What terror is O'Dea talking about?
national |
anti-war / imperialism |
other press 
Friday August 18, 2006 08:18
by anon
O'Dea criticises outcome of anti-war activists' trial
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has criticised the outcome of the recent trial involving the five anti-war activists who damaged a US military aircraft at Shannon Airport more than three years ago.
The five admitted attacking the plane, but said they did so to prevent greater crimes from being committed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
They were all acquitted last month after a jury at Dublin Circuit Court agreed that they had a lawful excuse for their actions.
However, Mr O'Dea, who is a trained barrister, claimed today that the jury was wrong in its decision.
"I don't think this defence should have been allowed to go to the jury in the first place and secondly, I don't think the jury should have found as they did," he said.
"But, as you know, the courts are independent and the Government can't over-rule or interfere in the operation of the courts.
"That's essential in a democracy, but a democracy also has the right to protect itself against terror."