Ploughshares: Peace Movement Aotearoa Press Release
Media Release: Waihopai Ploughshares
10 March 2010
Update: a statement from the Social Justice Commissioner of the Anglican Church will be presented at today’s media conference in Katherine Mansfield Park.
Media conference: Understanding the Waihopai Ploughshares
The Waihopai Ploughshares trial is being held at Wellington District Court this week.
On Wednesday 10th March, at 6pm at the Ploughshares shrine in Katherine Mansfield Park, other members of Ploughshares international network will speak to the New Zealand media for the first time.
Many people will be unaware what the Ploughshares movement is about. Ciaron O’Reilly, Bryan Law and Jim Dowling, members of other Ploughshares actions in the United States, Ireland and Australia will join a panel to answer questions from the media.
“It is a privilege to stand in solidarity with these men who have taken a considered and faithful action to protect the human rights of the poor and oppressed,” said Jim Dowling, who along with Bryan Law, was a member of the Pine Gap Four in Australia who won their case on appeal when the three judges agreed with the defendants submission that there was a miscarriage of justice at the original trial because they were not able to bring evidence before the jury about the function of the Pine Gap facility. “It is particularly appropriate given the Lenten season, a time when people of faith remember Jesus’ own trial before Pilate.”
The Waihopai Ploughshares entered the Waihopai spy base in Blenheim in the early hours of Wednesday 30 April 2008. They entered New Zealand’s most secure facility using only a pair of pliers and gumboots. They then used sickles to disarm one of two domes covering satellite dishes used to gather intelligence at the behest of the United States and United Kingdom. This daring action was to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in gathering intelligence for the so-called ‘War on Terror’, the tens of millions spent by taxpayers each year on a facility that the Prime Minister has little knowledge of or control over.
Ciaron O’Reilly was part of the Pitstop Ploughshares action in Ireland causing over NZ$4m in damage that was successfully defended in the courts. The trial judge agreed with the defence on the applicability of the statutory lawful excuse defence.
These men and others present provide an authoritative insight into the international context of Ploughshares actions and the implications of a successful defence for accountability to and awareness of human rights.
“The actions of the Waihopai Ploughshares need to be understood in relation to an international movement for disarmament and peace,” said Graham Bidois Cameron, spokesperson for the Waihopai Ploughshares. “Adrian, Sam and Father Peter are part of rich history of activism in support of those without a voice.”
Lunchtime picket / vigil details (remainder of this week)
Thursday, 11 March, from 1 to 2pm, at the Australian High Commission, 72 – 76 Hobson Street.
Friday, 12 March, from 1pm to 2pm, at the Canadian High Commission, 125 The Terrace.
And both days outside the District Court from 10am to 5pm. If you are able to come along and help with the vigil outside the court, please note that the vigil is sometimes on the corner of Ballance Street and Lambton Quay – if you cannot see anyone with Ploughshares placards outside or opposite the court, please look for the vigillers on that corner.
Also, the trial may continue over into next week, so anyone able to join in the vigil outside the Wellington District Court (43 – 49 Ballance Street) next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (from 10am to 5pm) would be much appreciated.
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