London solidarity for the Pit Stop Ploughshares

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Monday October 24, 2005 21:25 by rasputin

Today, the trial of the Pit Stop Five began. In London, activists gathered outside the Irish embassy in a show of solidarity.

Before the illegal invasion and bombing of Iraq, five members of the pacifist Catholic Worker movement made their way into Shannon Airport and non-violently disarmed a US Navy Warplane in the early hours of February 3rd 2003.

The Pit Stop Ploughshares Catholic Workers, Deidre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon, Ciaron O'Reilly and Damien Moran spent 4 to 11 weeks in Limerick Prison. Presently on bail, they face trial at the Four Courts on two counts of Criminal Damage - E100 and E2.5 million. At their recent court appearances a trial date has yet to be set. They face a maximum of ten years imprisonment, if convicted.

125,855 US troops, weapons, & cruise missile components passed throuh the 'civilian' Shannon airport in 2003. While Aer Rianta made E15 million in blood money, the Pit Stop Ploughshares have been charged with E2.5 million "criminal damage". 10,000 US troops continue to pass trough Shannon each month. Some of the young men and women who passed through Shannon have made the return trip from Iraq in body bags.

Today, the trial of the five began in Dublin. in solidarity, individuals from various groups gathered outside the Irish embassy in London with placards showing the results of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Leaflets were handed to generally receptive passersby explaining the case.

Best of luck with the trial. God bless.