Ploughshares Update - Back in Four Courts D19

dublin | anti-war / imperialism | event notice Wednesday December 17, 2003 18:56 by Pit Stop Ploughshares - Dublin Catholic Worker 087 918 4552

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 ________________________________________________________________________