Shannon Anti-War Banshees released on bail

national | anti-war / imperialism | press release

Monday November 01, 2004 18:18

by dublin catholic worker

087 6969799

Shannon Anti-War Banshees released on bail

.Shannon Anti-War Banshees released on bail

For Initial Action Report and photos check
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=67254

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Press Release
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Last night at Ennis District Court there was a special sitting for Elaine O'Sullivan and Zelda Jeffers, Shannon Airport Banshees against the use of Shannon by the U.S. military. The two women were arrested by Shannon Garda at 6.50am on Sunday morning, October 31st, after spending almost 5 hours praying for and remebering the Iraq war dead
The court hearing began at 7:04pm and lasted 7 minutes, during which time Garda Ann Flynn gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning both defendants. she said that they had made no comment other than "thank you" in reply to this.
Inspector Gallagher asked Garda Flynn to inform the court what the charge was.
Garda Flynn told the court that the pair were charged for breaching the airport byelaws 4.8 s4 contrary to section 42 (7) of the Air Navigation & Transport (Aendmendment) Act, 1998 (which states that it is an offence to breach the byelaws)
The defendants were represented by Ted McCarthy, a Limerick based solicitor. He sought bail for the defendants, and told the court that the prosecution had no objection to bail, but was seeking conditions.
Inspector Gallagher said that the State would agree to bail subject to a 5 mile exclusion zone from the airport.
Judge Mangan asked how a 5 mile zone might be marked out.
Inspector Gallagher reminded him, that such zones had already been imposed on others. Judge Mangan asked if it would not be better to have the exclusion zone match the area of the Shannon District Court.
Ted McCarthy told the court that he was unsure as to the exact borders of the district court area.
The court Clerk informed him that it extended east as far as Limerick. Inspector Gallagher reminded the court that some parts of the airport are actually outside the area covered by Shannon District Court.
So the exclusion zone was set at 5 miles from the terminal building.
The pair were granted bail on a bond (not lodged) of 100 euro each, on condition that they do "not go within 5 miles of the terminal building".
The next hearing was set for 11am on November 18th at Shannon District Court.
In effect however, that means Ennis.
(Shannon District Court used to sit in Tullyvarragga community hall, but it was considered to drafty in the cold weather, so now the Shannon court sits in Ennis)
On leaving the court Zelda Jeffers stated: " Elaine and I were inside the airport perimeter for nearly 5 hours. Looking down the runway we could see part of the path taken by people and objects on their way to die, kill, maim, and destroy. We wish to thank the many people who sent messages of support. Together we can help make a better world where this does not not continue and where purportedly neutral countries do not participate in this journey towards death.
Elaine O'Sullivan stated: 'Despite a Garda spokesman alledging security had recently been 'beefed up' and were prepared for any eventuality, last night we exposed that U.S. military weapons are as secure in Shannon as the 350 tonnes of explosives which went missing in Iraq. Their presence puts the people of Shannon and Ireland at great risk.'
For more info.
Elaine at 087 6969799
and initial press release/photos
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=67254
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Shannon Anti-War Banshees released on bail