Mary Kelly news update

international | anti-war / imperialism | press release Monday December 29, 2003 14:11 by Mary Kelly Newpal at eircom dot net

Invitation to speak at World Social Forum in India - passport returned for duration of trip - upcoming AlJazeera documentary

I have recently been invited by an international women's justice group to India to participate in the "World Court on War as Crime". Specifically, I have been requested to speak as one of the expert witnesses who will bring testimony of resistance to US war crimes. This is happening in Mumbai (Bombay) at the World Social Forum from the 18th Jan 2004.

For the purposes of this journey my barrister appeared in Limerick Circuit Court before Judge Moran (my trial judge) on 19 December to make application for the return of my passport. After some discussion and no objection from the State this was granted from 10th Jan to 25th.

I am greatly honoured to be invited to this Court as a prosecution witness, so to speak, and to represent Ireland at that forum. It makes a nice change from being the accused, which is what the Irish State has made me. As funds for the whole project are very limited I am trying to contact peace groups or others in Ireland who might be willing to promote this venture by sponsorship of my journey. If anybody has any suggestions please contact me at ... Newpal@eircom.net ...

Also, AlJazeera television has finally finished their documentary film of the Insider Story the siege of the Church of the Nativity. They made a great effort to get talking to everyone involved, and sent a team over from their London office to interview me in Dublin. It should be very interesting, and I look forward to seeing it broadcast on Thurs. January 1st 2004. (In Arabic, with subtitles, hopefully!)

This will be a great experience, I feel, and I will report back during and after the whole thing.

Wish me Luck, Mary Kelly