Shannonwatch Vigil

clare | anti-war / imperialism | event notice Friday June 05, 2009 14:33 by John Lannon

Demanding accountability for Shannon's role in war and torture

The regular Shannonwatch vigil will take place on Sunday 14th June from 2pm to 3pm. Meet at the roundabout just before the security hut (gantry) on the way into the airport.

The substance of recent speeches from President Obama indicates there is likely to be little real change in US foreign policy (see for example, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/04/bar...eeast). At the same time, the shameful refusal of our Irish government, Fianna Fail and the Green Party to do anything but ignore our role in torture and war continues. Men, women and children are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan, as the airport lounges are opened up to the occupying army and their weaponry sits on the tarmac outside.

Almost 250 prisoners still remain in Guantanamo Bay despite assurances that it would be shut down, and despite the empty promises by European governments - including Ireland - to provide a safe home for men and boys tortured by the US.

US torture sites are not a thing of the past. Even ships like the USS Bataan and the USS Peleliu have been used to hold prisoners beyond the rule of law since 2001. Reprieve investigator Clara Gutteridge said: “Ships have been used by the US to hold terror suspects illegally since the days of President Clinton, so it would be no surprise if this practise continues under Obama.”

As prisoners are interrogated aboard the US vessels and then rendered to other, often undisclosed, locations the rendition planes may still be passing through Shannon. On Wednesday 3 June, for example, a CIA associated aircraft N71PG was refuelled there. Records show that this plane has been to both Shannon and Guantanamo on several occasions.

These are just some of the reasons for the Shannon vigil on June 14th. It is to demand accountability and respect for human rights. Please join in if you can.