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!)