Waihopai Ploughshares trial begins: week of events planned
Almost two years after they took direct action against the US spy base at Waihopai, near Blenheim, three peace activists are standing trial in Wellington's High Court.
Waihopai spy base intercepts electronic communications throughout the Pacific region including New Zealand and is often staffed by personnel from US agencies. In 1996 researcher Nicky Hager published an expose on Waihopai and New Zealand’s strong links to the USA-led ECHELON network of six similar spy stations around the world. The ECHELON spy network, including Waihopai, is an important part of the US government’s global spy network.
The United Nations launched an investigation in 2003 to claims that ECHELON had been used by the US government to eavesdrop on UN diplomats and Security Council members. A report published in 2000 showed that ECHELON had also been used by the US to gain commercial advantage for US corporations. Information gathered at Waihopai is transferred to the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) in Wellington and fed unseen directly to Washington DC.
Waihopai is funded by the New Zealand taxpayer yet its activities are shrouded in secrecy. All that is needed for Waihopai’s continued operation and our subsequent complicity to the ‘War on Terror’ is our silence.
At 6am on the morning of the 30 April 2008, three people entered the Waihopai Spy Base and used a sickle to deflate one of the two 30 metre domes covering satellite interception dishes. The group then built a shrine and prayed for the victims of the war with no end – the so-called ‘War on Terror’ led by the United States. They took such action because they felt compelled to non-violently respond to the Bush Administration’s admission that intelligence gathering is the most important tool of the ‘War on Terror’, a war that has resulted in illegal military invasions, illegal detention and torture, and an unprecedented attack on civil liberties in all Western democracies.
Waihopai Ploughshares support planning meetings, for everyone interested in organising around the trial, are held every Thursday, at the US Embassy, corner Fitzherbert Terrace and MurphyStreet, Thorndon, Wellington (in the bus or under the gazebo in the park if raining) - shared meal and planning meeting from 6pm to 7.30pm, followed by revolutionary Bible studies. If you are unable to attend the meetings, but are interested in becoming involved, please contact the Wellington Ploughshares Support Group c/o email pma(at)xtra.co.nz
Waihopai spy base display at the Wellington central library: the Anti-Bases Campaign's Waihopai spy base display is currently set up in the Wellington central library entrance foyer (until Sunday, 28 February), and it will be there again from Monday, 8 March, until Sunday, 14 March. The Anti-Bases Campaign flyer is at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/abc2010fl.pdf
* Schedule of events from 6 to 12 March
Unless stated otherwise, events are in Katherine Mansfield Park, organised by Waihopai Ploughshares, contact email ploughshares08 (at)gmail.com and Wellington Waihopai Ploughshares Support, contact c/o pma (at) xtra.co.nz
* Saturday, 6 March
Invitation: From 5pm, all friends of Waihopai Ploughshares are invited to be in Katherine Mansfield Park (corner Fitzherbert Terrace and Hobson Terrace, next to US Embassy) for the following six nights, to pray and remember the victims of war and reflect on NZ’s complicity in US-led wars. Please bring bedroll, sleeping bag, musical instruments and food to share. Powhiri at 5pm, shared meal at 6pm, then speakers and discussion until Taizè prayer at 9pm. Organised by Waihopai Ploughshares. The A4 poster with this invitation, and events outline, is at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/pltrial.pdf
* Sunday, 7 March
~ 10am - Mass
~ 1.30pm - The Way of Peace with the Wellington Catholic Peacemakers: We invite you to join our pilgrimage for peace, we will gather at the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre, 132 Tory Street, at 1.30pm. The Way of Peace will link peace-related memorials and historic sites from the Suzanne Aubert soup kitchen to eventually meeting with the supporters and members of the Waihopai Ploughshares at Katherine Mansfield Park. In the tradition of the Stations of the Cross processions and religious pilgrimages, during the Way of Peace, the Catholic Peacemakers will pause for reflection at several Wellington locations. Following a brief introduction at each memorial, participants will observe a short moment of silence, song and prayer. As we walk and stop to pause at each memorial of Peace, we may reflect on "What steps am I willing to take for Peacemaking and Justice?" "Not everyone is called to do a Ploughshares action. Not everyone is called to commit civil disobedience. But everyone is called to do something for the disarmament of the world. Everyone is called to work for the liberation of the oppressed, justice for the poor, non-violence in place in this disastrous world of violence." (Fr John Dear SJ, On the Road to Peace, November 2009). Organised by Wellington Catholic Peacemakers, contact links(at)actrix.co.nz An A4 flyer with the full route of the Way of Peace, details of how to get there, what to bring, and background information is at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wcpmwalk.pdf A map of the route is at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wcpmmap.jpg
~ 5pm - Ploughshares liturgy service
~ 9pm - Taizè prayer
* Monday, 8 March
~ 8.30am - Ploughshares supporters rally: gather at the Cenotaph, corner Bowen Street and Lambton Quay; silent procession to District Court, 43 - 49 Ballance Street, at 9 am; then vigil outside the court, the trial starts at 10am. Jointly organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz Wellington Ploughshares Support Group and Peace Movement Aotearoa, contact pma(at)xtra.co.nz
~ 1 to 2pm - Picket and vigil, with space for those who wish to pray or stand in silence, at the GCSB Headquarters, Freyberg House, entrance via St Paul’s Square next to National Library, 58 Molesworth Street. Jointly organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz Wellington Ploughshares Support Group and Peace Movement Aotearoa, contact pma(at)xtra.co.nz
~ 5.30pm - Women Say NO to War and Spy Bases: Come along to the peaceful protest on International Women's Day to add your voice to the call of women around the world who are saying NO to war and YES to peace, and to mark the first day of the Waihopai Ploughshares trial. Join us at 5.30pm at the GCSB / Defence Force Headquarters, corner Aitken and Mulgrave Streets, then proceeding along Mulgrave Street to the US embassy at 6pm. Wear something pink if you can, and bring pink streamers or ribbons, photos, messages, cardboard or paper peace doves, or wool to decorate the GCSB / Defence Force HQ and US embassy fence; something to make a noise with - pot and spoon, drum, your voice - during the time of anger; flowers or candles to leave at each location during the time of mourning; and a poem or reading to share during the time of reflection .... and your own banner or placard if you wish. All women and children welcome. Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa and Women Support Waihopai Ploughshares, contact pma(at)xtra.co.nz An A4 poster for this event is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/iwd2010.pdf
~ 9pm - Taizè prayer
* Tuesday, 9 March
~ 1 to 2pm - Picket and vigil, with space for those who wish to pray or stand in silence, at the US Embassy, Fitzherbert Terrace. Jointly organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz Wellington Ploughshares Support Group and Peace Movement Aotearoa, contact pma(at)xtra.co.nz
~ 5.30pm - Stations of the Cross: the Stations of the Cross is an old Christian practice of remembering how Christ died. It involves stopping at different places (usually inside a church) to remember the different moments of Christ's trial and crucifixion. The practice is also a remembrance of the political, economic, religious, judicial and imperial powers that condemned Christ to death. A group of Christians committed to social justice will lead a Stations of the Cross through the streets of Wellington to reflect on how such institutions still operate to condemn whole nations and peoples to death. The walk will stop at sites and institutions that can be used to justify war and oppression. The group will be carrying a cross and will start at 5.30pm at the District Court, then will walk via Treasury and the Reserve Bank, the Cenotaph, parliament, cathedrals, Defence / GCSB Building, to the US Embassy. At each Station there will be a short Bible reading, a reflection on the role of each institution and a song. Organised by the Wellington Ploughshares Support Group. Full details of this event, including the route, will be available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/pltrial.htm>http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/pltrial.htm soon.
~ 9pm - Taizè prayer
* Wednesday, 10 March
~ 1 to 2pm - Picket and vigil, with space for those who wish to pray or stand in silence, at the British High Commission, 44 Hill Street. Jointly organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz Wellington Waihopai Ploughshares Support and Peace Movement Aotearoa, contact pma(at)xtra.co.nz
~ 7pm - 'Waihopai: The Spybase, The Wars, The Trial', public meeting at St John's conference centre, corner Willis and Dixon Streets. Speakers are: Murray Horton, Anti-Bases Campaign; Moana Cole, Ploughshares; Bryan Law, Christians Against All Terrorism (Australia); and Keith Locke, Green MP; facilitated by Edwina Hughes, Peace Movement Aotearoa. Organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz An A4 poster for this event is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/abc2010.pdf
~ 9pm - Taizè prayer
* Thursday, 11 March
~ 1 to 2pm - Picket and vigil, with space for those who wish to pray or stand in silence, at the Australian High Commission, 72 - 76 Hobson Street. Organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz
~ 7 to 10pm - Celebration concert
* Friday, 12 March
~ 1 to 2pm - Picket and vigil, with space for those who wish to pray or stand in silence, at the Canadian High Commission, 125 The Terrace. Jointly organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, contact cafca(at)chch.planet.org.nz Wellington Ploughshares Support Group and Peace Movement Aotearoa, contact pma(at)xtra.co.nz
Update (17/03/09): All three have been acquitted of all charges.
Links: Ploughshares Aoteaora | Trial Update (Monday) | Trial Update (Wed) | Trial Update (Thu & Fri) | Photos
Comments
Waihopai
Just six of these in the world?
When the idiots start WW3, then standby for a nuclear missile, perhaps even 2 or 3 nuclear tipped missiles to each Island. A bomb the size of Fat Boy (25Kt) the Hiroshima war crime bomb, is nowadays seen as the equivalent of a 0.22 hand gun.
China and Russia will not allow these bases to continue in a war setting.
Good luck ploughshares!
Tena koutou, The Government
Tena koutou,
The Government would have us believe that the masses in this country are content with the existance of these tools of death perched in our back yard, that the voice of dissent is a minor one, of no consequence, and so their actions respect the will of the people. But when that will is founded in ignorance, laziness and subservience derived from misinformation spread by this very Government, it can be said then they are merely respecting their own will.
The question remains, how many innocent lives have been ended because of the advantage given to the US regime. The NZ Government in its allowing this revoltingly and barbaric regime to extend its military dominance, powers of invasion and acquirement of foreign resources by force, and the ability to secure these stolen resources, is then a willing party to US war crimes, crimes against humanity.
If we are to continue to sit idle while pointing the finger of judgement at the US Government for, for example, its wrongful and illegal invasion of Iraq resulting in the mindless deaths of many hundreds of thousands of innocent people, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children...then this country's democracy stands as fraudulent, a sham and a hollow mockery.
The Government has through the compliant media, been able to suppress the opinion of those in this nation who denouce US tyranny, yet through the actions of these brothers, the voice of the people of Aotearoa have been heard all around the world, and the message is clear.
Particpation in this farcical war on terror, in such a manner whether benign support via turning a blind eye to the purpose and intent of these spy bases, or active support by sending kill on demand squads like the NZ SAS, will not be tolerated by the informed people of this country.
For this country's Government to say it is merely supporting a war against terrorism, while supporting the single greatest terror organisation and network on this planet as it sweeps third world countries clean of their resources, oil, minerals, material wealth, and their rights to control access to these resources, is utter bombast, brass fronted impudence and a heartless and gutless lie of the greatest deception.
Nga mihi kauana i a koutou
George Rangiaho
Ngati Rongo
The above is just a horribly
The above is just a horribly emotive kiddy rant, which is a shame really given the real issues at stake that could and should have been tackled by someone above 1st year arts level.
Ploughshares a subterfuge peddling conservative Christianity???
KIORA...
with respect
I am impelled to make this comment because the front page of this article links this protest to a conservative religious organisation called the Ploughshares, with is itself doctrinally connected to the Romans Catholic Church. While I support peace activism and the 3 individuals who were arrested for their acts of civil disobedience against the US spy base at Waihopai, the peace movements needs to be ever vigilant that they are not hijacked by well meaning religious conservatives with hidden religious agendas.
The facts are, the Ploughshares are a conservative Catholic based organisation, (who continue to fantasise over the drinking of the blood and eating the body of the religious activist Jesus, who died 2000 years ago), which is seeking to manipulate the Peace Movement as a vehicle to further peddle their conservative and unsupported mythical Christian doctrines. They represent a Catholic religion which on the question of Human Rights has a criminal history of heinous crimes against humanity second to none. While I support their right to a religious conviction, I expect their support for my views too.
What is prevalent in all Ploughshares soft target protests in England and elsewhere is their follow up marketing which always seeks to promote and give credence predominantly to the religious institution, which after all is spuriously sectarian and condemns other religious accounts of Christ and free thinkers.
It’s an historical fact that Christianity and the Catholic Church have murdered millions down through the ages for no other reasons than the innocent chose to reject their contrived religious doctrines. In the modern context the international epidemic of child abuse by Christians and Catholics continues, as does the orchestrated political and religious cover-ups that protect their pedophiles.
On a more personal basis the sooner these well meaning activists realise that Christ was never a Christian nor would he ever support Christianity if he were alive today, the sooner can the labels of religious orthodoxy be dropped from their protest incentives.
Ghandi said of Christianity: “I don’t reject your Christ, I love you Christ. Its just that so many of your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Kindest regards Peter Terry
http://www.myspace.com/nambassa
acquittal !!!
What a wonderful message the judge and jury have given the world - that we Kiwis are fre to take action when required to prevent others being killed in illegal wars like the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan.Turn all swords into ploughshares...
It shows the power of prayer, and the decency of humans worldwide - ordinary Kiwis on the jury have recognised that Waihopai spy base is serving the interests of powerful capitalists to wage war for their profit. Humans have instinctively rejected this greed of the elite and their spy base that enables it.
Peter Terry - please take some time to read up on what Ploughshares actually are - yes, they are Catholic, and very peace-filled and loving people. They did non-violent action to stop the US war machine (that uses Waihopai to gather military intel). Your uncharitable words do not match the care and love shown by the Waihopai 3.
Time for us to all ask our local MPs for an enquiry into the GCSB and whose interests the base really serves.
Its pure spin and a nonsense
Its pure spin and a nonsense to describe this affirmative decision of acquittal for these three individual protesters as a positive stroke for the power of prayer, given that studies have proven that prayer doe not advance any human cause or condition one iota. Rather this decision is a positive stoke for justice.
It’s unlikely this protest will advance peace and Americas resolve to cease its warmongering activities, after all New Zealanders have long known that Waihopai is an American spy base anyway.
The world and its vulnerable children would be far more advanced if you Catholics were as passionate by protesting against the hierarchy of your own church, including the Pope, for their systematic recycling of a plethora of perverts and pedophiles which seems to consume Catholicism across the globe…….or don’t you really care about children!
I have no doubt that the Ploughshares see themselves as peace- filled and loving people, and my Catholic friends would be horrified if I said otherwise. However one can also advance the argument that you people do glorify violence and inhuman criminality, given your glorification of a brutally tortured and bleeding man who died 2000 years ago, and who remains incapacitated and lamenting on a Roman cross even today. After all, most Catholic rituals and pageants concerning crucifiction, including the Stations of the Cross, the Mass and Benediction, glorify extreme violence and human rights abuses. Given especially that the doctrine of salvation threw atonement is not supported by Christ anyway, it’s a theory founded by St Paul to justify his own violent criminality against the Holy Family and Jesus’ inner circle?
Kind regards
Peter Terry
http://www.myspace.com/nambassa
This is great news! Frankly,
This is great news! Frankly, I'm happily surprised, I didn't think this would come off as it has. Congratulations to the three activists and their supporters.
Sam Buchanan
Hi Sam…this good decision
Hi Sam…this good decision should not be a surprise and the acquittal is in keeping with similar cases overseas, according to this account in Stuff.co.nz. To quote,” Australian non-violence activist Bryan Law, who had come across the Tasman to support and blog about the trial, said the jury's decision accorded with those made by other jurors in similar cases in other countries.”
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/3466305/Waihopai-activists-found-not-guilty
Peter Terry