A group of seven U.S. Veterans for Peace took part in a protest against the US Military Base at Shannon Airport on Sunday March 17. Why? Shannon is used for refueling U.S. troop planes bound for Middle East wars.

Two US veterans were arrested at Shannon Airport on 17 March for entering the airfield to inspect and investigate an OMNI Air International plane on contract to the U.S. military. The plane arrived at Shannon Airport about 8.30 am from Fairbanks, Alaska and is believed to be on its way to the Middle East with up to 300 armed US troops.

At about 10 am Mayers, a former Marine Corps Major and Kauff, a former Army paratrooper, both members of U.S. Veterans For Peace, entered the airfield carrying a large banner that said: U.S. Veterans say Respect Irish Neutrality – U.S. War Machine out of Shannon Airport – Veterans For Peace. They walked across the air field with the intent of inspecting the plane for weapons or munitions, but were apprehended by airport security. There were detained and interviewed at Shannon Garda station and held on charges of trespass and criminal damage.

At Ennis District Court this morning Mayers and Kauff were represented by solicitor Darragh Hassett. The prosecution outlined the charges against them and indicated that they were opposed to bail. Garda Sergeant Noel Carroll gave evidence of arrest on Taxiway 12 at Shannon airport. He also stated that there was a U.S. military aircraft at the airport, most likely referring to OMNI Air N351AX. He also confirmed that the defendants were both veterans of the U.S. military. The prosecutor, Inspector Thomas Kennedy, said there had been substantial damage to the airport perimeter fence. The next morning, the judge ruled that she was denying bail to the accused and remanded them in custody to Limerick Prison.

As of Fri. March 30, they were finally released in Ireland on bail and are staying with an Irish VFP activist. Tarak just posted, “It‘s great to be (relatively) free. Of course, as we all know, none of us are really free until we all are but your support and love has literally brought tears to my eyes. We are so grateful and inspired by all of you. Great love and solidarity. We are family. Hope to see you all soon.”

Legal Update

On the legal front, Ken, Tarak, Ed Horgan and possibly Ellen Davidson from NY will be meeting with lawyer Darragh Mackin next week to discuss filing an appeal to the High Court in Dublin to amend the conditions of Ken and Tarak’s bail to allow them to return to the United States. Since the original bail conditions were set by an appeal to the High Court, only the High Court can change those conditions.

In the Ennis District Court, meanwhile, the next hearing is set for May 8. At this hearing, Ken and Tarak are planning to submit a motion to have their case moved to the Circuit Court in Dublin. This is important for two reasons. First, it will guarantee that they will have a jury trial, and second, they have a much better chance of getting a fair hearing in Dublin, since Shannon Airport is an important economic driver in County Clare, and the U.S. refueling stops are quite profitable.

To find out how you can support Tarak and Ken and help bring them home soon, visit their update page.