Pitstop Ploughshares found not-guilty : Melbourne Indymedia

The jury agreed with their defence that they had a lawful excuse to damage the plane in order to stop it from being part of a system that was directly involved in killing civilians in Iraq.

They have put out the following statement:
The jury is the conscience of the community chosen randomly from Irish society. The conscience of the community has spoken. The government has no popular mandate in providing the civilian Shannon airport to service the US war machine in it's illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

In 1996 in Liverpool the Jury acquittal of the four 'ploughshares' women contributed to the end of arms exports to the Suharto dictatorship in Indonesia and the independence of East Timor.

The decision of this jury should be a message to London, Washington DC and the Dail that Ireland wants no part in waging war on the people of Iraq. Refuelling of US warplanes at Shannon Airport should cease immediately.

Ciaron, Damien, Karen, Deirdre, Nuin

For more information see Irish Indymedia:
http://indymedia.ie/article/77465

Not Guilty. The Pitstop Ploughshares All Acquitted on All Charges
category dublin | crime and justice | feature author Tuesday July 25, 2006 13:20author by redjade Report this post to the editors

featured image

The verdict was given at aproximately 11.50 a.m. this morning at this significant trial in The Four Courts. Since their action on the 3rd February 2003 the five defendants have waited three years for todays verdict, under onerous bail conditions, with two other trials collapsing (Trial 1,Trial 2). In a statement released immediately after the verdict the Pitstop Ploughshares said:

"The jury is the conscience of the community chosen randomly from Irish society. The conscience of the community has spoken. The government has no popular mandate in providing the civilian Shannon airport to service the US war machine in it's illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.
"In 1996 in Liverpool the Jury acquittal of the four 'ploughshares' women contributed to the end of arms exports to the Suharto dictatorship in Indonesia and the independence of East Timor.
"The decision of this jury should be a message to London, Washington DC and the Dail that Ireland wants no part in waging war on the people of Iraq. Refuelling of US warplanes at Shannon Airport should cease immediately. " - Ciaron, Damien, Karen, Deirdre and Nuin.

Indymedia has seen sterling work reporting this trial which has been ignored by the rest of the Irish media with daily court reports: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7 and reflections from many participants as well as a photo essay of the verdict day.

Here Kathy Kelly reflects , on Closing Speeches in Pit Stop Ploughshares Trial, this post also includes the closing statements from the prosecution and defence. The trial has also seen public meetings featuring *Former U.S. Marine Sgt. Jimmy Massey & Kathy Kelly, while within spitting distance of the war-mongers lair (UK Houses Parliament), Brian Haw bore witness to the Ploughshares and there have been solidarity marches too.

But, it has to be remembered, that this victory can only be an encouragement which should revitalise the anti-war movement here. As reported by the Shannon Planespotters - CIA Rendition and covert aircraft are still using Shannon airport

You can visit the Peace On Trial website for more information on the CW5 by clicking here.

There will be much emotion and relief for the Pitstop Ploughshares and their supporters at this verdict. I presume the information I have just been given is correct.

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cw5 not guilty
author by me - cw5 not guiltypublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:04Report this post to the editors

just in
cw5 not guilty
cw5 not guilty
from Aotearoa NZ
author by Manu Caddie - http://www.pcpd.org.nzpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:08author email manu at pcpd dot org dot nzReport this post to the editors

HURRAY!! Does this vindicate the justice system as well - or just suggest that's quite random?
- Manu, NZ.
confirmed by phone
author by barrypublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:10Report this post to the editors

The verdict is indeed not guilty.

not that you'd know this by following any of the major news sources,

RTE, Independent and Irish Times websites not reporting this 20 minutes after verdict (though the Irish Times does report on the carrickmines defeat...)
Peaceful Means Campaign
author by Máirepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:11Report this post to the editors

I too just received word by phone from a friend present at the court that the Ploughshare activists were found not guilty on all counts!
Buíochas Mór le Dia! Thanks be to God!
Very emotional scenes at court, I am told!

Could not be there today with you today, friends, but am certainly there with you all in spirit! Congratulations!
You have deserved this verdict at long last!
May it herald in a new era of a renewed consciousness of the part we can play, as individuals and as a nation, for good or for evil in matters of peace in the world!

Fantastic news!!
author by Virginiapublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:15Report this post to the editors

Well done for a wonderful action, 3 and a half years faithful commitment to the journey. What great result! And 10 years after Seeds of Hope acquittal too.

Hope you are all partying now

Thanks for the witness

Love

Virginia (Oxford)
Great
author by nonepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:15Report this post to the editors

still I wonder if the years of limbo are seen as punishment by some.
A salute to the Ploughshares heros
author by kmclomipublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:29Report this post to the editors

Fantastic outcome. I salute your courage, perseverance and refusal to give in. It has been a long road. Enjoy the day and many thanks for your inspiring witness.
Pitstop Ploughshares statement on Not Guilty Verdict
author by redjadepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:32Report this post to the editors

text and discussion at....

Pitstop Ploughshares statement on Not Guilty Verdict
http://indymedia.ie/article/77465
Excellent!!!
author by Caobhinpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 13:16Report this post to the editors

Great news and thanks and congrats to ye all! Beir bua!
super super super - further coverage
author by dunkpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 13:35author email fuspey at yahoo dot co dot ukReport this post to the editors

after 3+ years of hanging around, justice is done

brilliant news, thanks so much to 5 again for taking step they did, hope to get down after work to celebrate.
perhaps this will spark more action to oppose US imperialism - this island sparked things before, it will do it again if the irish public wake up, listen to whats going on elsewhere, take action to work for justice:
heres a little audio file of what this acquital might lead to:
Life After Capitalism: http://radio.indymedia.org/uploads/lifeaftercapitalism.mp3 (1hr45 audio recording from conference in New York City, eve of RCN, speakers: Vijay Prashad, Micheal Albert, Robin Kelly, Naomi Klein and many many others - dreaming the new world and together with grassroots and community making it happen, that or death for us all.....)

Irish mainstream coverage of acquittal :

times:
Protesters cleared of damaging US plane at Shannon
12:11 Five anti-war protesters have been found not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of criminally damaging a US aeroplane at Shannon Airport over three years ago.
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2006/0725/bre...7.htm

RTE NEWS:
Five not guilty of damaging US plane
http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0725/shannon.html
(12:21) The jury in the trial of five people accused of causing unlawful damage to a US military plane at Shannon Airport has returned a verdict of not guilty.

indo:
12:36 Anti-war protestors acquitted over attack on US aircraft
http://www.unison.ie/breakingnews/index.php3?ca=9&si=95619

***********************************BUT **********************************
first breaking news:
11:51 indymedia ireland:
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77440#comment160500

notice how little coverage there was over the last few days, as opposed to the excellent, and surely difficult, coverage done by "court reporter" here on indymedia:
Ploughshares Trial - Closing Arguments
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77368

really great reading, hope some content makes its way into the papers, perhaps the village might put in a bit
All sorts at Shannon Airport
author by anonpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 13:40Report this post to the editors

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/

An Earful in Ireland

When Condoleezza Rice’s plane stopped to refuel in Shannon airport in Ireland, en route to Lebanon, some of the secretary of state’s top aides got an earful from dozens of Lebanese-Americans waylaid there after being evacuated from Beirut.

At five in the morning, many in the group of Lebanese-Americans were sprawled on benches trying to sleep amid a fluorescent glare and jabber of TV news, much of it on the carnage in Beirut. But 20 or so caught on that an important U.S. delegation was at the bar, including public diplomacy chief Karen Hughes, top Mideast aide David Welch, and White House adviser Elliot Abrams.

The group had come to Shannon aboard a chartered plane whose engines had broken down the day before. Some had been on the move for five days. “We saw beautiful Beirut Lebanon being destroyed,” one said. A spat between the State Department and a charter company over who should pay had prevented the group from going to a hotel.

“Aren’t you a TV person?” one woman asked Hughes, a former press aide who was sitting at the bar sipping wine.

“Well you may have seen me on TV,” Hughes replied. She then apologized repeatedly for the group’s travails and promised to make some calls back to State. Within an hour the group appeared to be off to a hotel, though no one knew when a working plane would arrive. Suspecting Rice might be flying to Beirut — as she was — one man begged to get on her plane. “I’d rather go back,” he said. –Neil King Jr.
YES
author by krossie - wsm personal capacitypublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 13:44Report this post to the editors

Great great , great news

This is nothing short of political dynamite

Media FINALLY getting around to it - Just heard Ciaran on today fm calling bertie a moral coward and a htpocrite - number 1 on all radio news bulletins accross the band.

WELL DONE INDYMEDIA on the scoop and all the reporting and especially to the Pit Stop Ploughshares who haven't had an weasy time of it!

This is the best political news of the year so far!

Krossie

open season on Shannon!
Back to Shannon
author by aye aye captainpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 13:56Report this post to the editors

Tear down the fences, invade the runway, occupy the airstrip, smash those planes into ploughshares - the courts and the jury (i.e. the people) of the state of Ireland have found the CW5 innocent of all charges - their NON VIOLENT (against the person) PROPERTY DAMAGE DIRECT ACTION was morally justifiable and defensible. None of this marching around in circles any more - if the CW5 can do a clandestine action and are found innocent (unanimously!) by a jury, its time we had mass actions and no more holding back - what are people afraid of. This verdict is very important, a green light to all those who favour direct actions to stop the US war death machine. Lets get rid of the US Military once and for all.
The best news I've heard all year
author by Kieran O'Sullivan - IAWMpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 14:06author email Report this post to the editors

This is absolutely brilliant. I was always a bit pesamistic about the chances of them being acquitted but never been happier to be wrong.

This is a very serious victory. The CW 5 have taken on the Judiciary, the guards, the government and won!

Yes Yes
up the CW5!
author by jamespublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 14:20Report this post to the editors

did any of the coverage say what the judge said? did he back the moral basis for their actions?

not that he matters a shit. just wondering!
Vindication but no victory
author by Tomkadpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 14:33Report this post to the editors

First of all, well done to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. Having been at the receiveing end of Ireland's (in)justice system myself I know what it feels like to be dragged back and forth to court over a number of years.
But to say that this vindicates the justice system or to call it a victory I think is premature. Where is the justice for the 100s still killed in Iraq every week (almost 6000 in May and June alone). Yes most of them are not killed by US bombs and bullets anymore, however, it is hard to see how people would die in such unbelieveable numbers had our stalwards of western democracy not invaded in the first place. And it is of course US bombs or at least US money that bought the bombs that rain down on the Lebanese people at the moment & where next???
So I'm asking myself this question as much as any of you; What are we going to do when they decide it is time for a new war, be it on Syria, Iran or even North Korea? We have to step up our campaign, if we can call it a campaign, as it is not working. And as for the justice system, that's not working either. Ed Horgan and other's have tried to stop the use of Shannon to aid this war through the legal route. Have they succeeded? No; will anyone ever succeed to stop a war through the courts? I don't think so. The justice system has not bestowed a victory on the CW5 they have been violated against and had to defend themselves against even further violation and potentially months of imprisonment. They have been vindicated in their defence and thus their actions but the state has not been on trial for supporting the slaughter that is still being perpetrated and never will be. The only ones in a position to put the state on trial is us, the people, not the courts. We have to hold our governments to account and if they don't listen we have to make them listen and if they ignore us, if making them listen is not enough, we have to stop them wrecking our planet! So it's time for new ideas not celebration, especially now where we hav won this small but important case. Sorry to rain on the parade.
Comhghairdeas libh!!
author by Jackiepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 14:34Report this post to the editors

Congratulations to the CW5 well done. Thank God your waiting is now over and ye were acquitted of all charges. Fantastic news. Well done to all involved.
At Last
author by Roguepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 14:52Report this post to the editors

At last!!!!
That is a bit of good news (Sorry GREAT news) in all too many days of bad, bad news.
Fair play to you all, enjoy your deserved celebrations.
Many congrats!!!
author by Toronto Canadapublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:01Report this post to the editors

Karen, Nuin, Damien, Deirdre, Ciaron, really happy for yis! 3+ years taking on the Irish State over Shannon, you've been unbelievable!
take care & much luv,
abeer
Hugs and smiles from outside the court
author by sovietpoppublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:11author email sovietpop at hotmail dot comReport this post to the editors

Congratuations to the five. wonderful news. gives me hope.

Damien after his acquittal
Damien after his acquittal

At last, its over
At last, its over

Karen outside the court
Karen outside the court

Hugs all round
Hugs all round

Celebration pints and congratuation texts
Celebration pints and congratuation texts
transcripts from rte news at 1
author by dunkpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:13Report this post to the editors

from here
http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0725/shannon.html
News At One: Fran McNulty outlines the charges that the five peace activists faced

"Some very strong words from Ciaran O'Reilly ":
If the Ahern government had spoken courageously and morally 3 and a half years ago in the company of the governments of France and Germany, the word from Ireland would have resounded through the Diaspora in Britain, Australia and the united states and members of the Diaspora in those militaries. But its cowardice has now made Dublin a potential terrorist target for people who will fight back.

Some words that captured what this group is all about from Nuin Dunlop

"All life is sacred; every life without exception has something sacred in it that means every life of every person in Iraq is as sacred as every life of every person in the United States and in Ireland which the jury has just said today. I believe if that if people knew this to be true, knew deep within that all life is sacred there would be no war"
An important mark on the journey of active nonviolence
author by Kevin Cassidy - Peace Peoplepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:15Report this post to the editors

Congratulations to the CW5. You have achieved a moral victory in the vindication of active nonviolence as an alternative way to resolve conflict rather than war and violence. This verdict gives hope and encouragement to all those struggling for peace and justice through nonviolent means. Ireland's Story of violence is well documented, and remembered. Today's verdict is a reminder that Ireland's Story of nonviolence which has been so much part of the soul of our nation,needs to be remembered, told to our young lest they forget, and celebrated.
she actually
author by krossie - wsm personal capacitypublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:26Report this post to the editors

James: did any of the coverage say what the judge said? did he back the moral basis for their actions?

James - judge was a SHE as were most of the Jury

- Her summing up and directions sounded very good - she asked the jury to see did they find the actions justified by the defendents beliefs - at least that's what the media reports say....

Find out more at the celebration/pissup tonight!

Krossie
audio file from april + transcript
author by dunkpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:29Report this post to the editors

earlier audio interview with Ciaran O'Reilly c/o Robbie Synott:

audio file (22mins):
http://radio.indymedia.org/uploads/2006.1.cor2.mp3
found here:
Faith of Our Fathers - Sovereignty and Sacrifice in Ireland - Suffering in iraq.
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75453

full transcript found at link

THE ACTION
COR: In terms of disruption and state response, it was probably the most significant or impacting action done by civilians – in terms of intermediate consequences of the Irish army being deployed to Shannon and making overt what was covert – the militarisation of that airport. Three US companies where were transporting troops through Ireland to Iraq, pulled out of Ireland over the security issues in relation to the action. So, it was a very…probably the most dramatic, disruptive act…

RS: Lets be clear about what exactly the five of ye did; what exactly did you do?

COR: We made our way into the hanger by breaking a window, using the emergency bar on the initial door, and opening the next door, and then began working on the plane…After completing our work (it was about six or seven minutes), we formed a circle: we built a shrine with a Bible and a Koran, Rosary beads and Islamic beads and photos of Iraqi children under threat; and we also said the Rosary…hoping the police would join us in continuing the disarmament, ye know; but that didn’t happen, unfortuneately. We were arrested and taken to prison. We were in Limerick prison for between one and three months: Karen spent three months in jail.

We were inspired by a prophecy in the Book of Isiah, to “beat swords into ploughshares”, and every action, I think, one does, has an actual and a symbolic element to it, and I believe it is the symbolic element which is most significant: because the actual part of the action is the relationship between two pieces of metal – the hammer and the plane. The symbolic element of the action is what speaks to the hearts and minds of other people.

So, it’s continued to ripple. We still remain unconvicted for the action, and a major headache for the Irish government in terms of its sycophancy to the United States.

RS: I was thinking, another symbolism was the fact that you, the five of you, were prepared to give your lives, your freedom so that other people might not have to suffer................................

Sincere Thanks
author by Larry Carn - Human Racepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:37Report this post to the editors

Thankyou for saving innocent children from slaughter.The world needs more spiritual warriors with true courage and conviction.From downtown Sydney Australia,Sincere Thanks and Congratulations.
12 Reasonable People
author by Seán Ryanpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:40Report this post to the editors

3 1/2 years after the Ploughshares defended the Irish nation, they are once again welcome in Shannon - having been barred from the vicinity.

We shall organise a party to remember!! - BYOH

Time too to recognise that our Minister for defence has not defended our country. Going from todays verdict it can be seen that our government does not have LAWFUL EXCUSE to guard and facilitate the American War Machine.

Congrats to the five, who've put up with an unjust accusation and attack on their characters and persons for 3 1/2 years. We've a way to go before we clear the name of our country however - but a very fine start nonetheless.

Today 12 reasonable people (the jury) made legal history in this country.

This is a victory for Ireland.

And it's a new beginning...
krossie
author by James O'B.publication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 15:49Report this post to the editors

Krossie: Her summing up and directions sounded very good - she asked the jury to see did they find the actions justified by the defendents beliefs - at least that's what the media reports say....

Hi Krossie, to the best of my knowledge, the kernal of the issue wasn't the beliefs of the PSP 5 (even though it was obviously very important). Everybody, prosecution, defence, and the judge (going on her summing up) accepted that their beliefs were honestly held. The issue in dispute between prosecution and defence was whether their action was reasonable. More exactly, given the beliefs of the Five about the Iraq war, the imminent devastation etc, was disarming a military airplane a reasonable way to save property (and life) of Iraqis. The jury concluded that it was a reasonable action and therefore the Five had a lawful reason to damage - that's disarm to you and me - the military aircraft. Hence "not guilty".

James Eile.
Congratulations to the Pit Stop 5 and the Jury
author by Katherinepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:01Report this post to the editors

I am just so happy to hear this news. I have to go tell everyone! A really positive decision by the jury. Well done to the five for committing to more than three difficult years, but which now surely contributes a huge impact on the anti-war movement and the government. Amazing!
James
author by krossie - wsm personal capacitypublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:10Report this post to the editors

You could well be right I'm only going by the reports on the bourgeoise radio.

Krossie
Related Link: http://www.ilovephilosophy.com
All sorts at Shannon two
author by All sortspublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:13Report this post to the editors

Well done to all today!

Condi Rice was seemingly in Shannon for the eight time this year last night! Ireland is her most visited country in 2006, makes you proud yeah? Well she got confronted by a few angry US citizens while in Shannon according to this Daily Ireland article

http://www.dailyireland.com/home.tvt?_ticket=22H89LLDNT...opp=1

also

Daily Ireland Editorial

Editor: Colin O’Carroll

US must stop war

US secretary of state Condoleeza Rice made her eighth visit to Ireland since the start of the year yesterday, passing through Shannon on her way to a Middle East in flames, largely because of her master’s warmongering foreign policy.
Ms Rice is now on record as being in favour of a ceasefire, after the official line that “the time is not right” raised a howl of derision around the world.
She now says it should only be called if it is “sustainable”. Tell that to the dead, dying and those waiting for the next airstrike.
One of Ms Rice’s aides was greeted with protests from American evacuees also en route through Shannon over how long it was taking them to get home after being plucked from the war zone.
We wonder if they had anything to say about the Lebanese people they left behind, who lie buried in the rubble of their homes, illegally destroyed by Israeli weapons supplied by the US.
It’s past time to end the weasel words of this corrupt administration and force Israel to halt its criminal war.
congrats
author by tom eilepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:30Report this post to the editors

congrats !
direct actions always a winner
author by Reggie Sidepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:48Report this post to the editors

congrats to the 5. surely they'll have to pull the planes out of Shannon if they can't guarantee their safety. otherwise we will all be off to Shannon, hammers in hand.
Acquittal.
author by Johnpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:49Report this post to the editors

This verdict marks the end of the rule of law in Ireland. The criminals on trial did not deny their crime but merely argued that they had an 'excuse for doing so as they honestly believed they were acting to protect lives and property in Iraq'. Well, what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. A legal precedent once set is very difficult to remove. So, if some loyalists 'honestly believe they are acting to protect lives and property in Northern Ireland' by smashing up Sinn Fein offices down here, they can go right ahead. Likewise, if the Israeli Government consults its lawyers, it will probably soon realise that under Irish law it is now entitled to assassinate supporters of Hezbollah living in Ireland if they 'honestly believe they are acting to protect lives and property in Israel'.
John, you're wrong
author by chekov - 1 of Indymedia Ireland Editorial Grouppublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 16:54author email chekov at indymedia dot ieReport this post to the editors

The precedent does not rest on the "honest beliefs" of the defendants. The jury found that these beliefs were reasonable as well as honestly held.
john
author by Jamespublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 17:25Report this post to the editors

This verdict marks the end of the rule of law in Ireland.

The ending of capitalist law mightn’t be a bad thing, but in any case this isn’t it, so you can worry a little less.

The criminals on trial did not deny their crime but merely argued that they had an 'excuse for doing so as they honestly believed they were acting to protect lives and property in Iraq'.

In this case, the law itself, as enacted by the Dáil, explicitly specifies that anybody who has a lawful reason to damage property shall not be guilty of the offence. The jury found as a fact that the Five had a lawful reason. So, they aren’t criminals.

There are many examples of where there is good reason to damage property. The most obvious example is where a house is on fire and there are people trapped inside. One can only save them by damaging the door. In this case, no offence will have been committed.

To repeat my earlier comment, the jury considered that in the circumstances, . e.g. in the context of their beliefs, the actions of the US military and the role of the various arms of the state in assisting the US military, their action was reasonable. Hence, they are not guilty.

In order for your predictions of on the legality of actions against Sinn Fein etc to be true, the perpetrators of such actions would have to have, in addition to an honest belief, taken a reasonable action. It is rather difficult to see how, say, Israel’s actions in Lebanon (or hypothetical ones in Ireland) are reasonable.

Similarly, attacking Sinn Fein would appear to do nothing to prevent damage to property or life of another and the honest belief that it might would probably not be a sufficient basis for acquittal. If, however, somebody disarmed a car which happened to have a primed bomb on board, then that person would have a strong case that they had a lawful reason to damage that car. Especially if the Gardai were doing nothing about it.

That is what happened in the ploughshares case. They damaged a Military Aircraft involved in creating the infrastructure of destruction and not some irrelevant random piece of machinery, American or otherwise.
Congrats from United States
author by GreenPartyMike - Green Party United Statespublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 17:30Report this post to the editors

Congrats and solidarity from the United States.

remember not all of us a re bloody warmongerers

have a pint of the black stuff for a yank, will you?
What A Day.
author by Elainepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 17:49Report this post to the editors

TV3 just covered the trial and have featured it on their daily opinion poll. The question today is 'Were the protestors justified in what they did?' Just text Yes or No to 53305 if you want to register your vote.
Obviously I texted 'Yes'.
The result will be available at the end of the 5.30 news.

Coming Out To Meet The Press
Coming Out To Meet The Press

Catching Flowers
Catching Flowers

On The Other Side Of The Bars
On The Other Side Of The Bars

Supporters Circle The Media Scrum
Supporters Circle The Media Scrum

They're In There Somewhere
They're In There Somewhere
Excellent News!!!! Best wishes and many congratulations to the Pitstop Ploughshares.
author by Noise Hackerpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 17:52Report this post to the editors

It’s an inspiration to us all.

sart_jul_10.jpg
Backs Against The Wall
author by Seán Ryan Via Elainepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 18:08Report this post to the editors

Talking The Talk with the media, after walking the walk.

Karen And Deirdre
Karen And Deirdre

Nuin And Damien
Nuin And Damien

More Questions
More Questions

Ciaron Takes A Turn On The Mikes
Ciaron Takes A Turn On The Mikes
Congratulations to the 5.
author by iosaf .:. ipsiphipublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 18:24author address barcelonaReport this post to the editors

They have further articulated and validated an important right of the citizen - that of civil disobedience - when highlighting injustice and war and struggling against un-constitutionalism on the part of the state.
I don't think many people will run out and do copycat actions - there is no resultant "threat to rule of law". Since Ireland joined the world protesting against the current rash of wars - very few people had what it took - to take action - to sit in the dock & await a verdict. & amongst them that odd little group whom I always thought better suited to an eleven o'clock folk mass, or a campside fire bible chat - than bringing together so many people in respect of their actions and moreover the sincerity of the beliefs that at end - seemed to have defended them more than cold logic.
So if many others in Ireland or other countries do not run out in throngs now and disarm the hardward of NATO and USAF whether it be found in Ireland or elsewhere - it will neither demean the right to civil disobedience nor alter the logic of a type of conscientious objection which has extended from professional or conscript soldiers alone to involve all the population of any country involved in war....

It will simply mean there aren't many kathurlicks like the 5 about. That might be something to do with the quality of pope they choose. I hope the 5 get vocal on that sort of thing now when their celebrity status cools down. I doff my straw summer hat to ye.
+ .:. olé :-)

A BIG Go Raibh Maith Agaibh! Now where's my hammer?
author by Alpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 18:31Report this post to the editors

A BIG THANK YOU to the Catholic Ploughshares people! Some good publicity for Shannon, for those of you who are Catholics or even ex-Catholics, for direct action and for Ireland. Now, where do we go Nuin, Ciaron, Damien, Karen, Deirdre to buy a pliers, hammers, hydrogen balloons and finish this job? I reckon tis best to shop local and gather soon.
PS
Joshua Casteel, a former US soldier who was an interrogator in Abu Ghraib Prison and who later achieved conscientious objector status, spoke in Limerick last night. This is the second US soldier to return to the Shannon area to speak against the violation of Shannon's civilian airport status. He is one of 400 ex-soldiers who have set up the Iraqi Veterans Against War group.
Joshua will speak tomorrow, Wed July 26th, at the Metropole Hotel, Macurtain St. 8pm.
Three More Cheers for the Jury System!
author by relinkerpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 18:36Report this post to the editors

Activists Found Not Guilty in Irish Ploughshares Case

Harry Browne compares the case to the one of Mary Kelly where a even more hostile court did not allow the lawful excuse defence.

http://www.counterpunch.org/browne07252006.html
Hugs
author by Lance - CIRCA and Barpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 18:44Report this post to the editors

Well done all of you for 3 years that must have seemed longer to you - but you did it so now theIrish government can be pressed to get rid of the US from Ireland and pressure other governments to do the same
Absolutely Brilliant in word as well as deed - BIG HUGS AND MUCH LOVE

Major Pan-sweat
Glasgow Kiss Brigade
Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army
Somewhere in Between
I digg this story.
author by chrisokpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:03Report this post to the editors

Well done. Peace be with you.

http://digg.com/politics/Ireland_It_Legal_to_disarm_the...fully
Related Link: http://digg.com/politics/Ireland_It_Legal_to_disarm_the...fully
And The Sun Came Out Too
author by Elainepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:03Report this post to the editors

.

Dennis Haliday Chats To Supporters Ed Horgan, Sean And Con
Dennis Haliday Chats To Supporters Ed Horgan, Sean And Con

Ploughshares And Solicitor, Never Leave Home Without One
Ploughshares And Solicitor, Never Leave Home Without One

The Five And Supporters Head To The Vigil
The Five And Supporters Head To The Vigil

Supporters Listen As Nuin Speaks
Supporters Listen As Nuin Speaks

May The Circle Be Unbroken
May The Circle Be Unbroken
Final Five
author by Elainepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:43Report this post to the editors

From a fantastic day.

In Memory Of Those Who Died
In Memory Of Those Who Died

Tim Hourigan Remembers The Dead
Tim Hourigan Remembers The Dead

Conor Cregan Mourns Those Who Passed Through Shannon To Their Deaths
Conor Cregan Mourns Those Who Passed Through Shannon To Their Deaths

Denis Haliday
Denis Haliday

The Shrine
The Shrine
Iosaf - Give the kathurlicks a break
author by kmclomipublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:45Report this post to the editors

These people won a great victory for humanity today. Get away from easy tabloid style attacks on a faceless institution and do some research into the background support and the grass root work of the kathurlicks. They're not all bad.
ISN welcome the acquittal of the CW5 [statement]
author by ISNER - Irish Socialist Networkpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:51Report this post to the editors

The ISN welcomes the acquittal of the five anti-war activists tried for their disabling of a US Navy warplane at Shannon Airport in 2003. The victory of the five, all members of the radical Catholic Worker movement, is hugely significant. Given that they were found to have had a lawful excuse for the action they took, since the jury unanimously found that they carried out their actions in the honest and reasonable belief that they were protecting the lives of innocent people in Iraq, it is clear that when presented with the true facts people are not frightened by but understand and admire non-violent direct action. This vindicates the view that direct action and mass protest are complimentary and that actions such as that carried out by the five, far from alienating people, can raise public awareness and help to build mass opposition to the war. This verdict is also a direct blow to the Irish government’s policy of collaborating with U.S. imperialism.

Now is the time to step up the pressure, especially against the use of Shannon Airport by the U.S. war machine, by building a democratic anti-war movement that respects a diversity of tactics and unites all those who wish to stop the shameful part being played by the Irish state in imperialisms wars.
Related Link: http://irishsocialist.net/
"It is not those who can inflict the most but those who can endure the most" who will prevail.
author by Tommy Donnellan - Cosantoiri Siochanapublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:55Report this post to the editors

The Ploughshares have endured and endured and thanking the good Lord for small mercies, have prevailed today. For sure, they are not allowing their souls to die ungodly in Bush's "armed madhouse". Along with Mary Kelly, Fintan Lane, Tim Hourigan, Eoin Rice, Eoin Dubsky, etc,are they not the antidotes to Ireland's despicable "neutrality"?.
Just got the news!
author by radical jonnypublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 19:57Report this post to the editors

I have been waiting three years to write this:

Well done Ciaron, Damien, Karen, Nuin, and Dierdre! Well done to the legal councils, and well done to all who stood in solidarity in my home city of Belfast and all over the world. I'm in the USA right now; wish I was there for the party!

But as long as those planes are still landing out at Shannon there's work to do. But let every Irish person hold their heads up and remember this day.

Stop The War!

Glad to hear the news. :-)
author by Allyatespublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 20:23Report this post to the editors

Congrats to the justice system.
We must all do our small bit to prevent war crimes. God will not reward those who sit by and do nothing.
Hope is restored.
A victory for criminality.
author by Andrewpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 20:35Report this post to the editors

So, basically Irish law condones vandalism, the destruction of property and basic criminality.
As long as you believe you have good reason to do it.

Pathetic.
no
author by Reggie Sidepublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 20:39Report this post to the editors

"So, basically Irish law condones vandalism, the destruction of property and basic criminality. "no, the law condones direct action to protect the lives of the people of Iraq and soldiers themselves.
THE GREAT IMPERIAL HEGEMON IS VERY DISAPPOINTED
author by An Faolchú Uasalpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 20:54Report this post to the editors

"A spokeswoman for the US Embassy in Dublin said that the embassy was 'very disappointed' with the verdict and would be discussing the implications of the case with the Irish Government officials once it had more information."

From the RTE report .....

Clearly very upset at the prospect of the end of the rule of (US IMPERIAL) law in Ireland ....

The rest of us may, I think, rejoice a little ...
Fantastic news-just heard!
author by Cormac - Grassroots dissentpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 21:26Report this post to the editors

News just reached us here this morning in the US,great news-Solidarity to all the five
A great step frowrard for thepeace movement!
Onward!
Celebrating in California
author by Kevin and Kimpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 21:31Report this post to the editors

Congrats to these amazing 3 women and two men. In a world running thin on role models, we have a great example of right over wrong. How non-violence takes more courage than violence. The jury is the people, speaking the truth where it is still safe to do so. That the jury was able to see/hear all the evidence seems to have left little doubt in any of the minds that were present. Read the final remarks of the prosecution and the 3 defense attorneys. I have never been so inspired!
WRI Conference - Germany
author by Mark Chapman - War Resisters Internationalpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 21:55Report this post to the editors

Terrific boost for the war resisters worldwide guys!!

The WRI conference here in Germany of 200+ delegates from across the world sends its hearty cheers to the 5 Pitstop Ploughshares and their supporters (and the jury) for their success in bringing to the attention of the Irish government the true conscience of the Irish public.
All eyes on the American multinationals!
author by Darraghpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 22:13Report this post to the editors

Congratulations on your great result folks, they say never doubt that a small number of inspired people can change the world, in the fact it is the only thing that ever has! They also say bad things happen when good people do nothing, as was asked in court, why were the rest of us not doing something as well!?!?! I'm sure there is a family somewhere in Iraq tonight that are able to eat bread at the table because of the actions of you guys.

My money says the US embassy are so pissed at the outcome of this case that they will try to punish the government for the people having "made the wrong choice" as they see it. Wait 'til you see a big announcment in the near future, a US multinational will announce that is has decided to relocate out of Ireland. Of course our government are in the pockets of these US companies, hence why we effectively have had a US airbase operating out of Shannon.....

Well done folks, you are an inspiration to us all.
Congrats
author by Richard - US Military out of Irelandpublication date Tue Jul 25, 2006 22:14Report this post to the editors

Congratulations to them! truly excellent work.
We are one step closer to a victory in getting rid of the american military from shannon...more pressure is needed!
KEEP ACTIVE ! ! !

http://www.groups.myspace.com/usmilitaryoutifireland
Related Link: http://richard.itsmyland.com/Jeb

It must have been a difficult three years, but this is a real victory for direct action and justice!

The people have spoken again in this trial - this is an illegal war and the Pitstop Ploughshares acted with morality when they disarmed this plane. In contrast our leaders continue to perpetrate crimes around the globe.
Fantastic News. Congratulations to Ciaron and the other Ploughshares for your inspiring example!!!!
PEACE NOW!

http://www.indymedia.ie/

CONGRATULATIONS!!
Wonderful, WOW, well done!

I saw you Ciaron on "Enough Rope" and fed up with that guy....

Great news, anyway.
But the battle is still on cause the mass murder and mass theft in Iraq hasn't been ended yet.

Let us keep trying anything to stop all the nonsense!

TIME - Sunday July 30th. 10pm (Bribane time)

PROGRAM - ABC Radio National - Religious Affairs Program in Relation to te Acquittal i Ireland this week of Ciaron O'Reilly & the Pit Stop Ploughshares on charges of $US2.5 millio criminal damage to a U.S. Navy war plane en route to the invasion of iraq (3/2/03)

DESCRIPTION -

Hi Everyone,

The ABC is organising a programme on non violence and civil disobedience for Sunday night. It flows out of Ciaron O’Reilly’s recent court case which acquitted him and other members of Ploughshares for damaging military aircraft in Ireland.

It will be on at 10 on on 702 Sydney, 612 Brisbane and all metropolitan and regional stations of the ABC across Australia.

The topic is on civil disobedience and the ethical/moral issues that acts like disarming/damaging war planes give rise to. E.g., when people take the law into their own hands to inflict property or human damage, what are the purposes and limits of such actions, and how are they justified? What examples have there been globally (obviously Gandhi, civil rights USA, campaigns for universal suffrage) and in Australia (protection of East Timorese asylum seekers, street march legislation in Qld, perhaps Franklin Dam, etc). Can one break the law in order to uphold the effective rule of law? How should society deal with people who act in these ways for what they believe is a greater social good? What do the pacifist traditions (anabaptists, Quakers, etc) and theologians like Bonhoeffer teach us about the value of human life and the steps which people/groups can legitimately take to protect/defend life?

I agreed to talk on it. I’m not sure if its talk back or not but if it is call in!. Cheers and best

Professor Kevin P Clements

LINK-Canadian (Broadcasting Commision Radio Interview with Ciaron O'Reilly During the Trial (July 7)
This 10 minute Canadian Broadcasting Commission radio interview with Ciaron O'Reilly was broadcast during the Dublin trial.
It was also broadcast across the U.S. on National Public Radio
Click on link below
Then click on Part 2 of "As it Happens"......

Related Link: http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20060707.shtml

Direct lik to ABC (Australian) radio broadcast of discussion on "The Ethiics of Civil Disbobedience", featuring Ciaron O'Reilly of the Pit Stop Ploughshares.

The link is at the bottom of the pge for 30/7/06 it will reamin live for 4 week following last Sunday's broadcast.

http://www.abc.net.au/sundaynights/default.htm

Related Link: http://www.abc.net.au/sundaynights/default.htm

PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES

-Update, Farewell, Proposal to Demilitarise Shannon Airport with NVDA & the Empire Strikes Back!

Pit Stop Ploughshares: Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran & Ciaron O'Reilly were acquitted, at Dublin's Four Courts on July 25th., of $US2.5 million criminal damage to a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon Airport - due to jury concluding that the five had a reasonable excuse in the build up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The jury concluded that the PIt Stop Ploughshares acted to save life and property in Iraq by disabling a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon Airport on Feb 3rd. 2003.

http://www.peaceontrial.com
ploughsharesireland@yahoo.ie
134 Phibsborough Rd. Phibsborough Dublin 7, Ireland
Ph. 087 918 4552 (mobile)+353 87 918 4552 (international)1)

CONTENTS

1) Thursday August 3rd. Brogans Pub, Dame St. - Farewell Drinx for the Pit Stop Ploughshares.
2) Harry Browne's Counterpunch Article on the Pit Stop Ploughshares Trial & Acquittal
3) The Pit Stop Ploughshares Hold a Press Conference and Signal a Wish to Demilitarise Shannon Airport
4) The Proposition to Close Shannon Airport Down with Nonviolent Resistance if the Government Fails to Demilitarise the Airport
5) The Empire Strikes Back- Calls for Ciaron's Immediate Arrest, Media Spin & the White House Initiative Against Plowshares
6) Interviews with Pit Stop Ploughshares-Ireland, Australia, Canada
7) "Fairford/B52 Five" Go to Trial Sept. 4th.-18th. in Bristol (England) Crown Courts
8) Pine Gap Crew "Christians Against All Terrorism Go to Trial in Alice Springs - Oct 3rd.
9) WMD Plowshares Have Been Moved to a New Jail-Consider Writen'em!
10) Donations to Cover Trial Expenses & Demilitarise Shannon!

1. FAREWELL DRINX FOR THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES
They're in the Pub for Us, We're on the Loose for Them!

The much celebrated and surveilled Pit Stop Ploughshares are having Farewell Drinx at Brogans Pub on Dame St. Dublin from 8 pm to late on Thursday night (August 3rd.) Two of the Pit Stops will leave Ireland soon to continue the journey in nonviolence and seeking justice. Two will stay on to demilitarise Shannon Warport. This group that came together for the first time 8 days before their historic act of nonviolent disarmament at Shannon against deployment for the U.S. invasion of Iraq, they hung in as a nonviolent resistance community for 3 1/2 years and went through three trials. Celebrate their acquittal, legacy and solidarity before they take their next steps. Come Thursday night or read their oriignal or leave a message here on this link
............
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77655

2) HARRY BROWNE'S ARTICLE ON THE PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES TRIAL & ACQUITTAL

Link.....
http://www.counterpunch.org/browne07252006.html

3) PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE & SIGNAL A WISH TO DEMILITARISE SHANNON AIRPORT

Link.....
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77486

The effect of the Pitstop acquittal and the CW consideration of statement of intent to demilitarise Shannon Airport has already had effect over the past weekend in terms of deployment and reinforcement for the Israeli State's slaughter in the Lebanon. From the BBC website "About 150 protestors demonstrated against refueling of U.S. planes at Prestwick/Scotland on Sunday. Two flights carrying hazardous material (bombs for Israel to drop on Lebanon) were diverted from Prestwick (civilain airport) to RAF Midenhall (military base) in Suffolk (England) on Saturday evening". This series of events followed the inital diversion of the Israeli bomb carrying U.S. flights from Shannon Airport, their original destination for refueling. Would the diversion have occured without the acquital of the Pitstop Ploughsares and the Catholic Worker publicise consideration of making statement to close down Shannon Airport if the Irish government does not demilitarise the airport? I think not!

The CW proposal is already working, Shannnon is already being dimilitarised by the ploughshares action, acquittal and statement of intent. An unstoppable chain of events has been intitiated which will see the demilitarisation of Shannon Airport. The cessation of its role as gas station/ pit stop for the U.S. war machine on its way to slaughter the innocents. As surely as the U.S.are losing militarily in Iraq, the ploughshares prophecy is winning at Shannon.

The redirection in Scotland after the redirection from Shannon, displays that the periphery is vulnerable in the war effort. This may explain why more media debate on the war is permitted in the centre (England & U.S.) and the censorship so heavy in the periphery (Irleand & Australia). Debate is censored, coverage of anti-war activity trivial in Ireland, because it is so vulnerable to go the way of Spain & Italy...from sychophantic supporter of the U.S. war to pro-active opponent of this illegal, immoral, unwinnable U.S. war.

4) THE PROPOSITION TO SHUT DOWN SHANNON AIRPORT WITH NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE, IF THE GOVERNMENT FAILS TO DEMILITARISE THE AIRPORT

Within a few weeks the Catholic Worker and other anti-wr groups in Ireland, will hold a press conference setting a date the Irish by which the government should demilitarise Shannon Airport. If the Irish government continues to ignore the mass public opinion against this war and Irish participation in it and the recent unanimous decision by the conscience of the community - the jury in the Ploughshares case - we will close Shannon Airport entirely with nonviolent resistance until it is demilitarised. We will act in the nonviolent direct tradition of Ghandi & Martin Luther King, inspired by our past victories of evicting the U.S. Navy from Vieques, closing the Jabiluka uranium mine site etc.

*What We Need to Launch the Demand & Promise to Demilitarise or Shut Down the Airport

We initially need 100 people who are commited to nonviolently resist and shut Shannon down until arrested. This 100 will be commited to nonviolence for the action. The 100 will organise in affinity groups of ten. If one is arrested, all will conitue to regroup and resist warmaking business as usual at the airport until we are all are arrested (No hokey pokey here!)

Interest in participation has been strong and widespread since the announcement at the press conference. Catholic Workers, punks, war vets, feminists, artists/musicians, socialists, anarchists, greens, social democrats and folks from Galway, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, England & U.S. have expressed interest. Affintiy groups may form around locality or other commiunities of identitiy.

We expect our initial 100 will come 50% from the island of Ireland and the other 50% from the Irish diaspora in England, Scotland, Australia & the U.S.

If you are living in Europe, you should seriously consider nonviolent resistance at Shannon. Shannon Airport is America's European gateway to their war in Iraq.

If you live in North America, you should seriously consider nonviolent reistance at Shannon. Shannon Airport is the bottleneck, the last transit lounge for young U.S. men and women being sent off to kill and be killed in Iraq.

If you live in Ireland, you should consider nonviolent resistance at Shannon. Shannon Airport is the major pit stop for the U.S. war machine. It has made us complicit in the deaths of 2,500 U.S. military personell who have been kiled and the 150,000 Iraqis who have been slain. It has ratcheted up the scale of likely terrorist payback target since the withdrawl of Spain & Italy form the UK/US war effort.

If you are interested in joining a nonviolent resistance affinity group for the purpose of shutting Shannon Airport down if the government fails to demilitarise the airport in the next few months- write a letter to Ploughshares 134 Phibsborough Rd. Phibsborough, Dublin 7 IRELAND for more information. As much as possible we will organise off the phone & internet and on a need to know basis.

If you are unable to resist to the point of arrest and wish to be involved, make contact for anti-war activities around the nonviolent resistance. Some activities suggested so far include..

- Peace Walk from Dublin to Shannon Airport
- Outreach to the Irish Army, police and workers at Shannon to consider the implications of servicing and defending U.S. war machine.
- Exploring an international "Boycott Shannon Airport" campaign directed at tourists.
- Fundraising / Benefit Gigs
- Legal Solidarity
- Exploring contact with church leaders to set up a fund for workers to denounce Irish participation in the war, leave their jobs at Shannon and be supported during a time of unemployment.

We ask groups and individuals opposed to the war and who cannot commit to the nonviolent discipline or the objective of this resistance not to impede or try to undermine us.

5) EMPIRE STRIKES BACK- CALLS FOR CIARON'S ARREST, MEDIA SPIN & THE WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE

The Pit Stop Ploughshares have never had an easy ride with the mainstream media. From the lies broadcast about the nonexistant assault on the Garda in the hangar. To the oft reported fabrication that the Irish taxpayer was picking up the $US2.5 million for repairs to the warplane. The powerful defense testimony was largely censored form the Irish media. Now the battle of the myths rages post-trial Also a frightening response form the White House to the jury's acquittal in Dublin.

Three articles appear in Ireland's largest selling Sunday mewspaper, "Sunday Independent" (July 30th. 2006) in reference to the acquittal of the Pitstop Ploughshares. One is entitled "Acquitted peace activist protestor has many convictions: Cleared of $2.5million to a U.S. plane, Ciaron O'Reilly says he plans to force closure of Shannon".

This article is written by Maeve Sheehan, it mention's Ciaron's long history of civil disobedience. The reporter refers to Ciaron's "record of violent protests", even though Ciaron is an internationally renowned pacifist and both Judge and Prosecution (who had in his possession Ciaron's "criminal" history continually refered to him as nonviolent.)

The article also refers to Brendan Daily (FF Co. Clare Senator) call to have Ciaron O'Reilly immediately arrested for "incitement", in relation to the statement that the airport would be shut down nonviolently if the government did not demilitarise it by a certain date. More on this aritcle (as comment) later.

2) The second article (Page 25), "The naivete of a nation incapable of taken a balanced view" by Emer O'Kelly libels the Pit Stop Ploughshares with the accusation "A crime is a crime, even when you don't like the vicitm. What happened at Shannon was a serious crime........" The ploughshares were unconvicted for their activity at Shannon. Emma implies they are guilty of criminal activity. Three of the Pitstops have no previous criminal history. A case for defamation of character, methinx!

3) The third article celebrates the Ploughshares action and the verdict of the jurors. "Soapbox" (Page 36) columnist Gene Kerrigan pens "Welcome sanity when lunacy is so often applauded" celebrating the PItstop Ploughshares. He does raise the spectre that there may have been an immediate totalitarian White House response to the Dublin jury's decision......"On Friday, the Washington Post quoted from a draft law, being prepared to try those the Bush regime regards as "engaged in hostilities". It applies to acts from killing to damaging "protected property". Military Commissions will try suspects. Evidence need not be shown to the accused. The accused need not be present. The trial can be postponed for years. The accused will have a U.S. military lawyer. Hearsay evidence is admissable (and plentiful when suspects are "rendered" to secret prisons fo torture.) The commission can give life sentences -or death. It's credible that future protestors at Shannon could be rendered into such "justice".

Was this White House draft late last week in response to the Dublin Ploughshares acquittal? Would it have been drafted if the PItstops were found guilty? Is there a paradigm shift to move the 26 year old pacifist nonviolent disarmament plowshares movement http://www.plowsharesactions.org to the status of "enemy combatant in the war on terror"?

Related Link: http://www.plowsharesactions.org

Further Reflection.....

The draft legislation relates to damage of U.S. military equipment anywhere in the world.

The plowshares movement has had only 3 acquittals in its over 100 action/26 year history. In 1996 by the "Seeds of Hope Ploughshares" by a majority jury decision in Liverpool, in 1999 by Judge directing the jury to acquit in the "Loch Goil 3" case in Scotland and now the first unanimous acquittal by a jury with the Pit Stop Ploughshares in Dublin. No acquittals in the USA where the majority of plowshare actions have taken place.

There were attempts by J. Edgar Hoover & Richard Nixon in the early 1970's to crush the Berrigans, "Catholic Left" & "Catholic Worker" during the Vietnam War. Most dramatic attempts were with the Harrisburg Conspiracy Trial"and the FBI infiltration of the "Camden (from 5 to 28 real quick) draft board raid" group & subsequent mass conspiracy trial. (There is an excellent PBS doc of this infiltration & conspiracy trial & 30 year reunion of those charged, Dublin CW has a copy.)

More recently, in the Midwest, the neocons moved against the Catholic Worker wih the RICO Act (initially organised crime legislation drawn up to take on the Mafia). This new White House draft legislation looks like it was drawn up in direct response to the acquittal of the Plowshares in Dublin last week. Sophisticated liberals like Clinton know how to handle dissent, ignore it, blank it, deprive it of oxygen and it will go away. The neocons can't help themselves but jump and stomp on from the greatest height withe heaviest boots on any dissent. The time to crush the Catholic Workers & Plowshares movement may have just arrived. if it has, it's time for solidarity with these good isolated people.

*Link to further discussion on the draft White House legislation
http://balkin.blogspot.com/

*Link to Analysis & Discussion of Post-Acquittal Media Coverage
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77606

6) PIT STOP PLOUGHSHARES RADIO INTERVIEWS-IRELAND, CANADA, AUSTRALIA

Video links to RTE news Reports on the Acquittal of the Pit Stop Ploughshares can be found on the front page of the http://www.peaceontrial.com website.

Below are links to radio interviews that occured during and after the trial.

*IRELAND

RTE Radio MP3s: Damien & talk of 'Freedom of the City' for PSP
audio recorded from
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/liveline/

Sinn Fenin Councillors Killian Forde ( http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/15236 )
proposes the Pit Stop Ploughshares be given the 'Freedom of the City' award
and debates John Cavenaugh

http://radio.indymedia.org/uploads/1-sfjkav-rte-27july0...6.mp3 (2.7megs/11mins40sec)

Damien Moran debates Mike (an American caller living in ireland for 13 years and a Pastor)
http://radio.indymedia.org/uploads/2-damopastor-rte-27j...6.mp3 (3.3 megs/14mins17sec)

Joshua Casteel, US Military Vet and ex-Interrogator at Abu Ghraib, tells his story to RTï¿½
http://radio.indymedia.org/uploads/3-joshua-rte-27july0...6.mp3 (1.8 megs/7mins43sec)

*AUSTRALIA
LINK-Australian (ABC) Radio Interview with Ciaron O'Reilly on Limits & Ethics of Civil Disobedience

Related Link: http://www.abc.net.au/sundaynights/stories/s1701156.htm

LINK-Interview with Ciaran O'Reilly on Australian JJJ Radio "Hack"
On this blog you will find a post "Guilty or Innocent: Ciaran O'Reilly".
On the post you will find a link to "Hack", a national Australian drive time radio program on Australia's youth radio station JJJ.

The interview with Ciaran comes approx 25 minutes into the program.
It is preceeded by stories on.....
- the Australian Labor Party rolling back on its opposition to uranium miing & export.
-U..N. workers killed by Israeli bombardment of Lebanaon.
-Israeli Conscript now living on Australia reflecting on her peiod of military services
-Health issues in the indigeneous community

Related Link: http://noguarantees.blogspot.com/

*CANADA

LINK-Canadian (Broadcasting Commision Radio Interview with Ciaron O'Reilly During the Trial (July 7)
This 10 minute Canadian Broadcasting Commission radio interview with Ciaron O'Reilly was broadcast during the Dublin trial.
It was also broadcast across the U.S. on National Public Radio
Click on link below
Then click on Part 2 of "As it Happens"......

Related Link: http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20060707.shtml

7) "FAIRFORD/B52 FIVE" GO TO TRIAL SEPT 4TH.-18TH. IN BRISTOL CROWN COURT, ENGLAND

Five folks go to trial in Bristol Crown Court in September facing charges from 3 seperate disarmament & attempted disarmament actions at U.S. Air Force B52 Base in Fairford, England. The actions took place in lead up to out invasion of Iraq.http://bristol.indymedia.org/newswire.php?story_id=252138)

8) PINE GAP CREW GO TO TRIAL IN ALICE SPRINGS KICKS OFF OCT 3RD.

Catholic Workers & Friends called "Christians Against All Terrorism" were arrested and charged after carrying out a citizen's inspection of CIA/NSA Pine Gap warfighting sattelite base near isolated Alice Springs in December go to trial in October. Trial occurs on the 20th. anniversary of Pope John Paul 2nd.'s historic visit to Alice Springs. (pop 20,000 in the dead centre of Australia!)

http://www.pinegap6.org
http://sydney.indymedia.org/node/37813

9) "WMD PLOWSHARES" HAVE BEEN MOVED TO A NEW JAIL-CONSIDER WRITIN' 'EM!

Friends:
Fr. Carl Kabat, Greg Boertje-Obed, and Michael
Walli were moved Saturday mid-day to the Southwest
Multi-County Correctional Center, 66 Museum Drive,
Dickinson, ND 58601, Phone 701.456.7790. They were moved less than 24 hours after I visited them in
Bismarck, ND. They are in great spirits.
They are awaiting federal criminal trial for
pouring their blood on a Minuteman III missile in
North Dakota that has 27 times the destructive power
of the one dropped on Hiroshima. People can find out
more about the Weapons of Mass Destruction Here
Plowshares at:
http://www.jonahhouse.org/
Please spread the word about their new address so
people can mail them. They very much enjoy the mail
they have been receiving.
Peace,
Bill Quigley

10) PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION COVER EXPENSES LEFTOVER FROM TRIAL & TOWARDS
THE PROJECT TO NONVIOLENTLY SHUTDOWN SHANNON WARPORT IF THE GOVERNMENT FAILS TO DEMILITARISE THE AIRPORT

You can do so by donating in the following ways.......
"Ploughshares Defence Fund"
134 Phibsborough Rd.
Dublin 7
IRELAND

Donations can be lodged at any
Bank of Ireland branch:
"Ploughshares Defence Fund"
Account No. 80965573 Sort Code 900551

DPP v Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Damian Moran, Ciaron O'Reilly

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial at hearing from July 5th to July 24th 2006

Note on the legal background to the jury verdict

The decision of the jury to acquit the five makes legal history. Acquittal by a Dublin jury is a rare event: just three per cent of Dublin jury trials end in acquittal. There are international precedents however, where juries have preferred to acquit in the face of an official government stance they find unconvincing. Two of these cases are mentioned below.

Why did the jury acquit?

The five agreed that they had caused damage to the US navy plane. But the five submitted to the jury that they had a defence of lawful excuse.

The lawful excuse given by the five was that they were trying to save life land and property in Iraq at a time of war. They said they wanted to protect people, especially the old and the young who were already vulnerable after a decade of economic sanctions. The five also feared for the young US soldiers and were concerned that Shannon itself might become a terrorist target. They also hoped to motivate others to act against the war and Ireland's facilitation of the military build-up.

Evidence was given at the trial that economic sanctions had dismantled Iraq's water and sewage infrastructure as well as its health service. Official UNICEF data showed that at least 500,000 (five hundred thousand) Iraqi children under 5 years had died as a direct result of the sanctons.

Wider context and possible implications

The jury's decision to acquit is a courageous one in the face of government condemnation of the actions of the five. The jury's decision demonstrates how important it is to have ordinary citizens as a buffer between might and right.

There was a comparable acquittal in Liverpool Crown Court ten years ago this month. In that case the Liverpool jury acquitted four women of charges of damaging fighter jets due to be sold to the Indonesian government to be used against the people of East Timor. Though denied by the British government at the time, it was later established that those jets were indeed eventually used for that purpose.

A decade earlier a jury at the Old Bailey acquitted senior British civil servant Clive Ponting in similar circumstances. Mr Ponting faced charges under the Official Secrets Act for passing official documents to his MP which disclosed that, contrary to the official line, the Argentine warship the Belgrano was known to be sailing away from an exclusion zone around the islands when it was sunk by British forces with the loss of three hundred lives. The trial Judge made it clear that in his legal view the case was open and shut. It was however for the jury to decide whether Mr Ponting had broken the law. In court Mr Ponting had openly admitted his actions which were he said taken in good conscience at a time when the government was knowingly lying to the public.

END

July 24th 2006.

……………

Note on Legal Team.

The legal representation of the accused in this trial was as follows:

For Deirdre Clancy and Nuin Dunlop – Michael O'Higgins SC with Muireann Grogan BL, instructed by Joe Noonan Solicitor;

For Karen Fallon – Brendan Nix SC with Sarah-Jane O'Callaghan BL, instructed by Joe Noonan;

For Damian Moran and Ciaron O'Reilly – John O'Kelly SC with Giollaiosa O Lideadha BL, instructed by Joe Noonan.

The accused had been tried on two previous occasions. In March 2005 the first trial collapsed when the trial judge accepted there could be a perception of bias on his part. In that case Hugh Hartnett SC had represented Mr Moran and Mr O'Reilly, instructed by Joe Noonan. Aileen Donnelly BL appeared with Mr Nix SC.

In November 2005 a second trial collapsed after it was put to the trial judge that there may be a perception of bias as it had been learned that he had been an invited guest at the inauguration of President George W Bush. In that trial Roderick O'Hanlon SC had represented Mr Moran and Mr O'Reilly, again instructed by Joe Noonan. Michael Dreelan BL appeared with Mr Nix SC.