Court Cases against two anti racists dismissed

national | miscellaneous | news report Monday February 11, 2002 20:02 by Mags - Dublin 11 Defence Campaign dublin_eleven at hotmail dot com

Trial of nine others continues

Update on first day of trial

First day of anti racists' trial - Two cases dismissed

The first day of the trial of eleven anti rascist activists on public order charges took place today in Dublin District Court. The activists are charged in connection with a peaceful political sit in which took place at the Taoiseach's constituency office in Dubin on 28th March 2000. They are charged under the Public Order Act 1994 with refusing to obey the direction of a Garda.
The maximum sentence if convicted is £500 fine or six months sentence for each defendant.

The trial has started well. The cases against two activists were dismissed by Judge Leonard. In both cases the state failed to provide translators (one into Irish and one into German). The judge stated that these cases could not be taken at present and as the next court date available was not until June 2002 the time delay between the alleged offence and the trial would be such as to prejudice their right to a fair trial. Thus the cases were dismissed.

The charges against the nine other activists continued and evidence was given by two Fianna Fail employees in relation to events surrounding the sit in. The prosecution stated that they intend to call 17 witnesses.

The trial continues and is expected to conclude tomorrow.

There was a short protest with a good turnout at the court this morning and the courtroom was full of supporters of the activists. Reporters from TV3, The Irish Examiner and the Irish Independent (and perhaps others) were present, so should be some reports tomorrow.

If anyone is available to attend court tomorrow the case re-starts at 10.30am in Court 54 at the Old Richmond Hospital on North Brunswick Street.