Peaceful plane-monitoring disrupted by airport security.

Thursday September 26, 2002 17:09

by Tim

Petty harrassment to stop evidence being obtained?

While attempting to peacefully and legally monitor military use of Shannon airport, a young man has been TWICE ejected from the airport. He posed no threat to the peace and broke no law, yet he was bundled in a security van and told he was BARRED. Any guess what the problem might be? Here's the account as given to me:

The man, who is local to Shannon, was not near the fence (he was 3 floors up, in fairness) was not acting suspiciously and has not been involved in previous protests.

He had gone to the airport to help gather evidence for Eoin Dubsky's legal challenge against the use of Shannon airport by the military.

By going to the viewing gallery, and simply taking notes of incoming aircraft, he was obviously not trying to break the law.

The viewing gallery would be the most illogical place to protest or attempt to gain access to the airfield. People outside cannot see it, and there's no easy way from the gallery to the airfield. People simply go there to watch planes.

Yet, this young man, was forcibly removed from the gallery, put into a yellow Aer Rianta van and
driven out past the archway. He was then informed that if he came back within 24 hours he would be arrested.

Now, I'm no legal expert, but it was my understanding that anyone is entitled to be on the road in front of the airport, as it is a public road.
I know there are circumstances where security can ask people to leave the terminal, but as far as I understand it once you are on the public road, its up to the Garda Siochana to move you on, and only if you are breaking the law.

If the authorities are indeed using petty harrassment to keep people from gathering evidence, then is this not perverting the course of justice as well as breaching people's rights to be on public roads, to protest or witness peacefully?

Any legal eagles out there want to clarify these issues? Does the guy have grounds to sue Aer Rianta now for unlawful detention? Kidnapping? assault even, if he was moved against his will?

save preference

Comments (11 of 11)

U could Phone Irish Council for Civil Liberties - They are helpful

by Blisset

Thu Sep 26, 2002 18:29

What Neutrality?

by Sean - Sinn Fein

Thu Sep 26, 2002 18:44

Thu Sep 26, 2002 18:59

On returning from Cuba at 1am on monday the 23rd we witnessed what would be considered in any other country, a declaration of war-
Foreign troops in full combat uniform on Irish soil.
After spending three weeks in a country that has been almost crippled economically by the US's Embargo we were greeted by approximately 300 US Army Troops dressed in full desert storm combat uniform.

No guesses as to where their final destination would be!

I have to say seeing the Cubans' faces as they were met by these fascists made me feel sick to the bone.

How can Bertie honestly be believed when he says that he will segure Irish Neutrality when he is already allowing Foreign Troops on our soil.

P.S.
Note the time in which this happened.
Not done during the daytime.
Why not?
Surely the Irish people wouldn't have a problem with this.

Legal

by Daithi

Thu Sep 26, 2002 20:05

Tim or Eoin please email me.

Duty

by Vladimar

Thu Sep 26, 2002 20:11

Dese people are engaged in a diabocial attempt to obstruct de war against terrorism, dey must be opposed by all right (wing) tinking people. Dhere are a lot of less than white people to be bombed. Damn u Hourigan und Dubsky, u lousy commie pinko subversives.. . God Save George und Tony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

public sector

by pat c

Fri Sep 27, 2002 11:22

aer rianta, which runs shannon, is a public sector company.

1. under the freedom of information act he could write to aer rianta, HQ, Dublin Airport, Co Dublin. tel 8141111, and ask for copies of all instructions issued to employees regarding removing people from airports. Also, all specific communications received and sent regarding Military aircraft using Aer Rianta run airports.

2. Write to the chief executive of Aer Rianta (above address) complaining about the treatment and asking who authorised it.

3. Write to the Ombudsman complaining about your treatment. (The Ombudsmand Office MUST investigate all complaints received regardin public sector bodies.)
Ombudsman, 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.
tel 6785222, LoCall 1890 22 30 30
email: [email protected]

Pat

Pat you do it - say u are from Indymedia if u want - u seem to have the time

Fri Sep 27, 2002 14:13

yes

Fri Sep 27, 2002 14:41

i'll do it. (write re foi).

my time is short,
as is yours.

it would be best if as many people as possible did so.

the person who was excluded is in a position to complain to aer rianta hq & the ombudsman. as is anyone else who is so excluded.

Get in touch with refuellingpeace and they'll help get any contacts u need

by b

Fri Sep 27, 2002 14:47