Dublin, March 21 (RHC)-- Two U.S. military veterans are being held in Ireland after protesting U.S. warplanes refueling there.  Military planes regularly refuel at Shannon Airport before continuing on to U.S. wars in the Middle East. 

Veterans for Peace members Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff, currently in Limerick Prison, could be held for up to two years pre-trial after entering the airfield carrying a large banner that said: “U.S. Veterans Say Respect Irish Neutrality.  U.S. War Machine Out of Shannon Airport.  Veterans for Peace.”

Ed Horgan, coordinator of Irish Veterans for Peace, said: “This process is a clear attempt to punish the two VFP activists before any trial takes place.  We are calling on all peace and human rights activists in Ireland and internationally to campaign not only on behalf of Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff, but, more important, on behalf of all the innocent people being killed and injured by U.S. illegal wars.”