maimed and slain remain uncounted, their civil society smashed and infrastructure pillaged by U.S. corporations. We, like many other anti-war resisters in the U.S., Britain and Israel remain on trial for speaking truth to power with nonviolent noncooperation. Shannon Airport remains a pit stop for the U.S. war machine!"
MONDAY 26TH. - Join in Solidarity with the Pit Stop Ploughshares
9 A.M. - Gather at the Spire, G.P.O., O'Connel St., Dublin
* Banners and placards will be provided by the defendants.
**Wear black in memory of the war dead.
10 a.m. Solidarity Vigil Outside the Green St. Special Criminal Courts
Ciaron O'Reilly
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
Pit Stop Ploughshares Drop By Aviation Authority on the Way to Pre-Trial Victory in Court
Many Photos (Ireland Indymedia)
Report From Court
Damien Moran
Dec 19 2003
Hi friends. Our community that decommisioned a US Navy warplane at Shannon
Airport on February 3rd last were back in court today for pre-trial
arguments about discovery.
Judge Matthews granted our request to seek more discovery from the DPP. They
have 6 weeks to comply. Although another court hearing has not been fixed,
it is expected the defendants will return to hear the results of the
discovery issues by the beginning of February.
Judge Matthews agreed that discovery requested by the SC was significant
for the defendants case and motivations.
During the 6 weeks the DPP will be trying to scrape together/make an effort
in seeking that which we require to have a reasonable defence, we shall have
to do a little bit of homework oursleves. Homework in relation to the US
Navy C-40A plane, it's military capability; alongside information on the US
Naval airbase at Sigonella, Sicliy, and it's role in supporting the Sixth
Fleet, aswell as supporting 'Operation Enduring Freedom' in Iraq.
Issues pertaining to the nature of the plane in question, it's destination,
legal status on Irish soil at the time of our action, purpose of the plane,
etc. were raised by Senior Counsel Hugh Hartnett on behalf of the
defendants. Gilliosa O'Lidhea JC and Joe Noonan (Solicitor) prepared
competently in their roles assisting the SC. Unfortunately the morning
hearing was adjourned before noon, to be recommenced at 1pm. At this stage I
had to leave proceedings in order to go to work.
Other defendants were very happy with the performance of our Senior Counsel
and with the open nature displayed by the judge. There's a long way to go
yet, but indications are that if we do not receive more disclosure on
neccessary documents for our defence, the judge will have to rule on whether
the trial can go ahead or not. Reality check: the trial will proceed, and
the judge should be in a position to grant a pre-trial hearing, hopefully
around the Easter period.
Peace and love to you all for your suipport over the last 8 months. It is
cherished in each of our hearts.
Check out our Christmas gifts for Bertie and Blair, deposited at the Irish
Aviation Authority Building on transit to the Four Courts.
Indymedia
God Bless for now,
Damien Moran
Ploughshares Update - Back in Four Courts D19
DUBLIN, IRELAND - PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES BACK IN COURT MONDAY DEC 15TH.
Solidarity with Anti-War Resisters before the Courts
Friday Dec 19th.
*9 am Sharp - Gather at Nativity Scene/ Christmas Tree, next to Spire, O'Connel St.
*9.15 am - process single file to Four Courts
*10 am Solidarity Vigil outside the Four Courts
This appearance was postponed from Monday
DUBLIN, IRELAND - PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES BACK IN COURT FRIDAY DEC 19TH.
The Pit Stop Ploughshares, charged with $U.S. 2.5 million "criminal damage" to a US Navy War Plane, and 200 euro "criminal" damage to a hangar window, are due to appear before Judge Matthews at the Four Courts, Dublin on Friday 19 December. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and arise out of their nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. navy war plane at Shannon Airport on February 4 2003.
Over 115,000 U.S. troops have passed through Shannon this year on their way to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Ireland has become the US doormat, as Shannon becomes the European gateway to Iraq for US forces. Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly will be represented by legal counsel on Monday in pre-trial argument. A trial date has yet to be set.
Ciaron O'Reilly, one of the defendants, said 'The old saying that "Truth is the first Casualty of war" is reaffirmed by the recent statement by the Taoiseach that he was against the war, yet he still offered Shannon Airport to the U.S. war machine. The prophesy of Isaiah to 'beat swords into ploughshares' speaks clearly about peacemaking. We are brought before the courts for enfleshing this nonviolent vision.
This is a season celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace, but remains a time where the modern Ceasers and Herods stalk the world slaying the innocent. Mr Ahern should reflect seriously on what role he is playing when it comes to leaving the children of Iraq with a legacy of terror, deplted uranium poisoning and a land littered with cluster bombs and destroyed civilian infrastructure. Shannon Airport must be demilitarised immediately for Ireland to send a message of peace and good will to all peoples."
Friday 9 am Sharp
Supporters are asked to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughsares to court. Please wear black in memory of the war dead. Please gather at the Christmas Tree and nativity scene in O'Connel Street Dublin (near The Spire). Please bring cardboard cartons in Christmas wrapping bearing "The gifts Shannon and the US military have delivered to the children of Iraq: depleted uranium radiation, cluster bombs, cruise missile, civilian dead, bombed hospitals, cholera, typhoid, etc. These will be left at the tree. *Monday 10 am Vigil outside the Four Courts, Dublin.
International supporters asked to vigil at Irish embassies and consuls against the use of Shannon by the U.S. military, or phone consulates and embassies with messages of resistance. Further information at: www.ploughsharesireland.org Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
Pit Stop Ploughshares Back in Court Monday Dec 15th
DUBLIN, IRELAND - PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES BACK IN COURT MONDAY DEC 15TH.
*The Pit Stop Ploughshares charged with $U.S. 2.5 million "criminal damage" to a U.S. Navy War Plane & 200 euro "criminal "damage to a hangar window are due to appear before Judge Mathews at the Four Courts, Dublin on Monday Dec 1th.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and arise out of their nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. navy war plane at Shannon Airport on February 4th. Over 115,000 U.S. troops have passed through Shannon this year on their way to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Ireland has become the U.S. door mat to Iraq. Shannon has become the European gateway to Iraq for U.S. forces.
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damine Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly will be represented by legal counsel on Monday in pre-trial argument. A trial date has yet to be set.
*Monday 9 am Sharp
Supporters are asked to accompany the Pit Stop Ploughsares to court. Please wear black in memory of the war dead, please gather at the Christmas Tree and nativity scene in O'Connel St. Dublin (near The Spire, GPO), please bring cardboard cartons in Christmas wrapping bearing "the gifts Shannon and the U.S. military have delivered to the children of Iraq"..."depleted uranium radiation", "cluster bombs", "cruise missile", "civilian dead", "bombed hospitals", "cholera", "typhoid" etc. These will be left at the tree!
*Monday 10 am Vigil outside the Four Courts, Dublin.
International support are asked to vigil at Irish embassies and consuls against the use of Shannon by the U.S. military or phone consulates and embassies with messages of protests
In peace and solidarity
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran, Ciaron O'Reilly
Mobile/cell +353 (0)87 918 4552
"The poor tells us who we are,
The prophets tell us who we could be,
So we hide the poor,
And kill the prophets" - Phil Berrigan
Catholic Worker 5 Appear in Court
Dave - Indymedia
In the ongoing attempt to stifle voices of dissent against the war, The Catholic Worker 5, also known as the Pitstop Ploughshares, appeared in court today in connection with the disarmament of a US Naval plane at Shannon Airport earlier this year.
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia (with photos)
more photos
Pit Stop Ploughshare Court Hearing 19 November 2003
Ian Oliver - Letcombe
As G.W.Bush started his first day in London the Pit Stop Ploughshare group were facing another day in court. They were hoping to receive their trial date today, however firstly there was the small matter of a vigil outside the GPO on O'Connell St to deal with in support for other prisoners around the world who have been imprisoned for stating their views.
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia (with photos)
WAR ON TRIAL - PITSTOP PLOUGHSHARES - NOV 19TH.
Ciaron O'Reilly
On Wednesday Nov. 19th, 2003, U.S. President George Bush
visits London and the Pit Stop Ploughshares are back in Dublin's
Four Courts for pre-trial arguments in front of their trial judge.
George W. Bush finds the time to visit Buckhingham Palace, but has yet
to find
the time to attend a funeral of any of the 300+ young men and women of
the
U.S. military he has sent to their deaths in Iraq. He has yet to visit
any of the
wounded or amputees of this war in any Veteran Hospital in the U.S. The
history
of war veterans trashed and abandoned by their Governments is a long
and cynical
one.
92,000 U.S. troops, weapons, & cruise missile components have passed
through
the civilian Shannon airport this year. Aer Rianta have made 11 million
euro in
blood money, the Pit Stop Ploughshares have been charged with 2 million
euro
'criminal damage.' Some of the young men and women who passed through
Shannon have made the return trip from Iraq in body bags. TV images of
coffins
returning to U.S. Military bases have been banned by the U.S.
Government.
The Pit Stop Ploughshares disabling of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon
was
one of the many acts of nonviolent resistance to this war. These
brothers and
sisters are on trial and may be imprisoned for their resistance to an
illegal and
unjust war for oil and expanding the US/UK empire.
How the Irish peace movement relates to its resisters & prisoners will reflect on its depth and seriousness to wage peace, speak truth to power and challenge the ongoing Irish complicity in this ongoing U.S. war on Iraq.
Since their Feb 4th.nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon Airport the five Catholic Workers - Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly - have been dragged through a variety of courts, Garda stations, Limerick Prison and now await trial at Dublin's Four Courts. Their nonviolent resistance did much to awaken Ireland to how Shannon Airport has been militarised - transformed into a pit stop for the U.S. war machine's invasion an occupation of Iraq.
ACCOMPANY THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES THROUGH THE COURTS
Nov. 19th.
9am Sharp - gather at "The Spire", GPO, O'Connel St.for "Solidarity Vigil with Anti-War Rsisters in Jail and Before the Courts". *Wear Black/ Don't bring visuals - visuals will be provided by the defendants!
9.30 am Single file procession to the Four Courts. Stopping at GPO to mail solidarity letters to peace prisoners.
10 am Solidarity vigil outside the Four Courts
WRITE TO A PEACE PRISONER
* Sr. Carol Gilbert OP (3 years/weapons inspection and disarmament action at ICBM missile silo,Colorado, USA www.ploughsharesactions.org) c/- #10856-039, R1 FPC Alderson, P.O. Box A, Alderson, WV 24910, USA
*Ulla Roder (awaiting trial in Scotland for disarmament of a British Tornado fighter-bombe, www.free-ulla.orgr) c/- Trident Ploughshares, CND 15 Barrland, Glasgow G41 1QH, SCOTLAND
*Charity Ryerson (6 months for trespass at "School of the Americas", Ft. Benning, Gerogia, USA www.soaw.org) c/- #91335-020, Pekin FCI, P.O. Box 6000, Pekin, IL 555-6000
*Mordechai Vanunu (18 years, exposing Israel's possessionof nuclear weapons www.nonviolence.org/nukeresister/) c/- Ashkelon Prison, Ashkelon, Israel
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
Catholic Worker Occupation of Irish Aviation Authority
Nov 4 2002
Irish Aviation Authority occupied while Pitstop Ploughshares march to court.
Read Article and many more photos:
Ireland Indymedia
It is our soul that brought us here.
Deirdre Clancy
Nov 2003
It is our soul that brought us here. It is our soul that got us in
trouble. It is our conception of man. But our moral passion is
banished from this court.
The Trial of the Catonsville Nine, Daniel
Berrigan.
As a Shannon defendant, it can be important continually to remind
oneself that soul is at the heart of the nonviolent civil disobedience
in which you have engaged: this is to prevent the court process from
gradually stealing yours. It is easy to become demoralized by the
conveyer belt nature of the legal process, not to mention the placid,
utilitarian acceptance we are now witnessing within our mainstream
media of the fact of the bombardment and ongoing occupation of Iraq (as
displayed, for example, on RTEs Questions and Answers on Monday night
by each and every panellist) . The consistent silencing of authentic
and intelligent dissenting voices within our media, such as that of
Harry Browne, in favour of banal analyses designed not to offend middle
Ireland, can be another source of disillusionment. The hypocrisy of the
Irish Times, which has silenced Browne because he is too political,
while championing the bizarre and unfunny right-wing rants of Kevin
Myers as somehow acceptable, is but one example of a wider malaise
within the outlets that are supposed to inform and stimulate us.
Like many post-colonial countries, we have now become the two-tier
society our ancestors once resisted, and we have lost sight of our own
fine tradition of civil disobedience. What would the likes of Michael
Davitt (to take one example) think of our planning tribunals and the
persistence of corrupt landlordism in our cities? Indeed, even amongst
those who in theory opposed the invasion of Iraq, there can be a dull
disbelief that anyone would willingly engage in a course of action to
resist the war, knowing that it will probably land them with a jail
term. The question So, how far had you run before the Guards caught
you? is a common one, and when you explain that you actually sat and
waited to be arrested, the reaction can be one of incredulity. At this
point, you generally decide you had better not explain how you invited
the guards to join you in a beautiful act of disarmament, except to the
converted.
It was in this climate that the Pitstop Ploughshares, or Catholic
Worker five, were headed back to the Dublin Circuit Court on Monday
November 3rd, nine months after their disarmament action, for another
pre-trial hearing. Somehow, however, as the day unfolded, it became
evident that the social and political malaise that we see through our
official channels is not necessarily reflective of the popular mood. As
a relatively large and diverse crowd of about 40 gathered at the Spire
on OConnell Street, to vigil and then march to the Four Courts, there
were murmurings that something unexpected was afoot. As Maruta, a
Japanese Buddhist nun, beat her drums for peace, we diverted from our
planned itinerary and proceeded to the Aviation Building on the quays,
where several supporters of the Pitstop Ploughshares were conducting a
sit-down occupation in the foyer of the building. Theologian John
Robinson, who did a similar occupation of the same building previously,
had decided that his conscience was calling him to do so once more. He
was ultimately joined by six like-minded people, including Iraqi peace
activist Nuria Mustafa (who will appear in Shannon District Court on
November 20th along with several others on charges of obstructing
traffic near the airport on June 21st). Nuria, who is currently fasting
for Ramadan, prayed with John and others for the casualties of the
invasion and occupation of Iraq, in what was a truly ecumenical act of
civil disobedience. The seven constructed a shrine to the Iraqi dead,
recited the Office of the Dead and chanted Muslim prayers, as they
nonviolently confronted the Aviation Authority on its complicity in the
ongoing war and occupation of Iraq. The others involved in the
occupation were: Martin McGowan of the Potato Ploughshares and Sligo
Catholic Worker; solidarity activist Deborah Bermingham; Dublin
anti-sanctions and anti-war campaigner John Fitzgibbon; Bill Tynan,
Australian Christian Brother who has been based in East Timor; and
Ronan, a Spiritan seminarian from Kimmage Manor. The occupation
continued for several hours, and although the guards were finally
called in, they appeared extremely reluctant to arrest those assembled,
who eventually left of their own accord.
Those bound for the Four Courts bade farewell to the protestors at the
Aviation Building, and marched up the quays. Outside the Four Courts,
Damien Moran of the Pitstop Ploughshares spoke of the Ramadan Protest
still ongoing on the quays, and the fact that the system of
exploitation that perpetrated the unjust war and occupation of Iraq is
alive and well in our own city, as evidenced by the large homeless
population of Dublin (amongst whom he works). Moran knows instinctively
that it is important that the peace movement engages both cerebrally
and in its praxis, with the question of how militarism connects with
economic and social injustice at home as well as abroad: concretizing
the abstract is an important part of the struggle against economic
imperialism, of which militarism is a part.
Meanwhile, in Dublin Circuit Court 8, junior counsel Giollosa
lideadha ably conducted the short hearing on behalf of the Pitstop
Ploughshares five in front of Judge Hogan. Hogan assigned the case to
Judge Matthews, in front of whom the five will be up for mention again
on November 19th, this time hopefully to set a trial date for early
next year.
Vigils in solidarity with the Pitstop Ploughshares five took place
internationally: at Top Oil stations in Dublin and Galway; in Derry at
Raytheon; at Shannon Airport; at the Irish Consuls in Sydney and in
Melbourne Australia; in London at the Irish Embassy; in Washington DC
at the Irish Embassy; at the Irish Consul in Auckland, New Zealand; at
Christchurch, Harewood, USA; in Seattle, where the Office of the Dead
was read in a Church; in South Wales; and at the Irish Embassies in
Paris and Brussels. All in all, the day illustrated that although the
legal system can be dehumanizing, with its lack of engagement with the
moral thinking around nonviolent acts of disarmament, and its feverish
rush to criminalize resisters instead of those perpetrating the genuine
destruction and murder, it has not succeeded in preventing people from
displaying their concern through acts of resistance. The Ramadan
occupation of the Aviation Building, along with the other solidarity
actions, again confirm for those on trial that the soul of civil
disobedience against imperialism and militarism is alive and growing in
Ireland, with or without the support of mainstream, establishment
institutions such as our politicians and media.
N3 - Dublin Join Pit Stop Ploughshares in 4 Courts
They're on Trial For Us - We're on the Loose for Them!
9am Sharp
Gather at "The Spike" - wear Black in memory of the War Dead. Join members of the Pit Stop Ploughshares, Iraqi community and Peace Movement in a single file procession to the Four Courts.
Nov 3 court appearance to be followed by session at The Cobblestone in Smithfield. 087 918 4552 for updates as the day progresses.
*Due to legal advice ALL posters, banners and vigil visuals to be provided by defendants - Please Respect!
**Other solidarity actions happening
in Dublin, Top Oil
Galway, Top Oil
Derry, Raytheorn
Shannon Airport
Sydney, Irish Consul
Melbourne, Irish-Australia Compromise Rules Match
Washington DC, Irish Embassy
London, Irish Embassy
Auckland, Irish Consul
Christchurch, Harewood USAFB
Seattle, Office of the Dead in Church
Southern Wales
Paris, Irish Embassy
Buddhist led Peace Vigil at Spike Fri. 9am-1pm
Ciaron O'Reilly
Oct 30 2003
In opposition to the use of Shannon in the Ongoing War on Iraq
Feel welcome to join for whatever time you can!
Japanese Buddhist nun, Sr. Muerte from the Nipponzon Myohoji Order will be chanting for peace at The Spire (GPO O'Connel St.) 9 am-1pm, Friday Oct 31st.
She will be joined by Pit Stop Ploughshares defendants, the vigil will be in opposition to the continued use of Shannon Airport in the ongoing invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Sr. Muerte is from the Nipponzon Myohoji Buddhist Temple and Peace Pagoda in Milton Keynes. The order also has a temple and pagoda in Battersea Park in London.
Sr. Muerte has particpated in many long peace walks in her 30 years in the order. She walked form Auschwitz to Hiroshima in 1995, London to Belfast in 1996 and Liverpool to Africa in 1998. She has drummed and chanted outside a number of ploughshares trials, including the acquittals of the "Seeds of Hope Ploughshares" in Liverpool 1996, Loch Goil Ploughshares in Scotland in 1999, the Trash Trident Ploughshares in Manchester in 2000. She has come to Ireland to support the PIt Stop Ploughshares as they await trial.
Ploughshares defendants and supporters will also be gathering on Monday at The Spire 9 am sharp before proceeding to the Four Courts.
SOLIDARITY FROM SEATTLE
William Small
A solidarity vigil will start at 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 2 and
will go to 5:30 AM on Monday, November 3 at St. Joseph's Catholic
Church in Seattle, Washington USA.
The Office for the Dead will be recited for all US dead (their names
and numbers are known for the most part) and for the Iraqi dead
(their names are not known for the most part, and their numbers vary
from 6000 to 8000 civilians, no one really knows).
1. Call for Solidarity with Ploughshares defendants and Opposition to
Irish
Complicity in the War on Iraq
2. Background
3. List of Irish Embassies worldwide
1. CALL FOR SOLIDARITY WITH IRISH PLOUGHSHARES DEFENDANTS AND
OPPOSITION TO
IRISH COMPLICITY INTHE WAR ON IRAQ
The Pit Stop Ploughshares have called for solidarity vigils at Irish
Embassies & Consuls and sites of significance on Monday November 3rd.
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron
O'Reilly
will appear for mention in the Four Courts on Nov. 3rd. They face two
counts
of criminal damage (200 euro & 2.5 million euro) and a maximum sentence
of
10 years if convicted at trial. Charges arise out of their Feb. 4th.
nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport
(County
Clare) en route to the war on Iraq.
The five hope to be accompanied to court by Gareth Pierce who freed the
"Guilford 4", "Birmingham 6" and successfully defended the "Seeds of
Hope
Ploughshares" and "Quaker Ploughshares" (see
www.ploughsharesactions.org).
It is expected a trial date will be set on Nov. 3rd. The five have been
on
bail (banned form a mile radius of the U.S. embassy, banned from County
Clare, required to sign on twice a week at a Garda Station).
For vigils in
*Melbourne Oct 31st. Compromise International Football Match Australia (AFL) Vs Ireland (GAA)....Pete (ABC)
*Derry Nov 1st Raytheon....Contact FEIC
Nov 3rd.
*London Irish Embassy 12 noon- 3-pm Contact Scott 01727 760 953
*New York City Irish Consul ...Contact Carmen 212 254 1640
-Irish band "Kila" are hoping to do a suppoort gig on Sunday Nov. 2nd. at Mary House NYC CW Ph. Carmen for more info)
*Washington DC Irish Embassy ....Ph. Art (DCCW) 202 882 9649
*Shannon Airport: Contact Ed Horgan
*Galway Top Oil...Contact
*Sydney Irish Consul ...Contact Philip
*Paris Irish Embassy...Contact Stefan
*Harewood AFB (New Zealand) ...Contact Moana
If you wish to be connected to these local contacts or can commit to a vigil (solo or with friends) email us with your postal address on pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com and we'll send you an autographed poster and inflatable hammer (tricolour with "Hammered by the Irish" on the head, as carried by the Pit Stop Ploughshares crew during the disarmament.)
2. BACKGROUND
Since January 1st. 1,246 U.S. military flights have past through
Shannon
Airport en route to the war on Iraq carrying 92,617 U.S. troops. Aer
Rianta
has made 11 million euro profit from the arrangement. The state has
spent
1.82 million euro on securing the airport from the peace movement with
Garda
and the Army (deployed in response to the PIt Stop Ploughshares
disarmament). Three private U.S. companies transporting U.S. troops
pulled
out of Ireland in repsonse to the Pit Stop Ploughshares disarmament.
On June 24th. vigils in solidarity with the PIt Stop Ploughshares and
in
opposition to the militarisation of Shannon were held in Houston,
Washington
DC, NYC, Chicago, Auckland, Christchurch, East Timor, El Salvador,
Brussels,
Gotenburg, Bulgaria, France, Vancouver, Belfast, London, Glasgow.
To view photos and reports of some of these vigils click
here.
3. LIST OF IRISH EMBASSIES WORLD WIDE
www.irlgov.ie/iveagh/embassies/abroad.asp
Rev. Peter Price,
Bishop of Bath and Wells (Church of England) with Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly at
Mission Alive!
Conference in Dublin (23 Sept 2003).
|
Dail Vigil
Ciaron O'Reilly
Oct 1 2003
Vigil went well. Good crew in the afternoon leading up to multi-faith/ no faith memorial for the dead. Had a good chat with Trevor Sargent admirally cycling by on one of those colapsable bicycles. Also a chatlater with the pro-war F.F. TD from Athlone - who totally disagrees with us bu has expressed admiration for our stickability etc.
Blackpope had dropped off his megaphone, so we made use of it for the memorial. We read statements form Ed Horgan returning his medals and a US solider in Iraq from the Airborne who opposes the war. We rememebered the dead of the war and those in prison for resisting it. We called on the Irish Government to stop providing Shannon as a pit stop for the U.S. war machine and not to send Irish troops to Iraq. Jim from Christchurch (NZ) sang a song, Ronan from Kimmage covered Luka Blooms Shannon Song and Marie Ferguson gave a rendition of one of her own compositions. Bill form Brisbane (who taught me high school when I was 15 and employed me 10 years later) refused to sing. He has just arrived from working in East Timor for 2 years.
At 8 pm most folks headed to Buswells to hear Kate Dewes & Rob Green form Christchurch, NZ - ex-Commander in the British Navy talk about their work trying to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Rob is addressing memebers of the British Navy at Faslane this week (organised by Church of Scotland and Trident Ploughshares).
Damien turned up after knocking off work at 9 pm, Eoin Dubsky, Paul O'Toole...so their were a lot of laughs until about 2 am.
A very drunk Eammon Dunphy came staggering down the opposite sidewalk about 1 am. We gave him a shout and a bit of feedback on his tv show. He gave the Dail and the cop on duty the finger, this upset the cop a little. We said give us a peace sign. He obliged and said they have assaulted me (in the past). I yelled "They've assaulted a lot of us, don't take it too personally! We're the folks that did the US war planer at Shannon put us on your show! Have your people talk to our people and we'll do lunch. He gave the finger to the cop again and the peace sign to us, a Richard Nixon type farewll thing we both hands and staggered off.
From 2 am - 8 am...it got a little lonely and pretty wet. The new cop on duty invited me out of the rain and into his little sentry box. I thanked him and declined as I was determiend to have an overdue "dark night of the soul". It was great - ecstasy, despair, occasional cigar, flask of tea. Damien took over at 8 am.
3 London Catholic Workers Arrested - Red Stains On DSEI Delegate Shoes
Sep 9 2003
What follows is a report on the arrest of 3 London Catholic Workers at the DSei Arms Fair, in the East End Dockland this morning. Over 2,000 Met Police and 1,000 private security guards have been deployed to secure the area for the merchants of death.
On Saturday there was a march against the arms fair attended by appriox. 1,000 people. Monday there was nonviolence training and preparation for the opening of the Arms Fair. There was also a nonviolent occupation of British Aeropsace downtown offices lead by the Shefiield Samba Band.
Monday night, 150 folks attended a 2 hour silent vigil against the Arms Fair at the entrance to the Excel site. These inluded a local bishop, returned missionaries, peace activists and many local people including those origianlly from Third World countries where the weapons wreak destruction. A local East End christian coffee shop remains open 24 hours a day servicing activists.
Following Tuesday's early arrests of 3 London Catholic Workers for pouring red paint at the Dockland Light Rail entrance ot the Excel site, hundreds gathered and marched to the DLR same entrance. A huge police presence surrounded the group. One woman holding a sign alighted on the station and held vigil. She refused to removed when ordered by police and was cariied up and down several flights of stairs and dumped with the rest of us. A group of Buddhists rode the DLR through the day meditating and engaging delegates to the Arms Fair. A fluufy blockade of the site was again frustrated by the huge police presence, costing the government £1,000, 000. The arms corporations are not contributing to these expenses.
More direct action is planned for Wednesday. An indymedia centre has been set up and is functioning. A convergence centre is holding workshops and screening vids.
3 LONDON CATHOLIC WORKERS ARRESTED
RED STAINS ONDSEI DELEGATE SHOES
Tuesday 9/9/03 7.15am - DSEi Arms Fair, Excel Centre,
Dockland, London. London Catholic Workers, Scott
Albrecht, Angela Broome, and Zelda Jeffers effectively
blockaded the arms fair by pouring a 4'x15' pool of
red paint, symbolising blood, on the walkway which is
the main pedestrian entrance to the Excel Centre. They
also poured red paint on the signs leading up to the
walkway. The three held signs stating "Blood on Your
Hands" and "Government Sponsored Terror". They were
accompanied by friends in prayer and Buddhist chanting
and drumming. The police respectfully allowed them
time to finish their liturgy, then they were arrested.
The DSEi (Defences Systems and Equipment
International) fair is named one of the leading
weapons shows in the world. Zelda Jeffers (53)is a
nurse who works in Brazil and Nicaragua and has seen
the results of the arms trade first hand. Angela
Broome (63), a long term peace campaigner states: "my
government's promotion of violence to settle conflict
has to be opposed". Scott Albrecht (41), former U.S.
Military, states: "DSEi, Excel and the British
government are wreaking wholesale terrorism on one
third of the world's nations. The war on terror begins
at home, DSEi must be disarmed". for more info.
contact Scott or Ciaron on 07941773542. look for
pictures on www.indymedia.org.uk or
www.oocities.org/londoncatholicworker.
Government allowed Shannon missile stopover
Front page - Irish Examiner
Michael O’Farrell, Political Reporter
Sep 3 2003
THE Government sanctioned the passage of a consignment of 28 Patriot
missiles through Shannon Airport, official documents seen by the Irish
Examiner reveal.
According to official Government documents, the hi-tech precision
weapons
designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles were dispatched from
Israel to the US in June 2001. The civilian cargo plane carrying the
munitions landed in Shannon for a planned "technical stopover".
Each missile contained 44kg of high explosives and 498kg of rocket
fuel.
Despite the dangerous nature of the cargo, four separate Government
departments raised no objections nor made any detailed comment.
Documents released to the defence teams of peace activists facing
criminal
charges over Shannon protests show the Departments of Defence, Justice
and
Foreign Affairs made no objections to the flight before permission was
granted by the then Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke.
Details of the flight were confirmed last night by the Department of
Transport, which has now taken over the role of licensing air traffic
involving military troops and equipment. "If there are no objections,
then
the department will generally grant permission to land," a department
spokesman said. The spokesman confirmed no objections had been raised.
However, a Government source revealed that up to a few dozen requests
for
landings of aircraft containing assorted armaments cargoes were
sanctioned
annually.
Government communications seen by the Irish Examiner also reveal
permission
was granted to two flights containing a possible cargo of cruise
missiles
during the Kosovo conflict in 1999, while another flight containing
class A
explosives was allowed land during Desert Storm in 1991.
Further documents reveal the Department of Public Enterprise knew that
US
troops in Shannon were accompanied by their personal weapons and
ammunition
as far back as five years ago.
Green party chairman John Gormley accused the Government of
deliberately
misleading the public. And Labour's Michael D Higgins said it confirmed
that
our policy of neutrality had been secretly ditched even before the row
surrounding Shannon
Editorial
State putting our neutrality at grave risk
DEBATE on the status of Ireland’s neutrality is certain to be rekindled
by
today’s shock revelation that an Israeli request to transport 28
Patriot
missiles to the United States through Shannon Airport was granted by
the
Coalition government.
Evidence also points to an American cargo of Cruise missiles labelled
as
rocket motors over-flying Ireland during the Kosovo war.
These disclosures go to the heart of bitter controversy surrounding the
Government’s decision to permit the use of Shannon as a transit centre
for
American troops with weapons and ammunition destined for the war in
Iraq
which lacked the authority of UN sanction.
It is worth noting that information about Shannon’s role in the
transportation
of Israeli missiles to be upgraded in the United States is not a
figment of
some anti-war activist’s imagination.
On the contrary, it emanates from official Government documents in the
possession of the Irish Examiner. They were released during recent
court
cases taken against the State by opponents of the use of Shannon for
military purposes.
In theory, strict rules govern the transportation of weapons and
ammunition
through this country but the latest revelations throw a searching
spotlight
on the ambivalence of successive administrations towards the concept of
neutrality.
It is now known that as far back as 1988 the Government was aware that
American troops transiting Shannon airport routinely carried arms and
live
ammunition with them.
However, it was only in January this year, following media revelations,
that
the Coalition conceded troops going to Iraq were breaching regulations
by
carrying personal weapons. Only then was an order issued compelling
America
to seek permission for that.
The question that arises is how much weaponry has been allowed to pass
through Shannon in the course of several wars. Up to the Iraqi
conflict, an
average of a couple of dozen flights a year were permitted to carry
arms
over Ireland.
According to the official transport schedule supplied by Israel, each
Patriot missile carried 44kg of high explosives and 498kg of rocket
fuel.
The transit request was made in April 2001 and the permit was granted
in
June of the same year. The over-flight of Cruise missiles occurred in
1999.
Understandably, the clearance process was complex, involving the
departments
of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice and the Irish Aviation Authority.
Ultimately, the then Department of Public Enterprise under Mary
O’Rourke
gave the green light for the Patriot operation.
Apparently, none of the relevant departments nor the minister had any
objection to the movement of these missiles through Ireland. Public
concerns
about the use of Shannon in the war on Iraq sparked the most heated
debate
on foreign policy since the foundation of the State. Despite lack of UN
sanction for the war, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was determined to allow US
forces to land and refuel at Shannon Airport and to overfly Ireland.
Government policy was based on the premiss that US planes had landed at
Shannon during the Vietnam War and the Kosovo conflict.
The Taoiseach claimed that if landings were banned, Ireland “would be
the
only country in the free world that would be withdrawing something”.
Significantly, the marked increase in the flow of troops and weaponry
through Ireland coincides with America’s self-appointed and highly
dubious
role as international sheriff. Implicitly, by lending its unquestioning
support to US military policy, the Government is putting Ireland’s
neutrality at grave risk
Celebration of Resistance
Sep 3 2003
Benefit Gig for the Pit Stop Ploughshares 5
On Trial in Dublin for Resisting the War
Mother Redcaps Pub (near Christchurch, Dublin)
Wed. 3rd. Sept 7.30 - 11.30
Entry 5 euro (poor)/ 10 euro (rich)
Performers include........
-Donal O'Kelly (spoken word)
-Paul O'Toole (contemporary)
-Cantori di Aradia (Italian duo)
-Les Keye (ex "Wild Oscars")
-R'uaidhri "Jail Break" McAuliffe (acousitcc)
-Keith & "The Truth" (electric)
-Arresting Garda (spoken word)
Info Ph./text 087 918 4552
Email pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com
Website www.ploughsharesireland.org
U.S.MILITARY OUT OF SHANNON
Update
Aug 28 2003
Next court date - Nov 3rd. 2003, Trial Date Unknown
Mailing Address - Ploughshares, 134 Phibsborough Rd., Dublin 7 IRELAND
Mobile - (+353) (0)87 918 4552
Donations payable "Ploughshares Defence Fund"
Purchasing Items -
1) Email Your Order
2) We'll email cost (including postage)
3) You send us a cheque
4) We'll mail you the stuff.
T-SHIRT
-Ploughshares symbol, "Pit Stop Ploughsharees Disarm U.S. Navy War Plane, Shannon Airport 4/2/03"
€13 plus postage
BOOKS
-"Swords into Plowshares - A Chronology of Plowshares Disarmament Action 1980 -2003"
€5 plus postage
-"Remembering Forgetting - A Journey of Nonnviolent Resistance to the War On East Timor" by Ciaron O'Reilly
€5 plus postage
VIDEOS
-"Catholic Worker Movement in Ireland", witth Ciaron O'Reilly, Fr. Dan Berrigan, U.S. military at Shannon (Oct. 2002) 30 mins
€10 plus postage
-"Seeds of Hope" - Action, Trial & Acquittaal of four ploughshares women who disarmed a British Aerospace Hawk Fighter to be sold to the Inodnesian military. (1996) 25 mins
€10 plus postage
- "Phil Berrigan and the Plowshares Movemennt" Interviews with members of the Sacred Earth, Riverside and Pit Stop Plowshare Communities. A tribute to the late Phil Berigan.(2003) 60 mins.
€10 plus postage
BRIGID CROSSES
Traditional reed crosses, handmade.
Small - €2 plus postage
Large -€2.50 plus postage
INFLATABLE HAMMERS (must have!)
Large tricolour inflatable hammer with "Hammered by the Irish" printed across the head. As carried & wielded by the Pit Stop Ploughshares during their act of disarmament....popular amongst Irish soccer supporters (thanx lads!)
€4 plus postage
Ciaron O’Reilly to address Public Peace Forum, Donegal
Aug 15 2003
FRIDAY AUGUST 15th, 7.30pm - Central Hotel, Donegal Town
Donegal Peace Group are busy organising Public Peace Forums which will welcome noted peace activists to Donegal Town this month. The activists will counter claims that the war on Iraq was a victory and provide useful insights into the current U.S/U.K occupation of Iraq and its vast oil resources. They will also detail their efforts in working for global peace and justice. The ‘Peace Forums’ will close with an Outdoor Social Gathering on August 29th. The meetings are open to all and free debate and discussion is encouraged.
Scott Schaeffer-Duffy from Catholic Worker {audio interview}
Aug 10 2003
Ciaron O'Reilly (Pitstop Ploughshares) interviews Scott Schaeffer-Duffy from the St. Frances and St. Therese Catholic Worker in Worcester, Massachusettes, USA...
MP3 Steamed
http://tinyurl.com/jnuk
MP3 Download
http://tinyurl.com/jnun
audio hosted for free at radio4all.net
Read Article and more links:
Ireland Indymedia
Ulla Roder Released on Unconditional Bail
Aug 9 2003
Ulla Roder has been released on unconditional bail until her trial
which is scheduled for 25th August. For more info:
www.free-ulla.org
Violence Ends Where Love Begins
Tornado Disarmament Action at RAF Leuchars.
On the 10th of March 2003, Danish peace activist Ulla Roder was
arrested and charged with Criminal Damage to a Tornado ground attack
aircraft, parked in a hanger at RAF Leuchars in Fife. Tornados from
Leuchars were involved in the bombing of Iraq and ammunition possibly
included the use of radioactive Depleted Uranium.
Ulla's Story
Not Endless Discussion - Real Disarmament Now
I looked at the seat in the cockpit in the streamlined white Tornado
warplane, which I had just entered. In my mind I had the picture of a
young pilot, boy, son, father; the many years of fear for the people of
Iraq; for their survival; for a new world war nuclear war; fear of
losing the little bit of freedom we people have left in this world, to
a state which has officially declared that it wants "Full Spectrum
Dominance" on earth as well as in space and which has shown all
willingness and cynicism to use whatever means of power to gain this.
All this made me lift the red and black bolt-cutters in my hand. Crash!
I shouted out aloud in the hangar. There was no-one to hear, but it
helped. "We don't want your war, Bush and Blair!" This for all the dead
civilians in Iraq and all the children still suffering at poor
hospitals, caused by 12 years of sanctions against civilians. Crash!
The control panel was out of commission...
Read Article:
Ulla's Story
COMFORTING THE AFFLICTED AND AFFLICTING THE COMFORTABLE!
EXPLORING THE RADICAL CATHOLIC WORKER TRADITON!
Sunday August 10th. Kimmage Manor Dublin
*We are hoping this will be a day when folks from a variety of faith, peace & social traditions will join us in dialogue and celebration.
RSVP to
ciaronx@hotmail.com
or 087 918 4552
* Feel free to come to all or some of the sessions!
-Morning - 10.45am - Experimenting wwith CW outside of U.S.
-Lunch - 1 pm
-Afternoon 2.15 pm - U.S. Catholic Workers reflect & share.
-Evening Session - music seesion andd cheap bar/cans.
VENUE - Kimmage Manor, Kimmage, Dublin
*get the 15A bus from Trinity Colege/Pearse St. side. 15A will drop you on Whitehall Rd on the drive into Kimmage Manor.
*10 a.m. If any one wants to make mass there is one on the grounds at 10 am.
*10.45 a.m. Ciaron O'Reilly reflecting on experimenting with the Catholic Worker outside of the U.S. - Brisbane/Australia, Christchurch/New Zealand, Liverpool-London/England
*11.30 a.m. Dublin Catholic Worker ongoing experiments with
-Community Building
-Acts of Mercy
-Nonviolent Resistance
*1 p.m. LUNCH
* 2.15 p.m. The Schaeffer-Duffy family from St. Teresa's Catholic Worker in Worster. Mass. USA will reflect o their life and work in the Catholic Worker.
Scott & Clare have spent two decades in the Catholic Worker movement. They live and work in a hospitality house from where they run a community bakery and organise nonviolent resistance to war preparations.
Scott was recently released after serving 3 months in Georgia County Jails for nonviolent resistance at the School of the Americas, Ft. Benning (see www.soaw.org) Scott was sentenced on the same day as Fr. Jim Hynes (originally from Ballyfermot) who remains in a Texas prison.
Both Scott and Clare have participated in nonviolent peacemaking interventions in Bosnia, Iraq and Latin America. They have been heavilly involved in nonviolent resistance to Raytheon and will be speaking in Derry on the evning of August 14th.
*5 p.m. Session with Ruardhi "Jailbreak" McAuliffe
& Dermot Dorgan from Australia. Cheap bar/cans on sale etc.
Feel free to come to any or all of the seesions. If you wouldl like to just join us for the music and celebration that would be great.
Please RSVP
ciaronx@hotmail.com
or 087 918 4552
Ploughshares Update (3 nuns and Catholic Worker 5)
Deirdre Clancy
Jul 26 2003
Today the ploughshares Dominican nuns Jackie Hudson, Carol Gilbert and Ardeth Platte were sentenced to 18 months, two years and nine months, and three years and five months respectively after a ploughshares action in Colorado. The Catholic Worker five also had a bail hearing today in the Dublin Circuit Court, obtaining a significant relaxation in bail conditions but not a trail date as expected.
Today (July 25th) the Pitstop Ploughshares group (Karen Fallon, Ciaron O’Reilly, Damien Moran, Nuin Dunlop and Deirdre Clancy) appeared in the Dublin Circuit court for a bail hearing and, supposedly, to receive a trail date. After a vigil on O’Connell Street in remembrance of Iraqi casualties in the ongoing war of aggression, we marched with other activists in single file to the four courts carrying symbols of our opposition to the belligerence of the coalition forces. This occurred on a day when the Pentagon took the grotesquely triumphalist (and yet somehow also desperate) step of publishing pictures of two dead bodies from a shoot-out in which a fourteen-year-old child was also killed. Due to appear at 10:30am, the hearing didn’t occur until the end of the morning, due to a delay on the part of the Ennis guards in providing a copy of our new bail conditions. After much to-ing and fro-ing by our harassed legal team between fax machines and photocopiers, the hearing finally occurred.
Judge Hogan was initially puzzled that the case had come before him, and our counsel Giollíosa Ólideadha explained the fact of our transfer to Dublin. Although the judge was initially concerned with the ‘looseness’ of the first proposed bail change, which specifies that we now need only sign on at the Garda Stations twice weekly on separate days, but doesn’t specify the days, he agreed to the proposed amendments to our bail conditions. Technically, it seems, we can now sign on at five to midnight and five past midnight, and that’s it for the week. We also may be allowed into County Clare as long as we seek advance permission from the Superintendent in Ennis. (I’m not sure about braving a phone call to our good friend the Super in order to obtain this privilege, though.)
Other issues discussed include items of disclosure sought by our solicitor Joe Noonan – which I won’t go into detail about - and the question of legal aid for senior counsel, which we hadn’t been granted up until today. Aspects of this latter issue still remain open. We are up in court for mention again on November 3rd, which means that our trial will almost definitely be in 2004. (According to Judge Hogan, the list of cases to be dealt with in the District Court right now is ‘bulging’.)
Thanks to all of the activists who accompanied us today, to our legal team and to our Iraqi friend Zahir, who provided some stirring thoughts before we entered the court.
Sentencing of Ploughshares Nuns
On a separate but related note, there was a vigil outside the US Embassy today from 4pm in solidarity with the three Dominican nuns in the US, who faced sentencing today for a ploughshares action on a nuclear missile silo in Colorado last autumn. The vigil was attended by Nuin Dunlop (the only Pitstop Ploughshares person allowed to go within the vicinity of the US Embassy) and other activists.
Today Jackie Hudson (68) was sentenced to 18 months, Carol Gilbert (55) to two years and nine months and Ardeth Platte (66) to three years and five months. All were convicted in April of obstructing the national defense and damaging government property.
The nuns cut a fence and walked onto a Minuteman III silo site last October. They pounded the silo with hammers and painted a cross on it with their blood. Officials said they caused at least $1,000 in damage. They had until August 25 to report to prison but chose to go immediately.
Before sentencing, the nuns defiantly told a crowd of 150 supporters outside the courthouse they were not afraid of prison. "Whatever sentence I receive today will be joyfully accepted as an offering for peace and with God's help it will not injure my spirit", Platte said. Hudson said: "When someone holds a gun to your head or someone else's head do you not have a right and a duty to enter that arena and stop that crime?"
All three women are longtime anti-war activists. Platte and Gilbert lived in Jonah House, a Baltimore activist community founded by the late peace activist Philip Berrigan. Hudson lived in a similar community in Poulsbo.
For more on ploughshares, see www.ploughsharesactions.org
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
photos
Nuns Sentenced TO 2 1/2 to 31/2 years for plowshares & WMD inspection!
Jul 25 2003
* Letters os support should be wriiteen to the individual nuns c/- Plowshares, Jonah House, 1301 Moreland Ave.baltimore, MD 21216, U.S.A.
Dear Friends -
Today, Sisters Ardeth Platte, Carol Gilbert and Jackie Hudson were sentenced
for breaking into a federal missile silo in Colorado, smearing it with their
own blood and pounding on it with hammers. The Dominican nuns said the act
symbolized that they would rather pour out their own blood than have U.S.
weapons take the blood of another.
The day began in Colorado with a press conference in front of the Federal
building at which the nuns read their pre-sentencing statements; they would
not read them in court. Instead, in solidarity with women around the world,
they decided to dress as Women in Black and remain mute in the courtroom.
It proceeded with the Judge deciding to consolidate the sentencings -
despite his prior refusal of that motion.
Once in court, arguments were made by both sides on the length of sentence.
The prosecutor and the probation office requested sentences ranging from 5
to 10 years in prison. The nuns' attorneys argued that when the guidelines
for sabotage were set to mandate lengthy sentences, the actions defined
under "sabotage" in no way included what the nuns did. The legal precedent
is that of Daniel Sicken and Sachio Ko Yin who, some years back, were
sentenced in the same court for a similar action. Their judge - Judge
Miller - granted downward departure at sentencing saying: "There is sabotage
and then there is sabotage!" The prosecution appealed the judge's decision
and lost; the 10th circuit court of appeals upheld the judge's decision. The
damage in the prior case was far more substantial than that of which the
nuns are convicted.
Sr. Jackie Hudson was sentenced to 30 months in prison
Sr. Carol Gilbert was sentenced to 33 months in prison
Sr. Ardeth Platte was sentenced to 41 months in prison.
In addition, a period of 3 years supervised release follows their prison
sentences; no fines were imposed but restitution of $3,081.04 was. They were
ordered to self-surrender but refused and were taken immediately into
custody. Supporters in the packed courtroom chanted: "Close the silos; free
the nuns!" and the courtroom was cleared.
The day began in Baltimore with reading and reflecting on the scripture
passages for today. The passage from 2 Corinthians 4: 8ff was a gift for
today; it reminded us that the nuns (and through and in solidarity with
them, we ourselves) are afflicted, but not constrained; perplexed, but not
driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed.
We are grieved that the nuns will have to serve that kind of time for an
action that was totally symbolic; but we are relieved that it is not the 8 -
10 years that the prosecution was demanding. The nuns were and are prepared
to accept prison, however much they - and we - believe that they committed
no crime, certainly no major crime. "We had no criminal intent at any
level," said Sr. Ardeth Platte, a member, with Sr. Carol Gilbert, of Jonah
House. "We accept the consequences of our actions joyfully…I know it will be
a long journey, but we're not afraid." Platte said.
The sisters believe nuclear weapons are the "taproot" of social and economic
injustice because the billions of dollars spent on them could go to programs
for the poor and needy. Standing against militarism, they say, is a way to
challenge skewed priorities that cause orphanages and soup kitchens to exist
in the first place.
The Nuns' "crimes" revealed that we in the U.S. accept rule by our own "evil
tyrants who threaten and use weapons of mass destruction and ignore
international law." Even more shocking to the current "might makes right"
school of "law," the Nuns showed that together we could nonviolently
accomplish complete nuclear disarmament one weapon at a time starting with
open declaration and inspection.
We have no news yet of where the nuns will be taken. We expect they will
spend some time in a local or transitory facility before being taken to the
federal prisons where they will serve their time. We will be in touch when
we have an address for them.
Below are the statements Carol and Ardeth made this morning in front of the
courthouse, having determined not to speak in court.
SENTENCING STATEMENT - SISTER CAROL GILBERT, OP
JULY 25, 2003
For many months I have pondered what to say, if anything at all. St.
Francis once said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary use words."
It seems that today a few words are necessary.
For the past ten months we have tried to cooperate with these courts. We
have been asking since day one - what are the charges? What is Title 18,
U.S. Code,
Section 2155, if not sabotage?
We are not saboteurs. Today, we ask no more questions.
We know something is very wrong with a system that can incarcerate us for
years in prison for inspecting, exposing and symbolically disarming
America's Weapons of Mass Destruction.
We know we should be acquitted for upholding the United States Constitution
that declares all laws and treaties to be the supreme laws of the country.
Article 6, Section 2 of the United States Constitution "declares this
constitution and the laws of the United States which shall be made in
Pursuance thereof, and all Treaties made, or which shall be made under the
Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land and the
Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution
or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding."
We should be acquitted for upholding International laws which this court has
deemed unnecessary but which is bound to enforce under Article 6, Section 2
of the U.S. Constitution. It hurts to hear the prosecutor continue to call
Frances Boyle a "self-professed international law guru."
We should be acquitted for upholding the highest law - God's Law.
Judge Blackburn talked a lot about law. He didn't want this to be a
political trial but a case about law. So did we. That was our deepest hope.
But, we were not the ones that turned this into a political trial nor will
we make of ourselves political prisoners - that will be the prosecutor
and judge.
We have read in the press and in our pre-sentencing reports that the lengthy
sentence is for deterrence - both for ourselves and others.
But, what the government fails to recognize is that long prison sentences
will only energize the movement. As a tee shirt in upstate New York reads,
"You can jail the resister but not the resistance." We will not be silenced.
During our seven months in the Clear Creek County Jail we received thousands
of letters from the United States and international community, over a
thousand signatures from people who stand in solidarity with us and more
than 650 letters were sent to the judge asking for compassion and justice.
There have been four plowshares actions since ours - one of them in the
United States.
This Memorial Day, four plowshares activists enfleshed the Isaiah and Micah
prophecies on the USS Philippine Sea in New York harbor during fleet week
naming themselves Riverside Ploughshares. No charges were filed.
No, Judge Blackburn needs no more words from us. Judge Blackburn needs no
character witnesses this morning. What Judge Blackburn needs is to listen to
his God. He needs to heed these words from one of my church's social justice
documents, Gadium et spes. # 16. "Deep within their consciences men and
women discover a law which they have not laid upon themselves and which
they must obey. It's voice, ever calling them to love and to do what is good
and to avoid evil, tells them inwardly at the right moment: do this, shun
that. For they have in their hearts a law inscribed by God. Their dignity
rests, in observing the law, and by it they will be judged. Their conscience
is people's most secret core and their sanctuary. There they are alone with
God whose voice echoes in their depths."
Tomorrow, non-violent citizens in Colorado will inspect and expose
America's weapons of mass destruction, the Minuteman 111 , with others
joining in solidarity in other states and others exposing other weapons
systems at other sites.
Resistance will not be deterred. You cannot silence truth. Truth will be
spoken. Law will be upheld.
Judge Blackburn and the prosecutor need to reflect on the story in the Acts
of the Apostles of Gamaliel - Chapter 5 vv. 17-42.
Gamaliel was a Pharisee, a member of the Council, and a teacher of the Law.
He was highly respected by all the people.
As Peter and the other apostles were taken to the Council and high-priest,
Gamaliel cautioned the council not to take any action against the men. He
said, "if what they have planned and done is of human origin it will
disappear, but if it comes from God, you cannot possibly defeat them."
Someday history will prove what we did on the early morning of October 6,
2002 - inspecting, exposing and symbolically disarming a Minuteman 111, a
weapon of mass destruction was legal.
Until that day I will continue being led where I would rather not go. I will
continue to resist with every fiber of my being so that not one child will
ever ask, "Why were you complicit?" .
Lastly, a few words about fear. I don't fear going to prison. I don't fear
loss of freedom to move about. I don't even fear death. The fear that fills
me is not having lived hard enough, deep enough and sweet enough with
whatever gifts God has given me.
The demons are banished by light and like the prophet Micah, this is what
God asks of us, only this - " To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk
humbly with our God."
There is a story told of Daniel Berrigan, Jesuit priest, prophet and friend
that he was once asked to give the commencement address at a prestigious
university. He stood up, walked to the podium and said, "Know where you
stand and stand there" and then he sat down. My friends, "know where you
stand and stand there." (Bow)
ELOCUTION AT SENTENCING BY ARDETH PLATTE, O.P.
In front of the Federal District Court House on July 25, 2003
While we were at home at Jonah House, we opened our liturgy with the music,
"Here I am God. Is it I God? I have heard you calling in the night. I
will go God, if You lead me. I will hold your people in my heart ." We
closed the liturgy with: "Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come
follow Me and I will give you rest." Faith and the words of the stanzas to
these hymns record key notes in my journey of life - in waging peace, led
on a quest
for a world without war ever again,
in an attempt to stop the crimes and sins of government in my name,
in disarming weapons of mass destruction and stopping the merchant- sales
of the killing machines and technology sold to other nations, and calling
for a design of a global economy that will assure people in the entire world
all basic human necessities of food, shelter, education and health care,
etc.
With a vision for disarmament, a mandate to speak truth, and a mission to
halt the sinfulness, illegality and criminality being touted in my name, I
march to the Drummer of my soul Who instills faith rather than fear, trust
not hopelessness, and love instead of hatred and enemy relationships made
through endless threats, innuendos, propaganda, and permanent warmaking.
This journey has included numerous direct actions over decades: forums,
vigils, lobby, processions, demonstrations, boycotts, and civil resistance
in various areas of the country. Our social analysis, along with the need
to unmask urgent and sometimes secretive matters, has led me into nonviolent
symbolic public actions of resistance, such as:
1. Christ lives, disarm! Easter Sunday, 1992...entered into a nuclear
bunker.
2. Weep for Children Plowshares,1996...at the launching of the 18th Trident.
3. Gods of Metal Plowshares, 1998...bomb bay area of a B-52 used in Iraq.
4. Sacred Earth and Space Plowshares, 2000...the Milstar receiver and an
F-18 used in bombing Iraq.
5. Sacred Earth and Space Plowshares II, 2002...Minuteman III
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile at N8, threatened and prepared to be
used.
Sisters Carol, Jackie and I believe that we had a responsibility to
inspect, expose, and symbolically disarm this weapon of mass destruction to
avert a crime of our government and uphold the laws of the United States,
not break them. Don't people claim today that the citizens of Germany
should have blocked the trains carrying people to the crematoriums,
dismantled the ovens, or done something to stop the mass murder of people by
Hitler? How will future generations judge all of us?
I find the charges in the Sacred Earth and Space Plowshares II bogus.
Ours was a simple, measured, nonviolent, symbolic action wherein the
liturgical rituals were crystal clear.
What were the fears within the prosecutor to call for an "in limine" motion
that silenced us on all the laws so pertinent to the threats to use the
Minuteman III? What fears were within the judge to grant the silencing?
Being stripped of our law defenses made the trial a farce.
The elements of the charges were not substantiated beyond a reasonable
doubt by the prosecutor. The jury did not recognize the ongoing change in
the wording of the charges throughout the trial: from an indictment under
sabotage by a grand jury, citing a specific intent to obstruct the national
defense, then use of vandalism and trespass, and finally use of destruction
of national defense premises recorded on the verdict form. Even the
government's witnesses claimed under oath that the national defense was
never jeopardized. How can a national offensive first strike weapon be
launched as a national defensive weapon? Deliberation by the jury seemed
brief and without researching answers to the complexities in such a serious
case. Are we charged with sabatoge? Yes! Isn't that the reason I face 92
to 115 months in prison?
Could peacemakers lives be that expendable? Will the punitive measures
taken against dissenters, enforced under Patriot Bills I and II, be so harsh
that any lawlessness on the part of government officials will go
unchallenged in the future? Who will be courageous enough to reveal the
lies and stop the murderous conduct in Afghanistan and Iraq? Who will demand
an end to U.S. interventionism? Who will stand in behalf of the people
contaminated by depleted uranium? Who will be there for prisoners illegally
detained in Guantanamo? Who will teach the treaties and U. S. Constitution
and who will demand the implementation by every court of the land? Who will
bring nonviolence into the forefront for conflict-solving?
The sentencing consequences are exaggerated; the prosecutor and probation
offices' research is skewed. Why would multi-hundreds of letters and more
than 1,000 solidarity communications have no effect for downward departure?
Why has the prosecutor's statements to the press been considered
acceptable - that a long sentence for us will deter others. Four plowshare
actions have been carried out since ours - one on Memorial Day on the USS
Philippine Sea with the use of blood poured out on the bomb hatches and
hammers used in the same symbolic way? Yet no charges were brought forth.
How will we wage the struggle together to keep democracy alive, to bring
our nation from its killing mode to a life-giving mode, to keep the tenets
of the beatitudes, commandments and Sermon on the Mount practiced by the
nation as well as by us as individuals? Tomorrow's direct action at the
silos and bases to inspect, expose and demand disarmament is a bold and
worthy beginning. We join you in spirit with deepest gratitude. Whatever
sentence I receive today will be joyfully accepted as an offering for peace.
With God's help it will not injure my spirits. In the sacred moments or
years of imprisonment, I will remain with you in prayer and walk together
with you for the good of all humanity and creation. My love and gratitude
always.
Mary Kelly Trial
Deirdre Clancy
Jul 4 2003
Hung Jury, Re-Trial Possible in October
Report by Deirdre Clancy: Speaking to Mary by phone soon after the trial’s end, I asked her for her reaction to this outcome. “It’s a great victory for Ireland,” she said, quietly, obviously deeply moved. “The people, having heard the evidence, could not find me guilty of a crime.” Not only is it a victory for Ireland and for the peace movement as a whole, but it is also a victory for Mary and her legal team, given the efforts of the prosecution, and indeed the judge, to try to suppress both highly distinguished and experienced defence witnesses and evidence for the defence. As an activist who is banned from County Clare for a similar nonviolent direct action, I have relied on several concerned citizens who took copious notes in court each day, and gave me detailed daily phone updates on the trial proceedings. Given the way in which much of the mainstream media have operated on a “guilty until proven innocent” premise with regard to nonviolent direct action in general, it would seem important to give a full factual account of this trial. One might object that this account has as much of an agenda as coverage in any other media outlet, and this is probably true. The “agenda” is to provide a factual account of how Mary Kelly and her legal team spoke truth to power.
Day one of the trial (Monday, 30th of June) featured Commander Willam Schneider, pilot of the ill-fated plane. Schneider, when questioned by the prosecution, basically testified that having landed the plane, he didn’t give anybody permission to damage it with an axe. He also testified that the plane in question was carrying cargo and passengers rather than weapons, although he wasn’t aware of how many passengers he was actually carrying. The defence barrister Brendan Nix asked Schneiders whether he was aware of the fact that George W. Bush had congratulated not only the U.S. army but also the Air Force and the Coast Guard on their role in the war effort. Schneiders replied that he would not presume to speak for his president. Nix repeated the question, pointing out that he wasn’t being asked to speak for Bush, just whether he was aware of the specific fact of Bush’s message of congratulations. A rather flustered Schneiders eventually answered “Yes”. There was slight controversy over Schneiders’ failure to name one of the plane’s identifying marks when he was asked to list these, the omitted mark being the “City of Dallas” insignia on the plane (which I can reliably inform you is definitely there, and may even have allegedly been the specific target a bang or two some days after Mary Kelly’s action). Schneiders was ushered out of the courtroom by a superior quite soon after the reality of the effects of U.S. foreign policy began to be discussed by the defence, presumably for fear he would be exposed to “un-American” viewpoints. “Only a pawn in their game”, as the bard might say.
Another witness for the prosecution on Day one was the scene of crimes inspector, who it turned out had inserted material in his report that didn’t reflect his first-hand experience of the scene of the “crime” (the crime being the fact that military planes in an illegal war of aggression are landing at Shannon in the first place). The inspector had mentioned damage to a “proximity electronic sensing unit” in his report, and Nix asked the inspector the following question: “If a proximity electronic sensing unit fell out of a tree and landed on you, would you know what it was?” Mr. Scene of Crimes thought for a minute and then replied, “No”. By this time, it was becoming apparent to many in the courtroom that although the prosecution team was deeply anxious to criminalize Mary Kelly, their level of competency was questionable. Perhaps the mistaken assumption that they wouldn’t have to try too hard to win the case was a part of this.
There were then several witnesses from the U.S. military, the Airport Police and the FBO (Fixed Base Operators), who all displayed a deep phobia about uttering the words “yes” and “no”. When asked by the defence whether they knew that a large number of munitions were going through Shannon, for example, an FBO man replied “Well, I don’t know what you mean by a large number”. All answers from the aforementioned witnesses to this question were along these lines.
Further contradictions in the prosecution’s case emerged when Superintendent Kerin testified that several members of the guards had told him that on her arrest, Mary refused to co-operate with the investigation. All of the guards involved in the investigation, among them Garda Liam O’Reilly and Detective Geoghan, denied ever having made such a claim.
Day two was a day in which the jury’s patience was tested by the prosecution. They continually had to leave the courtroom while the prosecution team went away to find evidence that they had forgotten to bring to court. According to plane-spotting activist Tim Hourigan, the jury were “up and down like the Assyrian Empire”. However, the comic highlight of the day has to have been when Commander Shady of the U.S. Navy (yes, that’s his real name, by the way) revealed that as project manager for the fleet of C40s (the ill-fated plane was part of a new fleet), he had performed a damage estimate of the plane via video satellite link from Kansas. Now, to me, the chances of achieving an accurate estimate via a video link are about as good as if they got the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz to do it for them instead. Shady also testified that some of the damage of which Mary was accused wasn’t actually detected until after the plane had got back to Kansas (having presumably clicked its heels three times), which the defense pointed out could mean that this damage was not a result of Mary’s action, but of the action several days later by the Catholic Worker five. The emergency repairs that were intended to make the plane fit to fly to Kansas (for a full-scale repair) involved the radome, the nose landing gear, the link assembly, the metering assembly and temporary patches on the fusilage. Such technical details were sending the jury into a visible state of almost sleep-inducing boredom, until Denis Halliday took the stand and talked at length about the effects of the sanctions, of depleted uranium and of the destruction of Iraq’s infrastructure on the country’s inhabitants. Several people in the courtroom were moved to tears by Halliday’s testimony, and the jury was visibly moved also.
Day three began with the defence asking the Judge Moran to install a new jury, because the previous day, the judge had prejudiced them by falsely stating that Mary had “admitted to a crime”. The judge refused to agree to this request, but did retract his statement, asking the jury to disregard it.
The sage-like Ramsey Clarke (former U.S. Attorney General and longtime peace campaigner) testified for 30 minutes about the adverse effects of U.S. foreign policy, stating facts and figures about the effects of long-term low-intensity conflict in Iraq since 1991. He expressed deep concern about the sanctions, with at least 585,000 young children dead as a direct result of them. He also compared Mary’s action to somebody removing the bullets from a gun that would otherwise be used to kill someone. The prosecuting counsel strenuously questioned the relevance of Clarke’s testimony, and asked him the following question: “If someone broke into your house and did 1.5 million euros worth of damage, how would you feel?” Clarke replied that if his house was capable of complicity in the murder of innocents, he’d be actively offering invitations to people to come and damage it. Clarke was asked the question several times (apparently the prosecutor felt he hadn’t answered it), and gave the same reply each time. I am sure many bizarre questions are asked in courtrooms, but this one strikes me as similar to asking Rosa Parks “If someone sat in your usual seat in the bus, how would you feel?” Removal of context, universalizing of the particular, seems to be a tool used by empire time and again. And, because we all know that the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house (to borrow from Audre Lorde), all that a defence can do is to continually push the focus back to the context in which an action occurs.
Michael Birmingham gave a similarly powerful testimony, focusing on the current breakdown of law and order in Iraq, which he is witnessing at first hand in his heroic work for Voices in the Wilderness. The lack of a police force means that many people now own guns. In a speech in Limerick last Friday, for example, Birmingham spoke of an incident in which a nine-year-old street child was raped near his hotel, resulting in the hotel staff getting their guns to the ready to go out to protect the street children nearby, of whom there has been a proliferation since the latest invasion. He also witnessed a man being fatally stabbed, as a group of U.S. soldiers stood a few metres away and failed to intervene.
Toward the end of day three, there were vigorous protestations from the prosecution at the desire of Mary’s legal team to have the jury view a series of videos relevant to Mary’s motivations, among them John Pilger’s documentary on the effects of the sanctions, “Paying the Price”. The prosecution maintained that Pilger wasn’t a proper investigative journalist because he “showed gory details”, which meant he was “too emotional”. The decision on the videos was adjourned until the next day, so that the judge would have a chance to watch the videos at home and make an informed decision.
By the morning of day four, Judge Moran had decided that none of the videos were relevant, especially not the John Pilger one, because it would politicize the trial, was too emotional and would affect the jury (and here was I thinking evidence on both sides was actually supposed to affect a jury’s decision). To add insult to injury, the prosecution also wished to know how Scott Ritter (ex-UN weapons inspector and next scheduled defence witness) was relevant to the case, and Judge Moran was very much inclined to wonder the same, saying he felt that the case was becoming much too political. Finally Judge Moran reluctantly agreed to allow the defence to ask Ritter one or two questions. The sum total of Ritter’s testimony consisted of the following question from Nix and its reply: “Did the U.S. have a mandate to go to war?” Ritter: “Most definitely not.” With that, Ritter was urged to leave the stand, and the defence finished with a “fantastic” (Mary Kelly’s adjective) closing speech from Nix on her behalf. When the judge gave charge, Mary became convinced that she was going to prison. Judge Moran’s slant was clearly in the prosecution’s favour and many in the courtroom were convinced that Mary would be convicted. He did not address the jury as to the influences and state of mind of the defendant, who had been affected by work in severely war-torn areas of the world and upset at having seen the destruction of Iraqi society, the effects of depleted uranium and the death of thousands of children in the Pilger documentary. He ignored the defence testimony, directing the jury not to allow feelings or issues of conscience to influence them in making their decision. This extraordinary instruction, when the whole function of a jury is to act as the conscience of society in matters of law, is perhaps an indication of how profoundly the prosecution’s agenda had been shown up by the strength, clarity and truth of the defence. Despite being effectively told to ignore their own human consciences, the jury couldn’t convict Mary Kelly for her efforts to undercut the U.S. war machine. And this outcome is another small but highly significant dent in that war machine.
When Ramsey Clarke spoke at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick on Wednesday the 2nd of July, he spoke about U.S. weapons capabilities with great knowledge. He warned that the U.S. had the capability to wipe out any country in the world overnight should it wish to do so, speaking of twenty Hiroshimas. A soft-spoken man who is eighty-one and who Shas seen much destruction and sought to resist it, he made a passing statement toward the end of his speech that made me sit up: “I’m still naïve enough to think that the truth will set you free”. Mary Kelly’s court case has, in its own way, been an example of this maxim in action.
Deirdre Clancy, July 4, 2003.
Read Article (first comment):
Ireland Indymedia
Mary Kelly's evidence
Justin Morahan
Jul 7 2003
This comprises Mary Kelly's evidence given at her trial in Kilrush court, Ireland on Tuesday last.
The item is based on notes taken by me at the trial where two days later the jury were unable to reach a verdict.
In her evidence, given as a series of answers to her Counsel, Brendan Nix,
Mary Kelly said that she was born in 1952, was married and had been
separated, has four children. She is from Athlone, is a qualified nurse and
interested in world affairs. On the 29 January, 2003, she was living at the
Peace Camp at Shannon. She was a founder member of the Camp. As a volunteer
nurse in Palestine she had been devastated by the deaths there (caused by the
Israelis). No country was willing to stand up and condemn the brutalities
and torture that were happening there. She spoke to Government ministers
(in Ireland) about it.
She was deported to Ireland because of events in the Church of the Nativity
in Bethlehem in April, 2002.
Three hundred people were by then living in the Church of the Nativity as a
refuge from gunfire. Very concerned that there was no food or medicine in
the Church, she along with nine others brought in food and medicines and
then told the media the truth of what was happening. ... She was arrested by
Israeli troops and sent back to Ireland one week later.
In Ireland she became very concerned with the news that there would be
another war against Iraq. She knew that the people there had no voice that
could be heard. She was disturbed to learn that US warplanes were using our
airport to wage war on Iraq.
In reply to the question if she had educated herself on the situation, she
said that she had read Ramsey Clark, read about the work of Denis Halliday
and volunteer Michael Bermingham. She read newspapers, attended debates,
read reports written by Hans Blix and by previous weapons inspectors,
especially Scott Ritter. She had watched videos, spoke to Iraqis, spoke to
concerned T.D.s who had tried to have some of the relevant videos shown in
the Dáil. She had seen John Pilger's "Paying the Price", which showed the
effects of the sanctions on Iraq and she was extremely moved to find out
about the situation in hospitals there and how former Assistant Secretary
General of the UN, Denis Halliday, had himself smuggled in drugs to save the
lives of a few Iraqi children.
The sanctions (imposed by the UN on Iraq after the previous Gulf war in 1991
and never revoked) had devastated her. They especially affected children
and old people. There were deformities and cancers that could not be
treated, there was a lack of medicinal drugs, there was immense suffering..
She was horrified that her country was assisting in a war that would again
devastate Iraq. The water system there had been previously targeted, Unicef
reported that over 4000 children were dying every month.
On 29 January last Mary Kelly said that she went into Shannon airport with
an axe and did damage to a plane. At the time she was extremely moved.
Millions were protesting around the world (and were not being heard). She
wanted to do something that would give pause to the people who were waging
an unjust and immoral war. "I believed that my action would give pause to
the Irish Government (who were assisting it) and to the US.." (who were
waging it), she said.
She got in by unhooking the barbed wire on top of the fence and climbing
over the fence.
When arrested she had given a voluntary statement to the Gárdaí and had been
fully cooperative with them. She concluded that she was still involved with
the anti-war movement.
Cross-examined by Mr Stephen Coughlan, B.L., she agreed that her stand in
Palestine was a principled one. An Israeli tank had opened fire on her and
her companions. On a TV programme she had said that she wanted to give a
voice to the people. "My conscience moved me to damage this plane", she
said.
She had made her decision to attack the plane on the previous day and bought
the axe on the day of the action, 29 January. She struck the plane nearest
the fence, which she had seen before she went in. She saw that it was a US
Navy plane "and to me that was a warplane". If there had been a Hercules
plane there she would probably have attacked it but her choice of plane was
not arbitrary. There were many planes. Some carried (US) troops. Some might
have been carrying weapons of mass destruction. It was part of a chain that
was already engaged in war on a defenceless people. Although war was not
officially declared until March 21, war had already started. Even Irish TV
had reported the attacks that were happening.
Asked about her phrase "giving pause to the Irish Government", she said
people here were not aware, our Government was not listening. "It was
imperative (for me) to do as much as I could do so that no more Iraqi
children would die or suffer from lack of drugs."
When Mr Couglan said to her "So you just thought you could take the law into
your own hands", she replied that she was obeying international law. In the
Nuremberg tribunals the judgement was made that individuals have a duty to
violate domestic laws when crimes against peace and humanity are being
committed.. She didn't see it that she was committing a crime.
She didn't think she was "so different", as he had put it. 150,000 had
marched against the war, she was different only in that she felt compelled
to put a stop to one warplane... and to clarify that the impending invasion
was illegal.
Read Article (first comment):
Ireland Indymedia
Scott Ritter Speaks!
Vinnie - Galway Alliance Against War
Jul 5 2003
On Thursday night, Scott Ritter the former UN weapons inspector for Iraq spoke to a packed room in the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway, at a meeting hosted by the Galway Alliance Against War. Scott was in Ireland to testify at Mary Kelly's trial, and spoke at length about her actions in disarming a US warplane at Shannon airport, and how he felt more people need to become active citizens, rather than just passive consumers, if we are to make into a reality the notion that both Ireland and America are democratic republics.
Read Article (first comment):
Ireland Indymedia
Interview with Ploughshares Activist Parents in OZ
News Ltd
Jun 30 2003
THE Brisbane parents of a peace activist are proud of their son but worried he may be facing a jail term in Ireland. On Tuesday, Ciaron O'Reilly, 43, will stand trial with four others on criminal damage charges arising out of the disabling of a US Navy aircraft during an anti-Iraqi war protest at Dublin's Shannon Airport in February.
Mary O'Reilly, 72, and her husband Garrett, 75, said their devout Christian son had dedicated his life to peace and they fully supported him.
While Mrs O'Reilly could not help feeling a mother's anxiety for her second son, she said: "I've just accepted that this is going to be the way it
is."
She admitted that friends and others in Brisbane who had seen their dreadlocked son in protests over the years did not understand why he
had turned his back on a teaching career to live a life of poverty and protest.
"I'm quite sure the majority of people don't know what he's on about and what motivates him to do this," Mrs O'Reilly said. "He definitely has a
spiritual side to him."
Irish-born Garrett O'Reilly said Ciaron and his brothers Sean, a nurse, and Brendan, a hospital administration officer, were brought up to think
about less fortunate people in the world.
"As very young kids they went collecting door-to-door for the handicapped," he said.
Mr O'Reilly said he was disgusted that, in a supposedly neutral country like Ireland, US planes destined for the war in Iraq were allowed to
refuel at Dublin's Shannon Airport. He said he understood his son's protest action.
"All of us admire martyrs. We wouldn't want him any other way," he said.
Mrs O'Reilly said Ciaron was a "rather charming" child who was good at sport, especially soccer, and became a teacher at St James's College in
Fortitude Valley, where he was educated.
Ciaron was involved in the protest movement from the time he was in Year 12 and Mrs O'Reilly remembers seeing him standing on a soapbox in
the Queen St Mall in the 1980s speaking to the crowds.
In 1991 Ciaron spent 13 months in prison in the United States for destroying and conspiring to damage US Government property, after
damaging a B-52 bomber in New York with other members of the ANZUS Ploughshares group during a Gulf War protest.
"We didn't know it was going to happen," Mrs O'Reilly said.
"He could have been shot on the spot."
But she said his US jail experience has given him the strength to cope if he was again sent to prison.
The couple, from Mitchelton in Brisbane's northwest, proudly showed off press clippings about their son's protests and an autographed photo
of US actor Martin Sheen, who plays a US president in The West Wing television series.
In Ireland recently, Sheen gave a press conference supporting the Pit Stop Ploughshares activists, declaring he would give them all "a
presidential pardon".
Read Article (first comment):
Sunday Mail (Qld, Aust)
Ireland Indymedia
J24 VIGIL REPORT FROM CHICAGO (Voices in the Wilderness)
Voices in the Wilderness
Jun 24 2003
Tom, John, Nick, and I went to meet with Caitriona Doyle at the Irish
Consulate
downtown yesterday morning. The meeting went very well, and we all
felt
very
good about it afterwards. Although, the public voice of the Irish
government is
that these five are criminals, it seemed to us that Caitriona at least
was
sympathetic, and this may be a good contact for us. She gave us the
names
of
several media contacts in Ireland and suggested we write to the
Minister
for
Justice in Ireland. The consulate did not agree to our request that
they
write
a letter of support of the Ploughshares, but Caitriona said she would
pass
the
cover letter and flyer we gave her along to the Irish government. We
also
flyered in front of the building afterwards. About ten Voices members
flyered
and passed out about 500 flyers, to which we got a pretty good
reception.
To follow up on this successful event, we have several plans in the
works:
1) Write up a press release and send it to Irish radio and media
contacts
that
Caitriona gave us. -- Nick, Catherine
2) Write a letter to the Minister for Defense in Ireland and the
Irish
Consulate from Voices with signatures of Voices members. -- Tom
3) We have already sent out an e-mail to the Chicago activist
community.
But
we are thinking about sending another one out to the Voices e-mail
database
asking them to write letters of support to the Irish government.
(Possibly
coming up with a draft letter to make it easier for people.)
Please e-mail back with any ideas, suggestions, comments, etc.
Thanks,
Catherine
Report from NYC Vigil J24
Clara
Jun 24 2003
Those present at the vigil:
Elmer Maas
Carmen Trotta
Matthew Daloisio
Amanda Daloisio
Paul Fesefeldt
Tanya Theriault
Matt Vogel
Bill Offenloch
Stephanie Abaritis
me
Sarah (friend of Sheila's)
Another fellow that I can't remember (friend of Elmer's?)
Father Dan Berrigan
The Irish Consulate in New York City is located in a large building with many offices within it, on Park Avenue between 51st and 52nd Street. The building is set back from the street and the sidewalk quite a ways and has a plaza where many office folks take their lunches. There is an area with benches and also steps leading into the plaza where people can sit and mill about. When we arrived at a quarter after noon, the plaza was full, with most workers on break.
We chose first to walk through the plaza up to the entrance of the building, and seeing that we should not block the revolving door entrances with care. Immediately, the security men were out, quite alarmed, and tried to have us removed.
A security official approached Carmen and asked him to leave, they went back and forth for a bit, but not too long, and we moved to the sidewalk.
In front of the building were two large chartered buses. We decided to stand in front of the buses, not facing traffic, but facing the plaza and the building. A large banner stated: IRELAND'S NO PIT STOP FOR US IMPERIALISM. Two other placards stated: God Bless the Pit-Stop Ploughshares Activists: Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly. Another placard stated, "The Pit-Stop Ploughshares Action sprang from the command of the prophet Isaiah, the gospel of Jesus and the Nuremburg Principles."
We made up an informational sheet describing the Ploughshares action and passed it out with the Catholic Worker paper. Many people, both passersby and lunchtime plaza office folks, were intrigued and inquired about the vigil and requested the sheets and paper.
Carmen asked the security folks of the building that someone might meet with the consular officials. The security people said that one consular official might come down and meet with us, however Carmen retorted that it would be more couth if they should invite one or some of us, according to the custom of Irish hospitality.
Nearly an hour and a bit into the vigil, the consular officials did consent to having one person go up and discuss the matter at hand.
And not too long after, the consular officials were "surprised" to hear that Father Dan Berrigan was outside and requested that he should be invited up.
I don't know what transpired in that conversation, however Carmen said that he aired his thoughts and his feeling of disappointment and that they were engaged attentively with his perspective.
We wrapped up at 2.00 in the afternoon. It was a hot and humid day.
Report-J21-J25 Ploughshares Peace Walk Shannon- DA¡il
Ciaron O'Reilly - Pit Stop Ploughshares
Jun 26 2003
12 noon, Saturday June 21 st. saw the Pit Stop Ploughshares defendants gather on the Limerick/Clare border in an anti-war vigil.
Deirdre, Damien, Nuin & Ciaron occupied a traffic island and strung anti-war banners and posters in a vsual statement against the continued use of Shannon Airport by the U.S. military. As the
afternoon progressed we were joined by other peace activists who have also been banned from County Clare as a result of their nonviolent resistance at Shannon Airport. Passing traffic were largely supportive and a few sympathisers stop to converse with the activists. Members of the Traveller community parked opposite the
vigil were curious and came over to dialogue. By days end the Travellers had pasted an anti-war/Shannon poster to their caravan.
So the border vigil has become permanent!
Meanwhile at the airport, 35 folks gathered introduced themselves and heard from Nuria - a member of the Iraqi community based in
Ireland. Former Commandant Ed Horgan (25 years IDF service) who had recently taken the Irish Government to court over the betrayal of the Irish Constitution and the undermining of neutrality also spoke. "Seeds of Hope Ploughshares" Andrea Needham, who in 1996 was
acquitted of £1.5 million of "criminal damage" to a British Aerospace Hawk fighter set for export to the genocidal regime in Indonesia also addressed those gathered. The gards had blocked
folks gathering near the entrance of the airport. A shrine to the Iraqi dead, consisting of flowers & photos of wounded Iraqi
children was constructed and left at the scene.
The 35 walked to Shannon town where they were met by approx. 150 people gtathering in response to a call by the Cork Anti-War Group. Six folks continued the walk to the border, while others headed back to the airport with the Cork crew.
The Garda erected barricades and deployed riot police. 10 people, including Nuria and her husband, were arrested as the nonviolent
confrontation ensued - with folks staging a sit-down blockade of the access road ot the airport A vigil was maintained outside Shannon Garda station while those arrested were processed. The walk reached the border at 6 p.m. and was joined by those vigilling and continued into Limerick. Throughout the day, the "Food Not Bombs" crew
catered like crazy for all & sundry.
On reaching Limerick, Ruaidhri from Dublin provided the music for the
gathering. A prison triology of Johnny Cash's "Folsum Prison Blues", Billy Bragg's "Rotting on Remand" and a particularly
courageous acoustic version of ACDC's "Jailbreak" prepared the Pit Stop Crew for possibly next stage of our adventure.
J21 was a great day of community celebration, solidarity and sustained resistance to Shannon Airport as a pit stop for the U.S. war machine. Four U.S. military flights landed at Shannon in the course of that afternoon. This may be the beginning of a working model for sustained resistance at Shannon. It is obvious that a
number of comiitted Irish people have not turned off with the end of 24 hour media coverage, acknowledge that the war on Iraq continues
and are taking the U.S. military's use of Ireland seriously. It is obvious that the Irish state takes the nonviolent direct action movement seriously. We have to take ourselves seriously as an emerging community and network of nonviolent resistance to the militarisation of Shannon Airport. The elements of nonviolent resistance, post-arrest solidarity, vigilling, inclusive ritual, significant voices & exprience to be heard from, hospitality, national networking, celebration, media & legal skills are all there to be refined and expanded.
We took Sunday J22 as a day of rest and after our daily signing on at our specified Dublin Garda stations, Nuin, Owen and I headed for
Kildare. There we were given hospitality by the Brigidene sisters, keepers of Brigid's flame. We caught the tailend of some music in the Square celebrating the Special Olympics and headed for
bed.
Monday June 23rd., the Brigidenes took us to Brigid's Well a significant pagan & Christian pilgimage site. We prayed for the dead and dying of the ongoing war on Iraq and began to walk. We
carried a sign looped over my shoulders made by Marie announcing our peace walk from Shannon Airport-Brigid's Well- the Dail. Brigid's
Well is siginificant in the creation story of our Ploughshares Community. It was there at the Brigid's Festival, a week before our Feb. 3rd. disarmamaent, that we heard from Kathy Kelly. Kathy had been present in Iraq throughout the first Gulf War, initially camped on the Kuwait/Iraq border. She stayed on in Iraq for 6 months after the 1991 U.S, bombing campaign and then returned to Chicago to initiate the sanction-busting "Voices in the Wilderness" movement.
Kathy was flying out to Baghdad and to the oncoming war on Iraq that weekend. We began our journey to Shannon Airport, disarmament, imprisonment, trial shorty after.
Nuin, Owen & I hit the road, walking, reflecting, praying. By the days end we had reahed Naas after moving through Newbridge who were hosting the Japanese Special Olympic team. We thought of the
Nipponzon Myohoji Buddhists who we hope we lead a walk to our trial later in the year. Naas was hosting the Kwis from and we thought of our friends in New Zealand preparing vigils at the Irish Consulate in Auckland and the U.S. military base in Harewood, Christchurch. After reaching Naas we piled we drove back to Dublin to (yes you
guessed it) sign on daily at our specified Garda stations.
Tuesday J24, our original date for trial in Kilrush, began on the road at Naas towards Dublin. A vigil was being set up at the GPO,
O'Connel St. where we have maintained a weekly peace presence since August 2002. As the day progressed, Deirdre Damian and others moved the vigil to the Dail, which was in session. As we walked the road we thought of friends vigilling in solidarity in Perth/Australia,Brisbane/Australia, Auckland, New Zealand Irish Consulate, Christchurch/New Zealand, Harewood USAF Base, Chicago Federal BUilding/ USA, New York City/USAIrish Consulate, Philadelphia Federal Building/USA. Houston Federal Building/USA, Washington DC/USA Irish Embassy, Los Angeles Federal Building/USA, Vancouver/Canada Irish Consulate, El Salvador/Archbishop Romero's Tomb, Dublin/ GPO O'Connel St., BelfastCity Hall/north of Ireland, Derry Raytheon Plant/north of Ireland, Kilrush Court House/County Clare London/England Irish Embassy, Sweden/Irish Embassy, Austria/Irish Embassy, Amsterdam/Netherlands, Brussels Irish Embassy/Belgium, Slovakia/Irish Embassy, Sofia/Bulgaria, Glasgow/Scotland, Auxen Provence/France, Oxford/England, Norwich/England, Liverpool/England, Berlin/Germany Irish Embassy.
On arriving at the Dail we maintained a vigil through the night gathered around a new banner depicting the disarmamaent and the fruits of war with a quote from John the Baptist about putting the axe to the tree that does not bear good fruit (Matt 3). J24 was the Feast of John the Baptist another person who was not given a fair trial after speaking truth to power. We had some interesting engagenments with poiticians from across the spectrum. We concluded at 10 a.m. on Wednesday 25th. with prayer and construction of a shrine to the Iraqi dead - which we left at the entrance to the Dail.
Read Article (first comment):
Ireland Indymedia
Woman 2 Woman: This Life with Una Bradley
Una Bradley - Belfast Telegraph
Jun 23 2003
Deirdre Clancy, 33, lives in Dublin, Having spent five weeks in prison, she faces up to 10 years behind bars for causing an estimated £1.6m damage to a US warplane bound for Iraq. A member of radical Christian movement, Ploughshares, she came to Belfast to explain why she believes her action was necessary
PEOPLE characterise what we did as violent but it's only violent if you think a piece of metal can feel pain.
I think of disarming a warplane as an act of creativity; transforming a killing machine into something more beautiful.
The hundreds of planes that the Irish government allowed to refuel at Shannon airport were on their way to a war in which innocent people, including women and children, would be slaughtered and dismembered.
Is that violent?
To be honest, I was disgusted with my government.
Read Article:
Belfast Telegraph
Details of Kildare-Dail Peace Walk and other events
Deirdre Clancy
Jun 23 2003
The Catholic Worker peace walk commences at St. Brigid's Well in Kildare at 9am tomorrow morning, when there will be a peace commissioining performed by a Brigidine nun. The figure of Brigid has always stood out as a potent symbol for peace, both in pre-Christian Ireland as a goddess and in Christian Ireland as a saint.
The walkers will set off and walk all day Monday, before heading back to Dublin from Naas to sign on at their respective garda stations. Returning from Naas, they will start out from there on Tuesday, walking to the gate of the Dail, where they and others will perform an all-night vigil in solidarity with those suffering as a result of the ongoing war on Iraq.
Also on Tuesday, there will be a vigil across from the GPO (near the spire) in solidarity with Mary Kelly, who will be facing her pre-trial hearing in Kilrush that morning, and going to trial on June 30th.
All are invited to join in with either of these events for whatever duration of time suits. For more information on the peace walk, you can call Ciaron at 087 918 4552. For more information on the Dail or GPO vigils, you can call me (Deirdre) at 086 151 2013.br>
The Pitstop Ploughshares - Late Date in Court for Irish Activists
HARRY BROWNE - COUNTERPUNCH
Jun 21 2003
"They won't actually get put in prison, will they?" Call it a
postcolonial
hangover, but Irish people have a healthy skepticism about high-minded
concepts such as "an independent judiciary". So when you mention to
ordinary
friends and colleagues that the five Catholic Worker activists arrested
in
February for damage to a US Navy plane at Shannon Airport -- an action
previously described here in CounterPunch-- are going to face trial for
their actions, the response is often based on the implicit belief that
the
Irish government will somehow avoid making prison-martyrs of them.
Sure,
they'll have to be prosecuted -- the Yanks would expect no less -- but
not
locked up; that would be a national embarrassment, not to mention a
focus
for dissent.
It's a nice thought, and quite possibly accurate. But listen to the
Pitstop
Ploughshares group for a few minutes and it becomes obvious that
they're not
putting their faith in any such nod-and-a-wink "Irish solution".
Indeed, by
pressing for a jury trial on the criminal-damage charges, before the
Circuit
Court, they've pushed up their potential sentences to 10 years, and by
thus
raising the prosecuting costs for the state, they may have made a
harsher
punishment that much more likely.
Read Article:
CounterPunch
Report of yesterday's Shannon anti-war demonstration
Fintan Lane - Cork Anti-War Campaign
Jun 21 2003
...Meanwhile on the Limerick/Clare border, banned Cork activists (including moi) joined up with the Catholic Workers Five (who are currently before the courts for an act of disarmament at the airport) and we held a day-long vigil. Support was great with every second car honking as they passed! Likewise, as we were leaving, travellers from a roadside encampment just beside us agreed to display a 'Stop the refuelling of U.S. warplanes at Shannon' poster on the side of a caravan facing the dual carriageway. Earlier in the day a large anti-war banner was also draped on a ruined castle on the Limerick/Clare road - it stayed up for an hour before gardai arrived to pull it down...
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
6 arrested in Shannon
mikey v.
Jun 21 2003
6 people have been arrested at the anti-war demo in shannon. Cops, including some in riot gear, blocked access to the airport, a sit down protest ensued, leading to the arrests, which were quite forceful. Included among the arrestees are one minor (aged 13) and 2 or 3 parents, leaving some toddlers on their own. The main body of the protest is now outside Shannon Garda Station, 1 man has been released and the police say that the rest will be released by 6.30pm
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Ireland Indymedia
Ploughshares J21-25 Peace Walk/J24 International Solidarity
Pit Stop Ploughshares
Jun 20 2003
Walk & Vigils
Pit Stop Ploughshares Peace Walk Info
J24 International Solidarity
More Info
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
Limerick/Clare border camp to be set up for duration of Saturday's anti-war demo
Fintan Lane - Cork Anti-War Campaign
Jun 19 2003
The Catholic Worker 5 will establish a peace camp on the Limerick/Clare border at 12pm on Saturday to protest against the order banning them from County Clare. At 1pm they will be joined by banned Cork anti-war activists who will remain in situ for the duration of the demonstration in Shannon. Honk your horn as you pass! And do get to Shannon town centre for the demo at 2pm!!
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
Trial Moved; Return to Shannon, Brigids Well, Dáil & Embassies
Pit Stop Ploughshares
Jun 18 2003
*Pit Stop PLoughshares Trial Has Been Moved & Postponed
**Return to Shannon J21, Brigids Well J23, Peace Walk J23-J24, All Night Peace Vigil at Dáil J24-25
On Tuesday June 17th., in Limerick Circuit Court, Judge Carroll Moran heard submissions from the "Pit Stop Ploughshares Community" legal team - solicitor Joe Noonan, Junior Barrister Giollíosa Ólideadha & Senior Barrister Michael O'Higgins.
The submissions related to further discovery of police evidence, the alleviation of bail conditions (daily signing on, banned from County Clare & a mile radius of the U.S. Embassy in Dublin) imposed on the defendants - Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly and a change of venue for the trial.
The Pit Stop Ploughshares defendants have been charged with two counts of criminal damage to a hangar window (approx €200) at Shannon Airport and a U.S. Navy war plane (Govt. sources approx. €2.5 million). These charges arise out of the Pit Stop Ploughshares nonviolent disarmament of a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon Airport on February 3rd. 2002. The Pit Stop Plougshares face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment if convicted of the charges. 50,000 U.S. troops & munitions passed through Shannon Airport en route to the war on Iraq.
The Prosecution admitted to further discovery. The Prosecution opposed a change of venue from County Clare. The afternoon was spent in legal argument concerning issues of a "fair trial", "perceived bias" in calling a jury from County Clare where Shannon Airport is such an integral part of the economy and the United States is such a significant customer. The defense barrister quoted a series of prejudicial statements in relation to the defendants from a variety of local and national media & local and national politicians. It was argued that these statements have made a most significant impact in a community with the said strong economic ties to Shannon Airport. The Defense Barrister observing "perhaps the people of Clare might be more inclined to know which side their bread was buttered on".
Following two hours of defense argument and prosecution rebuttal, Judge Carrol retired to make a decision. He rejected defense arguments in relation to a Clare jury being pressured by economic ties to the United States fearing possible economic consequences of an acquittal.
The Judge acknowledged that his duty was to guarantee that the accused had a fair trial and not to consider the evidence of the case at this time. He stated that the perception that the accused would receive a fair trial was important. He conceded to the defense application for a change of venue to Dublin. A trial date is to be set by the Dublin Circuit Court, most likely for October or January sittings.
Ciaron O'Reilly from the Pit Stop Ploughshares stated,
"We look forward to carying the spirit of nonviolent disarmament into court and putting the issues surrounding our act of conscience at Shannon Airport before the consciences of a jury.
The continued use of Shannon Airport as a pit stop for the U.S. war machine remains a serious moral issue for the people of County Clare and Ireland. Our broader community will return to Shannon Airport on Saturday June 21st. 12 noon. As the five defendants -who remain banned from County Clare- hold a peace vigil on the Limerick border, others will gather at the airport to construct a shrine and remember the war dead. The gathering will be addressed by Nuria Nastafa, a member of the Iraqi Community in Ireland, who will travel to Iraq with an aid convoy. Andrea Needham, initially jailed and subsequently acquitted as consequence of the 1996 "Seeds of Hope Ploughshares" disarmament of a British Aerospace Hawk Fighter, will also speak. Ed Horgan from Limerick & a former commandant in Irish Defense Forces will also address the gathering.
A peace walk will then begin meeting the defendants on the Limerick border. We will have a "Celebration of Hope" in Limerick on Saturday night, celebrating the disarmament and ongoing nonviolent resistance to the war & occupation of Iraq.
We carried out this act of disarmament of the U.S. war machine around the Feast of St. Brigid. We were originally set for trial in Kilrush Court, County Clare, on the Feast of John the Baptist - June 24th. We will resume the peace walk at Brigids Well in Kildare on Monday morning, June 23rd. 9 a.m. in and continue to Dáil Eireann arriving on Tuesday evening June 24th. - the Feast of John the Baptist. We will conduct a fast for peace through Tuesday night at the Dáil.
"The axe is already laid to the roots of the trees; any tree that does not produce good fruits will be cut down and thrown into the fire" - John the Baptist, Matthew 3:10
There will be vigils challenging the role of Shannon Airport and Irish complicity in the continued war on and occupation of Iraq on this feast day at - Irish Embassy London, Irish Embassy Washington DC, Irish Consul New York City, Los Angeles Federal Building, Philadelphia Federal Building, Houston Federal Building, Brisbane, Perth, Irish Embassy Sweden, Irish Embassy Netherlands, Irish Embassy Austria, USAF Base Harewood Christchurch, Irish Embassy Wellington, Irish Consul Auckland, Dili East Timor, Archbishop Romeros tomb El Salvador, Irish Embassy Slovakia, Belfast City Hall and elsewhere".
More information
www.ploughsharesireland.org
Ph. 087 918 4552 (mobile) +353 97 918 4552
Ph. 01 406 4466 (landline) +353 1 406 4466
email pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
Catholic Worker/Evian Report Back Meeting in Galway
Sylvia Pankhurst - Ecology Society
Jun 16 2003
Public Meeting in the Atlanta Hotel.
Wednesday the 18th of June, 8pm sharp.
The theme of the meeting is on the necessity of giving support to people who are arrested, charged, injured or imprisoned during demonstrations, direct actions, or other forms of dissent.
Featuring: Deirdre Clancy, one of the Ploughshares/Catholic Worker Five who disarmed a U.S. war plane in Shannon in February. Deirdre, together with her four colleagues and many other people on similar charges, has been banned from county Clare. The five face a maximum of ten years imprisonment if convicted, and are on trial in Kilrush on June 24th. They are going to the courtroom via a 3 day peace walk through Clare.
Also featuring Donagh Davis, an activist with Gluaiseacht, the island wide ecology network, who has recently returned from the demonstrations against the G8 Summit in Evian. He took part in a blockade of a bridge on one of the roads to the summit place, and was subsequently arrested.
This was the action in which an English demonstrator, Martin Shaw, was critically injured as a result of police action.
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Ireland Indymedia
Upcoming Protest 'Trilogy' at Shannon Airport
IMC Editorial
Jun 16 2003
Shannon Airport is the destination again on Saturday 21st of June for a National Demonstration called by the Cork Anti-War Campaign against the continued US Military use of the Airport. Buses are travelling from Cork and Dublin. The demonstration will be complimented by a party/gathering called by SOS at what was previously the site of the Shannon Peace Camp and by a Catholic Worker Peace Walk.
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Ireland Indymedia
Press Release of the 'Good Friday' Catholic Workers
Jenny Hannon, Martin McGowan - Catholic Worker
Jun 13 2003
Shannon district court, 12 June 2003
Outline of the current state of play in the case of the 'Good Friday' Catholic Workers (Spud-planting Division) versus The Ahernite Theory of Economics
On the 16 May 2003 our solicitor John Devane issued at our request a summons to ministers Ahern and Smith to give evidence in this court today on the use of Shannon airport by foreign military forces.
The "special branch" Gardai in Ahern's company attempted to prevent Devane from serving the summons on him in person at Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare, on the 23 May 2003. The solicitor sustained bruising to his arms as a result of this assault and has made a formal complaint against the officers involved. This physical restraint was not only unnecessary but illegal. Despite all attempts by the Gardai to shield the Taoiseach from the law, the summons was successfully served.
Subsequent to this questionable Garda action, Devane received a letter from the DPP, making an empty offer to drop some trumped-up charge against us and adding a question as to whether or not the two potential witnesses were now off the hook, and not required to appear in court. We see this politically motivated trade-off as an attempt to spare both ministers the ordeal of actually being truthful before the Irish public.
At a district court appearance in Ennis on Friday 6th June our solicitor informed the court that this constituted "A carrot being waved in the defendant's faces" and went on to inform the court that this was the worst letter he had ever seen, referring to it in court as "a bribe".
Judge Joseph Mangan ruled, however, that neither minister would have to take the stand to give evidence, on the grounds that their testimony would be irrelevant, since the ministers were not personally present at the airport on the date in question. By a remarkable coincidence the Prosecution dropped the aforementioned charge but continues to attempt to criminalise people like ourselves for drawing attention to the illegal activities of the present Government.
The Defendants will be appearing to answer a charge of Trespass at Tulla district court on 26 June 2003, and are calling on all members of the public who also find these developments intolerable, to show support by their presence or a letter addressed to the attention of the court, c/o Shannon Peace House, 19 Inis Ealga, Shannon, Co. Clare.
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Ireland Indymedia
New Interviews of Caoimhe Butterly {video}
redjade
Jun 13 2003
You may have seen the first interview before, but now it is viewable for 56k modems.
The second link is another edit about 'solidarity and resistance' - connecting the 'first world' anti-war/solidarity movements with the Iraqi resistance within Iraq...
--
56k Slow Modem Interviews with Caoimhe Butterly
Report #1 Back from Iraq
http://boston.indymedia.org/local/webcast/uploads/caoimhe1-56k.wmv
Report #2 Solidarity & Resistance
http://boston.indymedia.org/local/webcast/uploads/caoimhe2-56k.wmv
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Ireland Indymedia
Benefit Pub Quiz For Shannon defendants in Dublin
Andrew - WSM
Jun 13 2003
Teachers Club (Club Na Muinteori)
36 Parnell Square Upper
Thursday 19th June
8.30 pm
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Ireland Indymedia
FUNDRAISER FOR SHANNON SIX
Declan Hogge
Jun 9 2003
An Evening Of Music In The IFC
This coming Tuesday the 17th of June,there will be a fundraising evening in the Irish Film Centre on Eustace St. Temple Bar,Dublin.There will be live music provided by Paul O Toole who wowed an audience of Tens of Thousands on Feb.15 with his topical satirical singing.Also playing are a selection of other Musicians,(including my humble self), who have played at other rallies and fundraisers since the current bout of fascist aggression being unleashed on the third world was launched by the Bush administration and their servants in the Dail.It promises to be a great evening and I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of mystery guests showed up to do a few songs.10 euros at the door,all proceeds to Shannon Six legal fund.
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Ireland Indymedia
Peace Walk Shannon Airport to Kilrush Ploughsares Trial J21-J24
Jun 6 2003
Saturday June 21 st. - Tuesday June 24th.
JOIN THE "PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES COMMUNITY" IN BRINGING THE MILITARISATION OF SHANNON AIRPORT TO TRIAL IN KILRUSH CIRCUIT COURT!
*We invite you to participate whenever, and for however long, you
can in the peace walk and trial support.
*Contact pitstopploughshares@hotmail.com
............ if you intend to join the walk, so we can clarify
accomadation needs and send you information on what to bring.
Updates
www.ploughsharesireland.org
087 918 4552 (calling mobile/cell phone from inside Ireland)
+353 87 918 4552 (calling/texting mobile/cell phone from outside of
Ireland)
Landline answering machine........
01 4064 466 (calling from inside Ireland).
+353 1 4064 466 (calling from outside Ireland).
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Full Information
Ireland Indymedia
'Seeds of Hope' showing in Kilrush , Co. Clare. Wednesday 11th.June
Fiona - Limerick Pitstop Ploughshares Support
Jun 8 2003
phone: 0876447246
'Seeds of Hope', a documentary about the disarmament of a Hawk Attack Aircraft by 4 women in England in 1996,and their subsequent trial and acquittal will be shown in the Community Centre in Kilrush at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 11th. June. A programme from the RTE series "Would You Believe'featuring Catholic Worker, Ciaron O'Reilly will also be shown.
Read Article:
Ireland Indymedia
FUNDRAISER FOR SHANNON SIX
Declan Hogge
Jun 9 2003
An Evening Of Music In The IFC
This coming Tuesday the 17th of June,there will be a fundraising evening in the Irish Film Centre on Eustace St. Temple Bar,Dublin.There will be live music provided by Paul O Toole who wowed an audience of Tens of Thousands on Feb.15 with his topical satirical singing.Also playing are a selection of other Musicians,(including my humble self), who have played at other rallies and fundraisers since the current bout of fascist aggression being unleashed on the third world was launched by the Bush administration and their servants in the Dail.It promises to be a great evening and I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of mystery guests showed up to do a few songs.10 euros at the door,all proceeds to Shannon Six legal fund.
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Ireland Indymedia
Tuesday J10 Galway-Ciaron from Ploughshares Speaking
Jun 9 2003
Ciaron O'Reilly from Pit Stop Ploughshares, facing trial in Kilrush for disarmament of U.S. Navy war Plane on Feb 3rd. will be speaking at Richardson Hotel in Galway City Centre 8 pm this Tuedsay night. The government is claiming the Pit Stop Ploughshares commited 2.5 million euros of "criminal damafe", the ploughshares claim nonviolent disarmament. A video dealing with the "Seeds of Hope Ploughshares" £2.5 million disarmament of a British Aerospace Hawk fighter due to be exported to the Indponesian military t eb used on the East Timorese will be shown. the video also deals with the trial and acquitaal of the 4 women (see chapter in John Pilger's "Hidden Agendas")
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Ireland Indymedia
MP3 Audio of Cathy Kelly, Caoimhe Butterly & Catholic Worker 5 Speeches
redjade
Jun 5 2003
Audio from Wynn's Hotel
Streamed
download
Iain Atack from AFrI Intro
Streamed
download
Caoimhe Butterly, Voices in the Wilderness, Speaks about Iraq
Streamed
download
Cathy Kelly,Voices in the Wilderness, Speaks about travels to Iraq during US/UK Invasion
Streamed
download
Cathy Kelly Intro of the Catholic Worker 5
Streamed
download
Damien Moran Speaks about War Resistance
Streamed
download
Deidre Clancy Speaks about War Resistance
Streamed
download
Karen Fallon Speaks about War Resistance
Streamed
download
Nuin Dunlop Speaks about War Resistance
Streamed
download
Ciaron O'Reilly Speaks about War Resistance
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Ireland Indymedia
Catholic Worker 5 at Wynn's Hotel
Dave
Jun 5 2003
Pictures of Damien Moran, Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon and Ciaron O'Reilly at Wynn's Hotel.
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Ireland Indymedia
Benefit Gig 17 June for Catholic Worker 5
Justin Morahan
Jun 4 2003
This gig will take place in The Film Centre, Temple Bar with four performing groups on Tuesday June 17.
The war goes on - the truth is emerging - the anti-war movement was right - in Ireland the resisters face the Courts - and possible jail sentences - Among them are the 5 Catholic Workers who have helped expose our Government's collusion with Bush and Blair - They need our support!
Swords into Ploughshares
Benefit Gig for Catholic Worker Five
and Medical Supply Appeal for Iraq
Musicians:
Paul O'Toole (folk)
Cantori di Aradia (Italian duo)
"The Truth" - contemporary
Declan Hogge (blues guitar)
Tuesday 17 June (one week before the trial in Kilrush)
8 - 11.30 pm
Irish Film Centre, Temple Bar
EUR10 (EUR6 conc)
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Ireland Indymedia
Letters to prisoners
APS
Jun 4 2003
Having Difficulites writting your 1st letter to a prisoner? Not sure of what to say or how to say it? Why not come to 'Stoneys' on Hill St, Dublin on sunday (7th) at 3pm and help will be their, (stamps, paper, envolopes, pens addressess etc... will be provided if needed)
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Ireland Indymedia
Call for Support from Limerick Prison
Adam
Jun 3 2003
Below is part of a letter I received from Eamon Murphy, currently in Limerick Prison as a result of anti-war actions.
Background: Eamon was one of the people arrested on March 1st. He was convicted a few weeks later. As Eamon is a resident of Limerick City, he was not banned from the entire County of Clare but did get less stringent conditions attached. He attended another demo at the airport where he was spotted by Inspector Kennedy, who threatened to arrest him. He didn't actually arrest him but did report him as a few days later Eamon received a citation to court. he has been in limerick prison since, for breach of bail and contempt.
Letter:
Greetings from Hell!
At least that's what it's like here sometimes. Communication with the outside world (even my family) is very difficult. Also, it is not possible to say everything one would like to.
Next court appearances are Ennis 6th June and Ennis or Shannon 12th June. Would appreciate any support that can be mustered for these dates.
It may be dawning on people that for this cause, to which so many people are committed, in order to make further progress, must become - that dirty word - political. Please try to post contents of this letter to indymedia.ie with this message: SUPPORT PEACE PARTY.
E.J. Murphy
If anyone wants to write to Eamon, the address is:
Eamon Murphy,
Prisoner No 24284 A3,
Limerick Prison,
Mulgrave St,
Limerick,
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Ireland Indymedia
Shannon Activist Threatened With Arrest if He Attends Future Protests
Adam
Jun 2 2003
Aer Rainta Goes Back on Assurances to High Court
In a clear threat that they will be arrested if they attend the upcoming protest at Shannon Airport, at least one of the members of the Shannon Peace Camp was today served with legal papers by Aer Rainta.
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Ireland Indymedia
Activists arrested at Hillsborough in court today
Claudia
Jun 2 2003
The two anti-war activists who were arrested on Monday 7th of April protesting against the Bush&Blair visit in Hillsborough that day had their second court appearance this morning. As the proscecution did not have their evidence ready the trial has been adjourned to the 30th of June. Would be nice to see some more supporters there next time.
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Ireland Indymedia
Limerick Monday 8 pm J2- Kathy Kelly Public Meeting
Jun 2 2003
U.S. Peace Activist Speaks in Support of Ploughshares on Trial
Kathy Kelly will be speaking Monday June 2nd. 8 pm. in the Confraternity Room, Rewdemptrist Monastery, South Circular Rd. Limerick. Kathy spent the first Gulf War 1991 in a peace camp on the Iraq-Kuwait border and the following 6 months in Iraq. She returned to the U.S. to found the anti-sanctions busting "Voices in the Wilderness" organisation. She will spend Monday in The Ennis-Kilrush-Limerick arer doing pre-trial organinsg work for the Pit Stop Ploughshares who are due to go to trial in Kilrush on June 24th. For more information contact Ennis based organiser Fiona Wheeler 087 644 7246
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Ireland Indymedia
Famine Walk Pictures
Dave
Jun 1 2003
More Pictures and Audio:
Ireland Indymedia
(2)
(3)
(4)
Clonakilty meeting pledges support to Shannon arrestees
Sean - Cork Anti War Campaign
May 29 2003
A meeting in Clonakilty, Co. Cork last night pledged support and solidarity to those who have been arrested and charged in relation to non-violent direct action protests at Shannon Airport in opposition to Ireland's involvement in the war on Iraq.
Ciaron O'Reilly speaking at Clonakilty last night
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Ireland Indymedia
Waging Peace: From Shannon to Baghdad
Deirdre Clancy
May 27 2003
Benefit in Wynn's Hotel, June 3rd
At 8pm in Wynn's Hotel on Tuesday, June 3rd, Kathy Kelly, co-founder of sanctions-busting group Voices in the Wilderness will introduce the Pitstop Ploughshares five: Ciaron O'Reilly, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran, Deirdre Clancy and Nuin Dunlop. Music will be provided by Liam O'Maonlai of the Hothouse Flowers. Other speakers include Iain Attack and Caoimhe Butterly.
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Ireland Indymedia
NYC - Catholic Workers disarm Tomahawk Cruise Ship
Ciaron O'Reilly
May 26 2003
During a tour of the USS Philippine Sea, Sr. Susan Clarkson, Mark Colville, Brian Buckley, and
Joan Gregory poured their blood and hammered on the missile hatches that hold Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. Kneeling on top of the missile hatches, Mark Colville held up pictures of Iraqi children who had been injured and maimed by US weapons. Mark read the statement the group had written, and read from the scriptures. Brian unfurled their banner which read, "Riverside Ploughshares: Disarm and Choose Life."
The Catholic Workers said that they came to the Fleet Week event to enflesh the words of the prophet Isaiah to “hammer swords into plowshares.”
They believe that nonviolence will lead to peace, and that violence will only lead to more violence.
They were arrested and escorted off the ship into an awaiting unmarked blue van. The tour that the Catholic Workers were on was cut short.
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New Jersey Indymedia
Ireland Indymedia
War is Terror is War: Ten mile walk from Doolough to Louisburgh, Co
10 miles
May 26 2003
War is Terror is War A ten mile walk from Doolough to Louisburgh, Co Mayo will take place on Saturday 31 May 2003 at 2pm.
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Ireland Indymedia
Martin Sheen gives Presidential Pardon to Catholic Worker Five
Ciaron O'Reilly
May 24 2003
In Ireland today, the "Pit Stop Ploughshares" Community received a presidential pardon from Martin Sheen. Sheen, who plays the U.S. President on the television series the "West Wing", gathered with Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly in the Tipperary town of Borisokane in the Irish midlands and delivered a statement granting a presidential pardon to the five peace activists. The five await trial preceedings at Kilrush Circuit Court beginning June 24th on criminal damage charges carrying maximum ten year prison sentences.
Text
Pictures
Audio
Video
Ireland Indymedia article
Catholic Worker 5 sent foward to Kilrush Circuit Court, June 24th
Damien Moran
May 17 2003
Yesterday's appearance at Ennis Eire-Og G.A.A. Clubhouse/District Court marked our transition from the latter to the Circuit court.
Before entering the courtroom, the Pit-Stop Ploughshares group (Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran, Ciaron O'Reilly) and some friends held a short prayer vigil in the car park, remembering the "Coalition of the Killing's" continuing onslaught against the Iraqi people and their resources. Prayers were also submitted reminding us that when criminal activity is legalised peacemaking is criminalised.
The book of evidence was served by the State Prosecutor, Martin Leenane, albeit after he rushed back down to the local Garda Station to rectify the opening charge sheet. Following three and a half months hard graft over the casebook, he seemed willing to charge us only with criminal damage to the SRS Hangar, totally forgetting our disarmament of the US Navy plane!! Bizarre incompetence - or symptoms of sleep deprivation due to massive overtime spent defending the interests of our Imperial Overlords; you decide ...
Nevertheless, it at least provided one humorous interlude during an otherwise educational insight into a renewed aggressive approach towards us by the State authorities.
This began with a slanderous Irish Times front page political report by embedded journo Arthur Beasley on Wednesday May 14th. According to someone he variously described as a "well-informed individual" and an "unattributable source", the combined cost of repair of the US Navy warplane will be 4 million Euros.
Furthermore, the two original libelous claims, that a Garda officer had been "assaulted" and "hospitalised", both refuted by a Guarda Press Office statement issued the same day, he now revives by means of the ambiguous euphemism that we "overpowered" a Garda.
His report also implies that the Irish Government or Aer Rianta are likely to pick up the bill - an unsubtle hint to the taxpayers that the Government may wish to have them subsidise Ireland's complicity in the US war-machine's belligerent crimes against peace and humanity.
Suspicion of this scheme is heightened by a title in today's Irish Independant - "Taxpayer's Bill for Jet Attack hits 4 Million Euros" - suggesting that Irish taxpayers will be held responsible for losses to the US-government.
Meanwhile, questions raised in the Dail regarding any legal basis for the taxpayer to foot this bill have been studiously and repeatedly avoided by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen.
An application to normalise our extreme bail conditions, specifically the daily signing-on obligation, was rejected out-of-hand by Inspector Tom Kennedy and Judge Joseph Mangan.
The pre-trial hearing has been set for June 24th in Kilrush Circuit Court, Co. Clare {Please refer to map of Ireland}.
We look forward to explaining our actions in court, and being acquitted while putting the war and the Irish government's complicity therein on trial.
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Ireland Indymedia
Ploughshares Back in Court Friday
Ciaron O'Reilly
May 16 2003
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damian Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly are to appear in Enniss Court Friday 16th May at 11 a.m. The Prosecution's book of evidence has been prepared and will be served on them. A trial date for County Clare is likely to be set. Government leaks this week indicate that the prosecution accuse the five of 3 million euros damage (sic) to a U.S. war plane en route thorugh Shannon in early February. The five have been charged with two counts of crimminal damage to the hangar and the U.S. war plane. A memorial to Iraqi war dead will be held outside Enniss Court (located at a GAA Club) at 10 30 a.m. More info 087 918 4552
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Ireland Indymedia
Catholic Workers on Trial Claim: "Truth is the First Casualty of War!"
May 15 2003
Members of the Dublin Catholiic Worker community facing trial for the disarmament of a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon Airport (3/2/03) rejected claims made by an unnamed government source in The Irish Times (Page 1 13/5/03)
Catholic Worker spokesperson, Ciaron O'Reilly stated, "It is an historical fact that truth is the first casualty of war! No more so than the recent killing spree in Iraq. Marketted as a war against still undiscovered weapons of mass destruction, the Irish government fudged on the need for a 2nd. U.N resolution and reduced the status of Irish neutrality to a an apparition - as the U.S. killing machine refueled at Shannon Airport.
The slander directed at us by several government ministers following our nonviolent disarmament action has not been publicly retracted. The Garda Press Officer contradicted the ministers, denying any assault or hospitalisation of a gard had taken place. John's gospel tells us that the centurions on guard at Jesus' tomb "trembled in fear" (John 28:4) when business as usual was disrupted. Lke the ressurection of Christ, our act of disarmament at Shannon Airport was one of nonviolent disruption of the rule of death - authority was overwhelmed by prophetic truth in nonviolent defense of life not violence.
The exagerated valuation of 4 million euro repairs occurs in a long history of U.S. military overspending, calculated waste and dodgy accounting. It occurs in the context of 1.5 million Iraqi deaths secured by 13 years of genocidal sanctions enforced by the U.S. Navy. It loses any significance in relation to the thousands of deaths and massive destruction of civil society in Iraq by the U.S. military serviced at Shannon. It remains legally questionsable whether this cog in the U.S. war machine should have ever been repaired or been present on Irish soil. We look forward to bringing these issues before the conscience of the Irish people and our eventual acquittal."
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly are due to appear in Ennis Court Co. Clare, 11 a.m. Friday May 16th. A memorial for the war dead outside the court will preceed their appearance at 10 .30 a.m.
Interviews 087 918 4552
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Ireland Indymedia
Government Leaks to Prejudice Case Against Shannon 6
Between the Lines
May 13 2003
After stalling and downplaying initial damage estimates the government leaks on the forthcoming trials of the Shannon 6. The article includes a libel against the Catholic Worker defendants that was rejected by a Garda press statement on the day following the incident.
[The libel being that a guard was overpowered. In fact attempts were made to reassure and comfort the guard after he pretty much suffered a panic attack during the disarmament.]
ATTACKS ON US AIRCRAFT AT SHANNON MAY COST €4 MILLION
The Irish Times
Arthur Beesley
Political Reporter, Page 1, Tuesday May 13th. 2003
Attacks by peace campaigners on a US navy jet are now thought to have caused about €4 million in damage, four times more than believed previously.
The cargo aircraft was stationed at Shannon Airport when it was attacked on two occasions by campaigners against the US military build-up in the Gulf.
The nose, hydraulic lines and front wheel of the navy 737 were damged when it was struck repeatedly with a hatchet in the first attack on January 29th.. An anti-war activist, Ms Mary Kelly (50), has been charged in relation to the incident. Her case will be heard before a jury in the Circuit Court.
Days later protestors linked to the Catholic Workers' Movement overpowered a garda (sic) at the hangar where the aircraft was grounded after the first attack. Five individuals were charged over the incident, on February 3rd.. They were: Mr. Ciaran O'Reilly (42), Mr Damien Moran (22), Ms. Nuin Dunlop (31), Ms. Deirdre Clancy (32), and Ms. Karen Fallon (30). Their case will also be held in the Circuit Court.
US officials had conveyed "serious concern" to the Government after the second attack. It was at that stage that the Cabinet approved the deployment of the Army to guard US military planes refueling at Shannon. Armed Garda detectives had been deployed after the first attack...
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Ireland Indymedia
Garda Stops Catholic Worker Direct Action @ RTS
redjade
May 10 2003
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Ireland Indymedia
Shannon Court Report
Conor - Shannon Peace House
May 8 2003
Jenny and Martin's case was adjourned to 12th June @ Shannon district court. Playwright Eamon J.Murphy was remanded in custody to Shannon district court on Thursday 15th May on a charge of breaching bail conditions. Murphy allegedly attended an anti-war demonstration at Shannon airport contrary to his bail conditions, which bar him from going within 5 miles of the airport.
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Ireland Indymedia
We will say it again, slowly. You have been liberated : Another report from Caoimhe B in Iraq
VITW
May 8 2003
“They were ordinary people. During the war, everyone was confused. The Americans were saying one thing, the government another. People didn’t know whether to stay in their homes, or to try to travel to the villages, where it was safer. The vans were driving slowly down the road, because the Americans had made many check-points. There was no warning, the tank just opened fire.”
Do you get it, yet?
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Ireland Indymedia
Shannon Solidarity Vigil Thurs May 8, 8.30 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.
Solidarity Vigil outside GPO 8.30 - 10.30 a.m. Thursday with folks in court in Clare over resistance at Shannon Airport.
Martin and Jenny are in court Thursday in Clare for their Good Friday resistance at Shannon.
There will be a solidarity vigil outside the GPO from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.
We will collect donations for the travel and legal expenses of the defendants, feel free to drop in.
More info. 087 918 4552
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Ireland Indymedia
Living simply so that others can simply live
The Irish Times
May 5 2003
Living simply so that others can simply live'
Members of the Catholic Worker Movement have been to the fore in recent
protests. Who are these people? Dr Mary Condren explains.
Relatively new to Ireland, the Catholic Worker is a radical pacifist movement.
Some of its central aims, often still misunderstood even in the US, the land of
its genesis, are to respect the sacredness of conscience and of life and to
address hunger, illness, homelessness, rejection and grief, thus attempting to
conform our lives to "the folly of the cross".
The Catholic Worker maintains that Jesus had nothing to do with "just wars" or
killing, but ordered followers to renounce the sword.
The dynamic partnership of Dorothy Day, a left-wing journalist and Catholic
convert, and Peter Maurin, a French philosopher and manual labourer, sparked
the movement in New York in 1933. The Catholic Worker newspaper espoused the
budding movement's belief in personalism, voluntary poverty and pacifism. They
established many houses of hospitality for the poor during the Depression era.
Living in public tenements in solidarity with the exploited and dispossessed,
Day and Maurin's philosophy was that of "living simply so that others can
simply live"...
Read Article
Dublin Catholic Workers at Reclaim the Streets
May 5 2003
2nd photo (c)
redjade
Al-Thawra is mourning its dead. - Report from Caoimhe Butterly
May 6 2003
Al-Thawra is mourning its dead. Mourning-tents are present on many streets, new posters adorn its walls,immortalizing - briefly - the shaheed of the past thirty years. Young and old file past grieving relatives, drink the bitter coffee, sample the sweet dates offered, and return to their daily rhythms. Many of the young men remembered here died ten or fifteen years ago - executed or disappeared, but - because they were politically active, were not mourned publicly...
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Ireland Indymedia
Dublin Catholic Workers back in Ennis Court - Friday May 2nd.
May 1 2003
The five members of the Dublin Catholic Worker Community, facing charges arising form the disarmament of a U.S. war plane at Shannon Airport in early February, are due in Ennis District Court Friday morning (May 2nd).
Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly have been charged with two counts of criminal damage arising from the incident. The Prosecution are due to present the Book of Evidence in relation to the five and the charges. The five will be accompanied to court by anti-war activists, including Dr. Zahier Alhalali - an Iraqi medical practicioner based in Dublin.
Ciaron O'Reilly stated, "The war is not over. It is definitely not over for us and other military and civilian resisters facing court martials and trials. The war is not over for the Iraqi people burying their dead, tending their wounded and confronted by the enormous destruction of civil society by the U.S. war machine. A killing machine that is being refueled and serviced at Shannon Airport. Iraq now suffers an occupation by the U.S. military and wholesale looting by U.S. corporations.
The war was marketed as part of the "War on Terror". Meanwhile, this week Donald Rumsfield amd the U.S. government have ceded to the demands of the Sept. 11th. suicide bombers by withdrawing the U.S. military from Saudi Arabia. This announcement and the absence of any discovery of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq, exposes the depth of hypocrisy of Irish and American governments during the killing spree of recent months.
The Catholic Workers will conduct a memorial to the Iraqi dead outside the Ennis Court, based at the Eire Og GAA Clubhouse, from 10.30 a.m.
Interviews 087 918 4552
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Ireland Indymedia
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