Irish Anti-War Movement Bulletin

03 December 2003

1. Shannon Blockade: Why is it important?
2. Fintan Lane: 60 Days for Peaceful Protest What you can do!
3. Fundraising
4. Up-coming IAWM events
5. Other up-coming events

1. Why is it important to go to Shannon?

Opposition to the war in Iraq is growing worldwide as the recent huge protests in Washington, Paris and London have shown and the anti-war movements around the world and here in Ireland are mobilising for an escalation of their protest in the coming months. It is clear that the US and UK are now embroiled in a new Vietnam and the people of those countries have not swallowed the lies which were used as justification for starting the war. Indeed, most people agree that the world is now a much more dangerous place since the invasion of Iraq.

Meanwhile the Irish government has re-peddled the lies told by Bush and Blair and is continuing its support for the US military and restricting civil liberties by using the courts to jail peaceful protestors like Fintan Lane. More details on http://www.irishantiwar.org

Buses

Cork.................John 086 300 4573 leaves 10.30 am Opera House
Dublin..............Aoife 087 795 5013leaves 9 am Aston Quay (Virgin Megastore)
Dublin UCD....Students Union Free for UCDSU members only
Galway.............Eibhlin 087 7443579 leaves 10.30 NUI Quad
Galway.............Donal at 087 2450032 GMIT
Waterford.........Roy 086-327 4015
West Cork........Dominic ../mailto:clonakiltyagainstthewar@eircom.net Book early!! Numbers limited!!

2. 60 Days in Jail for Peaceful Protest!

The jailing of Fintan Lane is in stark contrast with the treatment of US military who use Shannon Airport as a stopover on the way to Iraq and Afghanistan where the US is engaged in two brutal occupations. These occupations have resulted in the murder of tens of thousands of civilians. Given the fact that over 100,000 US troop have transited Shannon in the last 12 months, it is highly likely that a large proportion of the troops and weapons involved in these killings have used Shannon as a stopover. Recently, US troops went on an illegal walkabout in Ennis town centre in combat uniform – but no charges were made for that trespass.

Before being jailed Fintan commented, “Innocent people are being killed in Iraq and Afghanistan by the war machine that is being facilitated at Shannon airport. What is happening is an outrage, and it is no exaggeration to say that Fianna Fail and the PDs have blood on their hands.” More details on http://irishantiwar.org/users/homepage/fintanlane.htm#main

What you can do!

· Flypost the "Release Fintan Lane" poster available for download at http://irishantiwar.org/users/homepage/freefintan.pdf
· Organise a statement of support/call for release from trade union branches, from branches of political organisations in your area, from councillors, from student unions, from campaigning groups, from anti-war groups, or from any other group/organisation/individual you think might add their voice to the call for Fintan¹s release. Already, the Cork Trades Council, the Irish Anti-War Movement and Joe Higgins TD have called for the release of Fintan Lane. We need to add to this list as quickly as possible. Statements should be sent to the media (newspapers, radio, etc.) and copies sent to corkantiwar@hotmail.com
· Send a fax, e-mail and letter to government ministers/TDs calling for the release of Fintan Lane.
· Write a letter to a newspaper, local or national.
· Organise a white-line picket in the high street of your town or city.
· Send messages of support and letters to Fintan. Please keep messages/letters straightforward and post in an envelope to Fintan Lane, Limerick Prison, Mulgrave Street, Limerick.

3. Fundraising: Get your IAWM fundraiser organised now! Send details to ../mailto:info@irishantiwar.org and we will ensure that your event is highlighted in the next bulletin and on the website.

4. Up-coming IAWM events

Sat. 6 December U.S. TROOPS OUT OF SHANNON!
Shannon Airport Blockade

Assemble at 2 pm at Lidl Carpark in Shannon Town. More details on IAWM website
Posters and leaflets are available. Call Colm at 087 294 7100

Thurs. 11 December Public Meeting
IRAQ - The Reality of the Occupation

8 pm Snug Pub, Dorset Street, Dublin 1

5. Other up-coming events

Sat. 13 December iBby Ireland Conference
Fighting for Writing – Children’s Book in Areas of Conflict

International Board for Books for Young People Ireland (iBby) is holding a conference on bringing books and stories to children in conflict situations. Speakers include Mary Robinson, Jehan Helou (Ramallah, Palestine), Tom Hyland (East Timor SC). Location Marino Institute of education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. More details from Máire at maire@irelandliterature.com or IBBY, c/o ILE, Irish Writers’ Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1