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Accused 'peace activist' said he was 'morally bound' to challenge use of Shannon

Summary

During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Colm Roddy (78) and Dave Donnellan (60) pleaded not guilty to criminal damage for cutting a perimeter fence and painting crucifixes on Shannon Airport's runway. The defendants claimed their actions were driven by a moral and legal duty to oppose the use of the airport by the US military, citing human rights abuses in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Donnellan said he carried a wooden cross and a banner reading "US Military and CIA out of Shannon Airport" to protest the airport's role in facilitating military operations. Roddy asserted that he had protested for 14 years and sought to have the US Airforce Learjet searched for "murderous machinery." Gardaí questioned the legality of their claims, noting that the defendants' actions could have caused serious harm and that no one was injured. The trial remains ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused 'peace activist' said he was 'morally bound' to challenge use of Shannon. Charges or matters: criminal damage of the fence and runway at Shannon Airport on May 5, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 5, 2016 Incident
• 2020-10-19 Publication

Why: Asked to explain the reason for his presence at the airport, Mr Donnellan told gardaí: "I felt morally and legally bound to challenge the use of Shannon airport by the US military. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report