arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)
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Support the "Shannon 6" on trial in Ireland for opposing the war in Iraq by Voor Moeder Aarde Tuesday June 24, 2003 at 08:01 PM |
| david@motherearth.org |
In early 2003, peace activists disarmed a US warplane at Shannon Airport in Ireland. The first disarmament action took place on 29th January, when Mary Kelly entered the airport, and did €750,000 worth of damage to the plane. The second disarmament action took place a few weeks later, when the same plane was disarmed by a group of 5 people as part of the "Pitstop Plougshares" action.
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These nonviolent actions took place as part of a larger campaign against the use of Shannon airport by the US military during the war against Iraq. US soldiers passed through Ireland, with no U.N. mandate, to wreak slaughter and plunder on the Iraqi people. 12 years of destructive sanctions were followed by several weeks of intensive hi-tech bombing. The retail looting on the streets has been a prelude to the wholesale looting of Iraqi resources by U.S. oil companies.
Following their disarmament actions, these nonviolent activists each spent several weeks in Limerick Prison, although they were all eventually released on bail until their trial, expected to begin in October this year. If they are found guilty, they could face up to 5 years in prison.
On 24th June solidarity actions took place in front of Irish Embassies in over 15 countries, including Belgium (see photo).
These activists have received support and solidarity from many people in Ireland and around the world, but they need more support, both financially and morally.
You can find more details of how to support them on http://www.ploughsharesireland.org/