Extraordinary rendition, the international transfer of individuals from the custody of one state to another, without following proper extradition procedures, is against international law. Yet this practice was admitted to in 2006 by then US President George W. Bush, when he referred to a programme implemented by the CIA to arrest, detain and interrogate terrorist suspects outside of US jurisdiction. The use of planes masquerading as civilian aircraft is a deceit practised by the US since the mid-1990s, as civilian status bypasses restrictions placed on military aircraft.
Shannonwatch, a small group of peace and human rights activists based in the mid west of Ireland, has played an important role in monitoring Shannon airport’s links with renditions. Their documented evidence indicts Shannon as a stopover for CIA rendition planes and by the US military.
Here, artist Deborah Stockdale depicts the actions of the Women’s Peace Camp at Shannon, set up in 2010. In support of the numerous Afghani women who were innocent victims of the conflict there, they demonstrated in white burkas at the airport gates. As Deborah comments: “this arpillera reflects an ongoing dialogue about a contentious international ‘arrangement’....”
The Irish government consistently denies that Irish airports have been used by US rendition flights, insisting that US assurances are its guarantee against violation of international law. Shannonwatch contests this narrative and continue their monthly peace vigils at the airport, calling for an end to the US military use of Shannon.
| 
