Anti-War Ireland

Support National Demonstration in Solidarity with Palestine

2007-05-10T00:12:00.000+01:00

Anti-War Ireland calls on people to mobilise on Saturday, 9th June, in solidarity with the people of Palestine. A national demonstration, marking 40 years of occupation, will assemble at 2pm outside the Central Bank on Dame Street in Dublin.

Please make every effort to be there!

David Rovics to play benefit gigs for anti-war movement

2007-02-13T19:46:00.000Z

Leading U.S. Anti-War Singer-Songwriter in Ireland

national anti-war news report

Not since Bob Dylan went electric and Phil Ochs succumbed to his demons has America had a 'protest singer' and songwriter as compelling as David Rovics. Now Rovics, the favoured musical voice of the newly revived US anti-war movement, is doing a short tour of Ireland from February 18th to 26th - and splitting the proceeds with peace activists here. "David Rovics is a guy George W. Bush would probably like to clamp in chains at Guantanamo Bay," says BBC DJ Andy Kershaw. (Rovics has a song about Bush called 'Moron'.) Cindy Sheehan calls Rovics "the peace poet and troubadour for our times". Rovics is visiting Ireland later this month and will play benefit gigs for Anti-War Ireland in Cork and Dublin.

Rovics is so important, and dangerous, because he doesn't produce dour agit-prop, but witty, passionate and tuneful songs that are ripped straight from the headlines (real and imagined), from Halliburton Boardroom Massacre and 'Who Would Jesus Bomb?' to 'Falluja'. The last, told from the point of view of an Iraqi insurgent, features a powerful rap by Professor D of the Dope Poet Society - showing that Rovics is prepared to transcend comfortable, guitar-strumming cliches.

He is also prepared to mock his left-wing listeners, with songs like 'I'm a Better Anarchist than You' and 'Vanguard', which skewers Trotskyist pretensions. Irish audiences will love the affectionate 'Saint Patrick Battalion', about the Irishmen who fought for Mexican freedom in the 1840s.

Rovics, at 38, has released a brilliant collection of CDs on indie labels over the last decade. True to his collectivist principles, however, he makes his songs freely available in high-quality MP3 format via his website.

"Feel free to download these songs," Rovics writes on his Soundclick.com page. "Use them for whatever purpose. Send them to friends, burn them, copy them, play them on the radio, on the internet, wherever."

"Music is the Commons. Ignore the corporate music industry shills who tell you otherwise. Downloading music is not theft, you're not hurting anyone, I promise." Rovics happily accepts donations online and tours nine months a year, performing a wildly entertaining and inspiring show.

He plays at Crane Lane (opposite the GPO) in CORK from 8pm on Tuesday, 20th February; and in Dublin, Lurgan, Sligo, Belfast and Limerick over subsequent nights. (See www.davidrovics.com for details.) Tickets for the Cork gig, a part-benefit for Anti-War Ireland, are priced at an extraordinary E10. All welcome!

On Wednesday, 21st February, he hits DUBLIN, kicking off at 7.30pm upstairs in the Bull & Castle, across the street from Christchurch. Paul O'Toole will be providing support on the night. Tickets for the Dublin gig, a part-benefit for Anti-War Ireland, are priced at E10 (waged) and E5 (unwaged/refugees/etc.). If you feel like giving more on the night, please feel free to do so - the anti-war movement needs your money! Seriously.

Despite his grueling schedule, Rovics has had time for a fascinating personal story of his own, including the terrible death of a close friend who tried to intervene in a gang shootout in 1993 - a trauma which inspired Rovics to pursue his musical career with greater dedication. He is available for interview prior to and during his Irish tour.

Pete Seeger himself put it simply: "Listen to David Rovics."

Anti-War Ireland contacts for further information: Deirdre Clancy (086 1512013); Harry Browne (087 7648065)

Caoimhe Butterly to Speak in Dublin on 20th Janu...

2007-01-07T19:37:00.000Z

Caoimhe Butterly to Speak in Dublin on 20th January

dublin miscellaneous news report

info@antiwarireland.org

Report-back on her months in Lebanon

Caoimhe Butterly, who has spent the past five months in Lebanon and who experienced the results of Israel's onslaught, will be back in Ireland briefly at the end of January. During her visit, she will speak on her experiences in Lebanon (in both Beirut and the South) and will be highlighting projects that she is currently involved with (including a film project about life in the wake of the Israeli bombardment and invasion).

Her first talk will be in Dublin at a public meeting jointly organised by Anti-War Ireland (AWI), Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) and the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). The meeting will be chaired by Raymond Deane of the IPSC.

When: Saturday, 20th January at 2pm

Where: Teachers' Club, Parnell Square, Dublin

Admission is free and all are welcome!

In addition, Caoimhe will later speak at Anti-War Ireland public meetings in Belfast and Cork; at a Derry Anti-War Coalition meeting in Derry city; and at a public meeting in Galway hosted by the EcoSoc of NUI, Galway. More details on these meetings will be posted later.

Anti-War Concert with Leading Musicians, Comedian...

2006-11-14T20:39:00.000Z

Anti-War Concert with Leading Musicians, Comedians & Other Artists
dublin anti-war event notice

Comedy, music and straight-talking

Anti-War Ireland is holding a fundraising concert in the Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay, Dublin, on Sunday 26th November.

All monies raised will go towards the continuing campaign to demilitarise Shannon airport.

An exciting line-up includes many well-known musicians, comedians, actors, writers and other artists. Should be a great night out, with the money going to a good cause!!!

The gig/concert is under the title 'Departure Lounge' (spot the heavy hint!).

Performing under loose catagories will be:

MUSIC
Hazel O'Connor
North Strand Klezmer Band
Roesy
The Shannon Colleens
Roisin Elsafty
Cormac de Barra
Cait O'Riordan
Arthur Riordan AKA MC Dev

COMEDY
Kevin McAleer
Kevin Gildea

STRAIGHT-TALK
Donal O'Kelly
Jim Sheridan
Peter Sheridan

Promises to be a great night, not to be missed!

Where: Laughter Lounge, Eden Quay

When: Sunday, 26 Nov., 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm)

How much: 20 euros, at the door or from Central Ticket Bureau (www.centralticketbureau.com, ph. 01 4487777)

Organised by Anti-War Ireland

Cobh anti-war picket of US warship on Tuesday

2006-11-04T21:39:00.000Z

cork anti-war event notice

Anti-War Ireland calls protest against US warship

A US missile-launching destroyer docked at the Deepwater Quay in Cobh, Co. Cork, yesterday. This is one in a series of visits that these ships of death have paid to Cobh in recent times. As far as Anti-War Ireland is concerned, these warships are as unwelcome as the US military that pass through Shannon airport. It is a warship from a belligerent imperial power and is not welcome in Cork harbour.

The warship currently docked will remain in Cobh until Thursday. AWI is calling a picket against the presence of this weapon of war for 7pm on Tuesday evening. Please ensure that you attend and make your voice heard against the facilitation of the Bush war machine in Irish ports. And spread the word!

When: 7pm on Tuesday, 7th November

Where: Deepwater Quay, Cobh, County Cork

Be there!

For further information, phone 086 3004573

Organised by Cork AWI

Cork and Belfast: Former Abu-Ghraib interrogators to speak at public meetings

2006-10-30T21:01:00.000Z

Tony Lagouranis and Stephen Lewis, both former US interrogators at Abu-Ghraib prison, have done many media interviews since their arrival in Ireland last Thursday. They have also spoken, alongside fellow former interrogator Joshua Casteel, at Anti-War Ireland events in Dublin, Maynooth and Shannon. Throughout, they have placed a strong emphasis on the call to demilitarise Shannon airport.

Tony and Stephen will continue their speaking engagements after the weekend, when they will address Anti-War Ireland public meetings in Cork (Tuesday) and Belfast (Wednesday). Details are below.

An interview with Tony Lagouranis on SkyTV, held shortly after his arrival in Ireland, can be viewed by clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTeE1ykArBU

1. Cork anti-war public meeting: Abu-Ghraib interrogators and former CIA senior analysts to speak
cork anti-war event notice

Two former Abu-Ghraib interrogators to call for the demilitarisation of Shannon Airport
In the wake of the successful Shannon demo (Saturday, 28th October), the Cork branch of Anti-War Ireland will host a public meeting which will be addressed by two former interrogators at the infamous Abu-Ghraib prison, as well as former CIA senior analysts Kathleen and Bill Christison.

Stephen Lewis and Tony Lagouranis both served in Iraq together but rejected the war, along with their friend and fellow interrogator Joshua Casteel (who spoke in Cork during the summer).

They will be joined on the platform by the two former CIA analysts - both harsh critics of the Bush adminstration - and who are on their way back to the US from a visit to Israel and Palestine.

Stephen Lewis served five years in the US army as an arabic speaking interrogator. He spent a year in Iraq, much of the time at Abu Ghraib. Tony Lagouranis and Stephen served together. Their unit was the 202 military intelligence battalion. Both are now members of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

These former US soldiers and CIA analysts will give an insight into how the US war machine operates at different levels. This should be a fascinating meeting.

When: 8pm, Tuesday, 31 October

Where: Quality Hotel, John Redmond Street, Cork

All welcome!!!

Organised by Cork AWI

2. Belfast anti-war meeting: Two former Abu-Ghraib interrogators to speak
antrim anti-war event notice

War & Mayhem in Iraq: US Iraq War vets speak out

The Belfast branch of Anti-War Ireland is hosting a public meeting at Queen's University on Wednesday, 1 November, at which two former US interrogators at the infamous Abu-Ghraib prison will speak.

Tony Lagouranis and Stephen Lewis are both members of Iraq Veterans Against the War and have spoken out repeatedly against the abuse of prisoners in Iraq.

This should be a fascinating meeting in which both US vets will reflect on their time in Iraq and on their involvement in the US anti-war movement.Admission to the public meeting in Belfast is free and all are welcome!

Where: G105 in the David Keir building at Queen's University, Belfast.

When: 7.30pm on Wednesday, 1st of November.

For further details, email Belfast AWI at awibelfast@googlemail.com

Organised by Belfast AWI

SHANNON DEMONSTRATION on Saturday, 28 October

2006-10-22T22:52:00.000+01:00

Building for the Shannon protest

Introduction
This week the anti-war movement is focused on the build-up to the protest to be held at Shannon next Saturday. It is imperative that we get good numbers to Shannon to make our voices heard against the facilitation of the US war machine at this Irish civilian airport. Please ensure that you make it on the day! Wear black and bring flowers in memory of the dead.

The following anti-war events will occur over the next ten days. Details below.

1. AWI Dublin Public Meeting on Thursday with three former Abu-Ghraib interrogators (Dublin)
2. Anti-War Demonstration at Shannon Airport next Saturday (Clare)
3. Dublin bus to Shannon demo (Dublin)
4. Cork bus to Shannon demo (Cork)
5. AWI Cork Meeting with former Abu-Ghraib interrogators and former CIA analysts (Cork)
6. AWI Belfast Public Meeting with former Abu-Ghraib interrogators (Antrim)

1. Dublin anti-war meeting: Three former Abu-Ghraib interrogators to speak on Thursday

US Iraq War veterans to demand the demilitarisation of Shannon

Three US Iraq War veterans will address an Anti-War Ireland public meeting in Dublin at 7.30pm on Thursday, 26 October. All three served together in the 202 Military Intelligence Battalion as interrogators in the infamous Abu-Ghraib prison. Having rejected the war in which they served, they are now active members of Iraq Veterans Against War.

The rejection of the war by three members of the same military unit sends out a powerful message about the growing opposition to this war within the US military.

The three veterans are Tony Lagouranis, Joshua Casteel and Stephen Lewis.

The meeting will also be addressed by Goretti Horgan (Derry Anti-War Coalition, and representing the Raytheon Nine) and Colm Breathnach of Anti-War Ireland

When: 7.30pm, Thursday, 26 October

Where: ATGWU Hall, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin.

Admission is free and all welcome!!

2. Shannon Anti-War Demonstration

anti-war event notice

Several US Iraq war vets to speak at Shannon

A demonstration against the presence of the US military at Shannon airport will be held on Saturday, 28 October. This will be a protest and rally against the continued misuse of an Irish civilian airport and in solidarity with those who have suffered at the hands of the US war machine. Several US Iraq War vets are travelling from the United States especially to participate in the demonstration, which will be the first major protest at the airport this year.

Among those coming to Shannon to register their objections to the presence of the US war machine will be Joshua Casteel, Stephen Lewis and Tony Lagouranis, all former US army interrogators at Abu Ghraib and members now of Iraq Veterans Against the War.We want this to be a colourful and imaginative protest, so please bring homemade banners, placards and other symbols of your opposition to the so-called US 'war on terror'.

The demonstration, themed 'Remembering the Dead', will take the form of a mock-funeral to the airport, where a rally will be held. It will conclude with participants being asked to lay flowers across the entrance to the airport in memory of the dead of Iraq, Afghanistan and the United States.

Please consider wearing black and bring flowers to place at the entrance in memory of those who have died as a result of George W. Bush's policy of imperial war.It is important that people travel for this protest and make their voices heard. Please attend and bring your kids, friends, grandmother and dog!

When: 2pm, Saturday, 28 October

Where: Assemble at Lidl in Shannon town centre.

Buses are running from Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Organised by Anti-War Ireland

3. Bus from Dublin to Shannon demo
dublin anti-war event notice

Book now!
A bus to the Shannon anti-war demo (and back!) will leave Liberty Hall at 9am on the 28th. We're getting quite a bit of interest, so we'd encourage people to book their seats now! That'll give us a chance to judge whether a second bus should be ordered.

Return fare is 15 euros (waged) or 10 euros (student/unwaged/low waged).

To book a seat, phone Anthony at 087 068 78 99.

4. Bus to Shannon Demo from Cork
cork anti-war event notice

A bus to the demonstration in Shannon will leave the Cork Opera House at 9.30am on Saturday, 28 October.

The bus starts in Skibbereen at 8.30am.

Pick-ups between Skib and Cork or between Cork and Shannon can be organised.
To book your seat, phone 087 9387566 or email cathallarkin@yahoo.com.

5. Cork anti-war public meeting: Abu-Ghraib interrogators and former CIA senior analysts to speak
cork anti-war event notice

Two former Abu-Ghraib interrogators to call for the demilitarisation of Shannon Airport
In the wake of the Shannon demo (Saturday, 28th October), the Cork branch of Anti-War Ireland will host a public meeting which will be addressed by two former interrogators at the infamous Abu-Ghraib prison, as well as former CIA senior analysts Kathleen and Bill Christison.

Stephen Lewis and Tony Lagouranis both served in Iraq together but rejected the war, along with their friend and fellow interrogator Joshua Casteel (who spoke in Cork during the summer).

They will be joined on the platform by the two former CIA analysts - both harsh critics of the Bush adminstration - and who are on their way back to the US from a visit to Israel and Palestine.

Stephen Lewis served five years in the US army as an arabic speaking interrogator. He spent a year in Iraq, much of the time at Abu Ghraib. Tony Lagouranis and Stephen served together. Their unit was the 202 military intelligence battalion. Both are now members of Iraq Veterans Against the War.These former US soldiers and CIA analysts will give an insight into how the US war machine operates at different levels. This should be a fascinating meeting.

When: 8pm, Tuesday, 31 October

Where: Quality Hotel, John Redmond Street, CorkAll welcome!!!

Organised by Cork AWI

6. Belfast anti-war meeting: Two former Abu-Ghraib interrogators to speak
antrim anti-war event notice

War & Mayhem in Iraq: US Iraq War vets speak out

The Belfast branch of Anti-War Ireland is hosting a public meeting at Queen's University on Wednesday, 1 November, at which two former US interrogators at the infamous Abu-Ghraib prison will speak. Tony Lagouranis and Stephen Lewis are both members of Iraq Veterans Against the War and will also be addressing the anti-war demonstration in Shannon on 28 October.

This should be a fascinating meeting in which both US vets will reflect on their time in Iraq and on their involvement in the US anti-war movement.

Admission to the public meeting in Belfast is free and all are welcome!

Where: G105 in the David Keir building at Queen's University, Belfast.

When: 7.30pm on Wednesday, 1 November.

Organised by Belfast AWI

For further details, email Belfast AWI at awibelfast@googlemail.com

Shannon Demonstration on Saturday, 28 October

2006-10-22T22:52:00.000+01:00

Shannon anti-war demonstration planned for Saturday, 28 October

2006-09-16T23:07:00.000+01:00

A demonstration at Shannon airport against the facilitation of the US military will be held on Saturday, 28 October. This will be the first anti-war protest held near the airport this year and it is expected to draw anti-war activists from across the island.

It will be a peaceful rally in solidarity with the people suffering at the hands of the US war machine. Several US Iraq war veterans, including former Abu-Ghraib interrogator Joshua Casteel, are expected to travel from the United States to attend the protest.

The demonstration will assemble at 2pm at Lidl's in Shannon town centre before marching to the airport.

Please attend and bring your kids, friends, grandmother and/or dog! All welcome! Make your voice heard against the misuse of this Irish civilian airport.

It is also expected that Joshua Casteel and several other US Iraq vets will speak at an Anti-War Ireland public meeting in Dublin city centre on Thursday, 26 October. They will speak at other venues around the country after the weekend.

More details will be posted closer to the date.

Organised by Anti-War Ireland.

National Boycott Day on 16th September

2006-09-14T10:36:00.000+01:00

September 16th is the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacres, when Ariel Sharon and the Israeli military allowed its Lebanese surrogates to commit the mass murder of thousands of innocent Palestinian men, women and children in these two refugee camps in southern Lebanon. Given that Israel has once again laid waste to Lebanon, particularly the south, it is fitting that we mark this anniversary by demanding that Israel be finally brought to account. It has become ever clearer in recent weeks that if we are to achieve this goal it will require a worldwide civil society campaign of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions.

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign is calling on anti-war supporters nationwide to contact their local branches and get involved with the dozens of boycott actions that will be happening in supermarkets across the country. As well as the IPSC, local branches of the Irish Anti-War Movement and Anti-War Ireland will also be commemorating National Boycott Day.

Since 2000, as Israel has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians and devastated the Palestinian economy and society, Irish trade with Israel has increased exponentially year after year, with a full 3,000 tonnes of Israeli vegetables imported to this country since the
start of the second Intifada.

Indeed, Irish supermarkets are often overflowing with Israeli fruit and vegetables. On September 16th, we want to send the message to Irish supermarkets, shops and grocery stores that continuing to trade with Israel while it obliterates Palestine is grossly unethical and gives both financial support and the succour of legitimation to Israel's neverending occupation.

If you won't be able to join us on an action on the 16th, then just do it yourself: go in to your local shop and fill your basket with Israeli goods. Bring it to the till, ask for the manager, and make the simple demand that the shop operates an ethical trading policy. To do this, it must cease its financial support for Israel's occupation and take Israeli goods off its shelves.

Just as in the 1980s, when Irish shoppers refused to support South African Apartheid by boycotting Outspan oranges, we must do the same now in order to bring Israeli aparthied to an end…

What do I boycott?

Israeli produce, which differs from season to season, is often labelled as JAFFA or CARMEL.

However, it is not always branded, so look out for the 'Country of Origin' or 'Produce of' labels on everything in the fruit and veg aisles. Israeli fruit and vegetables for sale in all Irish supermarkets include:
Potatoes, particularly packaged out-of-season new potatoes.
Oranges (mostly labelled "Jaffa")
Avocadoes
Melons
Dates
Citrus fruits such as lemons etc.
Packets of Fresh Herbs are almost always from Israel
Salad vegetables

Don't forget to complain to the management! Demand alternatives to Israeli produce.

Pitstop Ploughshares to speak in Belfast and Derry

2006-09-09T13:05:00.000+01:00

Derry: Monday, 11th September, 8pm

Context Gallery, The Playhouse, Artillery St., Derry

Speakers
Two speakers from the Raytheon 9 Awaiting Trial
Deirdre Clancy (Pitstop Ploughshares and Anti-War Ireland)
Ciaron O'Reilly (Pitstop Ploughshares)

The Derry Anti-War Coalition held a non-violent occupation of the Raytheon facility in Springtown on 9 August, in protest at the war crimes committed in the Middle East using weapons supplied by Raytheon. There is some evidence, for example, that it was a Raytheon Guided Bomb Unit which was used by the Israeli military in the atrocity in Qana in Lebanon and that many of the cluster bombs dropped on Southern Lebanon are connected to Raytheon. Nine of the protestors now face serious charges, with jail terms if they are convicted. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss their campaign, and to hear the recently acquitted Pitstop Plougshares activists discuss the campaign to demilitarise Shannon Airport.

Belfast
Tuesday, 12th September 8pmJury's Inn, Great Victoria Street, Belfast.On 25th July, a 12-person jury in Dublin's Four Courts unanimously acquitted five anti-war activists - the Pitstop Ploughshares - for their decommissioning of a US warplane at Shannon airport in February 2003. The jury heard, listened and understood when presented with a defence that the five acted to protect life in Iraq and Ireland. Despite a sustained effort by the state to criminalise these anti-war activists, 12 randomly selected Dublin jurors damned Irish complicity with the US war machine by finding them not guilty of any offence. Two members of the former Pitstop Ploughshares - Deirdre Clancy and Ciaron O'Reilly - will speak at the meeting. Also speaking will be Colm Breathnach of Anti-War Ireland.

Anti-War Ireland applauds action at Derry Raytheon factory

2006-08-12T00:20:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday 9th August, Derry Anti-War Coalition occupied American arms manufacturer Raytheon's Derry office, with nine people barricading themselves into the building and decommissioning vital equipment including computers.

According to the anti-war activists involved, the computer system was "completely disabled". It is understood that thousands of documents and dozens of computers were burned and thrown from windows by members of a group that entered the building.

Among those in the premises to protest against the world's largest missiles manufacturer was veteran socialist and civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann.

Anti-War Ireland commends the Derry anti-war activists for their action and believes that it was entirely justified.

Dr Fintan Lane, a spokesperson for Anti-War Ireland, said:

"Raytheon is an integral part of a war machine that is killing innocent men, women and children daily in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The brutality of war has been brought home to us again in the past few weeks by the vicious onslaught by the Israeli military on the Lebanese and Palestinian people."

Lane continued: "Direct action and civil disobedience have always been a part of the anti-war tradition. When human lives are at risk, it is entirely justifiable to take non-violent direct action to protect life. Armed groups in Northern Ireland have been implored to decommission on many occasions and this is a logical extension of that process. Raytheon has been decommissioned and we applaud those who acted in defence of human life."

"Anti-War Ireland believes that mass mobilisations, such as marches, are essential in our efforts to stop the imperial killing machines. However, we also believe in the tactical deployment of direct action and civil disobedience. What happened today was a peaceful act in pursuit of justice."

After eight hours in occupation of the plant nine protesters were arrested by the PSNI and were charged with "Unlawful Assembly" and "Aggravated Burglary".

Derry Anti War Coalition statement on Raytheon occupation

Derry Anti War Coalition is stepping up its campaign against the war in the Middle East, following the arrest and remand in custody of nine of its members after Wed’s occupation of the Raytheon office in Springtown.

And it has defended the actions of its members. DAWC spokesperson, Sarah Quilty said today “despite what police have said, there was no violence at all involved in the occupation. No one was hurt, or even had a hand laid on them, in the course of the occupation.

“It is, therefore, outrageous that our members have been charged with scheduled offences and with unlawful assembly and aggravated burglary. There were almost one hundred people outside Raytheon in the course of the day on Wed. Are we all to be charged with unlawful assembly? And anything that happened in the course of the occupation happened in an attempt to save lives and stop war crimes in the Middle East. There is no crime in that.

“In fact”, Ms. Quilty continued, “I have been amazed by the number of people who’ve told me that they had not realised that the Springtown Raytheon was connected in anyway to the arms manufacturer that produces components for Guided Missile Units (GBU) such as Patriots, Mavericks, Sidewinders and Sparrows, all of which are used by Israel and paid for with US taxpayer’s money. GBUs were the weapons responsible for the recent atrocity carried out by Israel at Qana.

The DAWC also emphasised in its statement that it is, and always has been, a very broad coalition where people with very different politics and beliefs come together with the one aim: to protest in a non-violent way against war in various parts of the world. Spokesperson Dermie McClenaghan said: “We have a range of people from Quakers, Buddhists and Christians across to socialists and republicans. No one is excluded from the Anti War Coalition because of their politics or beliefs, nor will they be”.

Mr. McClenaghan said “The protest was prompted by the current barbaric Israeli assault on Lebanon and Gaza, which has claimed overa thousand lives in just a few weeks. Many of the innocent lives lost have resulted from the use of GBUs produced by Raytheon.

Mr. McClenaghan continued “what Eamonn McCann replied when charged – that ‘when you look at the press coming in from the Lebanon, you have to be doing something’ is the overwhelming feeling of the DAWC. DAWC salutes the nine occupiers of the Raytheon plant, hope their stay in Maghaberry is brief and looks forward to seeing them on the streets of Derry again soon.

For now, we are calling on all those who are horrified like we are at the slaughter in the Middle East to come with us to Belfast on Sat to the march and rally called by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and at which Eamonn McCann was due to speak. The march starts at 11.45 from the Art College, Donegal St with the rally at Belfast City Hall at 12.30

Messages of solidarity for the prisoners to resistderry@aol.com

Derry Anti-War Coalition takes action against dealers-in-death Raytheon

2006-08-11T20:27:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday 9th August Anti War protesters in Derry stormed into the local plant of US missile manufacturer Raytheon. Raytheon are the largest missile manufacturer in the world. Raytheon technology is supplied to the Israeli government. The campaigners were protesting against its use by the Israelis in their destruction and killing in Lebanon.

After eight hours in occupation of the plant nine protesters were arrested by the PSNI and are to be charged with "Unlawful Assembly" and "Aggravated Burglary".

Derry Anti War Coalition statement on Raytheon occupation

Derry Anti War Coalition is stepping up its campaign against the war in the Middle East, following the arrest and remand in custody of nine of its members after Wednesday’s occupation of the Raytheon office in Springtown.

And it has defended the actions of its members. DAWC spokesperson, Sarah Quilty said today “despite what police have said, there was no violence at all involved in the occupation. No one was hurt, or even had a hand laid on them, in the course of the occupation.

“It is, therefore, outrageous that our members have been charged with scheduled offences and with unlawful assembly and aggravated burglary. There were almost one hundred people outside Raytheon in the course of the day on Wed. Are we all to be charged with unlawful assembly? And anything that happened in the course of the occupation happened in an attempt to save lives and stop war crimes in the Middle East. There is no crime in that.

“In fact”, Ms. Quilty continued, “I have been amazed by the number of people who’ve told me that they had not realised that the Springtown Raytheon was connected in anyway to the arms manufacturer that produces components for Guided Missile Units (GBU) such as Patriots, Mavericks, Sidewinders and Sparrows, all of which are used by Israel and paid for with US taxpayer’s money. GBUs were the weapons responsible for the recent atrocity carried out by Israel at Qana.

The DAWC also emphasised in its statement that it is, and always has been, a very broad coalition where people with very different politics and beliefs come together with the one aim: to protest in a non-violent way against war in various parts of the world. Spokesperson Dermie McClenaghan said: “We have a range of people from Quakers, Buddhists and Christians across to socialists and republicans. No one is excluded from the Anti War Coalition because of their politics or beliefs, nor will they be”.

Mr. McClenaghan said “The protest was prompted by the current barbaric Israeli assault on Lebanon and Gaza, which has claimed over a thousand lives in just a few weeks. Many of the innocent lives lost have resulted from the use of GBUs produced by Raytheon.

Mr. McClenaghan continued “what Eamonn McCann replied when charged – that ‘when you look at the press coming in from the Lebanon, you have to be doing something’ is the overwhelming feeling of the DAWC. DAWC salutes the nine occupiers of the Raytheon plant.

Lebanon/Palestine solidarity vigils this week in Cork and Limerick

2006-08-01T09:58:00.000+01:00

As Israeli bombs continue to rain down on innocent civilians in Lebanon and Palestine, solidarity actions are being held across the country. On Thursday night, a vigil, initiated by the local branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), will be held in Limerick. On Saturday afternoon, the Cork branches of Anti-War Ireland, the IPSC and the IAWM will jointly hold a vigil of solidarity at Daunt Square in Cork city.

Anti-War Ireland again urges people to attend these events. Make your voice heard on the streets! Irish opposition to US-backed Israeli warmongering must be made visible.

1. Limerick vigil in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine
The Limerick branch of the IPSC, the UL Palestine Solidarity Society, Amnesty International and anti-war groups from the Limerick area, and beyond, will be holding a vigil for the people of Lebanon and Palestine next Thursday 3rd August at 7.00 pm outside Penney's, O'Connell St., Limerick. We will have speakers from the Lebanese community as well as other human rights activists.

Anyone interested in helping to organise the vigil is invited to a meeting next Tuesday, 1st August, in the Locke Bar at 8.30 pm.

2. Cork Palestine/Lebanon Solidarity Vigil on Saturday, 5 August
Show your solidarity with the Lebanese and Palestinian people
A vigil in solidarity with the beleaguered people of Lebanon and Palestine will be held in Cork city on the August bank holiday Saturday. Organised by the Cork branches of Anti-War Ireland, the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the IAWM (Cork Alliance Against War), this will be a protest against Israeli military aggression.

Please attend and show your revulsion at the mass murder of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians by the Israeli military.

Where: Daunt Square (junction of Patrick Street and the Grand Parade)

When: 2pm, Saturday, 5th August.
Organised jointly by the Cork branches of Anti-War Ireland, the IPSC and the IAWM.

Pitstop Ploughshares Statement

2006-07-28T02:00:00.000+01:00

The jury is the conscience of the community, chosen randomly from Irish society. The conscience of the community has spoken. The government has no popular mandate in providing the civilian Shannon airport to service the US war machine in its illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

In 1996 in Liverpool the jury acquittal of the four ploughshares women contributed to the end of arms exports to the Suharto dictatorship in Indonesia and the independence of East Timor.

The unanimous decision of this jury should be a message to London, Washington DC and the Dail that Ireland wants no part in waging war on the people of Iraq. Refuelling of US warplanes at Shannon Airport should cease immediately.

Ciaron, Damien, Karen, Deirdre, Nuin

Pitstop Ploughshares Acquitted

2006-07-25T16:16:00.000+01:00

Anti-War Ireland welcomes the acquittal in Dublin of the Pitstop Ploughshares defendants, who had been on trial for unlawful damage to a US military plane at Shannon Airport. Anti-War Ireland has consistently argued that the actions of those involved in the disabling of the warplane were commendable and inspirational.

The verdict amounts to a blow to the US war machine in Ireland, and a rejection of the collaboration of the Irish government.

Anti-War Ireland reiterates the demand that Irish facilities be denied to the US military, which continues to wreak havoc in Iraq.

Anti-War Ireland calls on anti-war activists and organisations to step up the campaign against the militarisation of Irish airports.