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14/03/2008
Amnesty Claim Rendition Plane Refuelled At Shannon
Amnesty International has revealed it has evidence that proves Shannon Airport has been used for co-called CIA "rendition" flights.
The human rights group claims that it has obtained flight records showing that a jet operated by the US intelligence agency refuelled at the airport in January 2004; and also, that the plane was transporting a man who was kidnapped in Iraq and flown to a secret interrogation centre in Afghanistan, before being moved to Guantanamo Bay.
According to the organisation, Ireland is making a mockery of international law by allowing its territory to be used to facilitate the practice of "extraordinary rendition".
Khaled al-Maqtari underwent multiple forms of torture and ill-treatment after his capture. His case shed new light on the cruel and illegal methods of the CIA's secret detentions programme.
In response, a spokesman for Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the Government is totally opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition and has reiterated its position on numerous occasions, both domestically and internationally.
The US government has defended the practice saying very few detainees have been questioned under such circumstances, but assured the Irish Government that no prisoners have been transferred through Irish airports, nor would they be without the state's express permission.
Amnesty has demanded the Government establish a proper inspection regime at Shannon Airport to ensure that facilities cannot be used in this way in the future.
Mr al-Maqtari, 31, was subsequently freed without charge from US custody in and returned to Yemen, where he was detained until May 2007.
(VB/JM)
The human rights group claims that it has obtained flight records showing that a jet operated by the US intelligence agency refuelled at the airport in January 2004; and also, that the plane was transporting a man who was kidnapped in Iraq and flown to a secret interrogation centre in Afghanistan, before being moved to Guantanamo Bay.
According to the organisation, Ireland is making a mockery of international law by allowing its territory to be used to facilitate the practice of "extraordinary rendition".
Khaled al-Maqtari underwent multiple forms of torture and ill-treatment after his capture. His case shed new light on the cruel and illegal methods of the CIA's secret detentions programme.
In response, a spokesman for Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the Government is totally opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition and has reiterated its position on numerous occasions, both domestically and internationally.
The US government has defended the practice saying very few detainees have been questioned under such circumstances, but assured the Irish Government that no prisoners have been transferred through Irish airports, nor would they be without the state's express permission.
Amnesty has demanded the Government establish a proper inspection regime at Shannon Airport to ensure that facilities cannot be used in this way in the future.
Mr al-Maqtari, 31, was subsequently freed without charge from US custody in and returned to Yemen, where he was detained until May 2007.
(VB/JM)
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Amnesty Claims Shannon Accepted Rendition Flights
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Amnesty Claims Shannon Accepted Rendition Flights
Amnesty International has claimed it has evidence linking three aircraft involved in US rendition flights to Shannon Airport. The human rights group has published a report on Europe's role in rendition and secret detention as part of a week of events to mark International Day Against Torture.
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Peru Smuggling Accused Await Sentencing
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Gardaí Get Rights To Inspect US Military Flights
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11 April 2008
Cork Airport Accepts Debt Deal
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Cork Airport Accepts Debt Deal
Cork Airport Authority (CAA) has put an end to their long-running dispute with Dublin Airport by accepting recommendations that it assume millions of euros in debt as the price of independence. Last night, the CAA held a crunch meeting and agreed 'in principle' to accept the debt, in return for its independent operations.
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Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
