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?