State urged to drop charges against anti-war activists

A number of opposition TDs have called on the State to drop charges against five anti-war activists accused of causing criminal damage to a US warplane.

The five, who are all members of the Catholic Worker organisation, attacked the aircraft with axes and hammers at Shannon Airport in February 2003, as the US was preparing to invade Iraq.

Their trial has collapsed on two occasions, with the second falling apart earlier this week due to concerns about the judge's links to US President George W Bush.

The five are charged with causing criminal damage to the US plane without lawful excuse.

However, they have argued that they had a lawful excuse as they were trying to save the lives of innocent Iraqis and prevent a greater crime from taking place.

The TDs calling for their release include Green Party chairman John Gormley, Sinn Féin's Aengus O Snodaigh and independents Finian McGrath and Tony Gregory.