Pit Stop Ploughshares Update

dublin | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Monday May 24, 2004 16:56

by Pit Stop Ploughshares

pitstopploughshares at hotmail dot com

83 Corrib Rd. Kimmage D6W (intersects with Lwr. Kimmage Rd.)

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