Report of yesterday's Shannon anti-war demonstration

clare | anti-war / imperialism | news report Sunday June 22, 2003 17:45 by Fintan Lane - Cork Anti-War Campaign corkantiwar at hotmail dot com 087 1258325

Ten people arrested at Shannon demonstration during sit-down protest

Yesterday's demonstration at Shannon was, as expected, small in comparison with previous marches on the airport. Roughly 150 people (200 according to one estimate) turned up, though there were banners from across the country. What was very clear was that those present were almost entirely activists, and non-aligned rather than from political organisations. Indeed, with the exception of the Green Party, there was virtually nobody present from any of the left-wing groups (of whatever hue).

The march to the airport terminal was stopped short of the airport grounds by a line of gardai including riot police and access was denied. This led to some confusion, anger and frustration, and ultimately, having moved back towards the town centre, a sit-down protest occurred on the roundabout. Traffic was blocked and gardai moved in to make ten arrests. Among those arrested were two minors and leading Iraqi anti-war activist Nuria Mustafa.

The remaining protesters then headed for the Garda station where a picket was held until all those arrested were released. Riot police stood outside the station during the picket to...well, to intimidate the pickets I suppose. Charges are expected.

Under the circumstances, I reckon the sit-down protest was not only justified but a proper reaction to the Garda efforts to disrupt the march on the airport. If they won't allow a peaceful protest outside the terminal then we have no option but to take it onto the roads surrounding the airport. Civil disobedience is a legitimate tactic, especially when the right to march and protest is curtailed. So, fair play to all those involved!

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.

All in all, despite the small numbers, anti-war protesters made their presence felt and, once again, caused the police to deploy huge security in the environs of the airport.