Legal Action Against Gardai

by Aidan O'Brien Tue May 07, 2002 10:14 aidanobrien at esatclear dot ie

I'm a member of the IMC collective, I was videoing at the protest I have available stills and video from three people.

But I'm looking for more, if you were filming at the protest let me know. I'd greatly appreciate a copy of your footage and will happily provide you with some of mine.

This footage combined together can be a powerful tool with courtcases and complaints.

by Audio Head Tue May 07, 2002 10:27

I would love to see the video footage, as I'm sure others would. Cheers. AH

by david t saunders - none Wed May 08, 2002 20:25 dts2k1uk at yahoo dot co dot uk 77fforester lawns ballydowed manor lucan co dublin 016213771

i was in dame street with a friend on monday when i walked into ,without knowing seens of madness i thought only happened in countries repressed by dictators.a street party being attacked by wolves in unmarked uniforms.we where caught between police behind us beating people between a bus&a building.forcing us forward twoards others beating a young woman around the head with battons(pic 314)thats me looking straight at the police with my mouth open.people where screaming peacful demonstration.over&over taking pictures of everything that was going.but the police did not seem to mind the potos,they just got stuck into every person that appeared in front of them.with littel regard to age or sex.people where beaten regardless.if anyone wants my account please feel free to contact me
Dave Saunders

by S. O'Neill - Untitled Fri May 10, 2002 13:07 smurf at givepeaceachance dot com

To all,
I, like so many others, attended the street party on Monday. Thankfully I'm not alone in my disgust for the Gardaí handling of the situation.
Having cracked the first head (hours before the 'real trouble' started) they proceeded to make jokes and laugh while eventually ordering an Ambulance. I was refused ANY first aid to treat him, the Bean-Garda insisting she had no such aid. As he was being put into the Ambulance I distinctly heard one of the Gardaí say "I hope you're happy. You caused this mayhem. Well done."
I am not sure if the withholding of First Aid is actually an offence, hell lately it seems they can do whatever they like, but it is a clear marker of how the event was viewed by the powers that be. They also went around to all the nearby pubs and shops in the early afternoon and told them there was a riot going on and not to let anyone in. What possible good can that serve? Surely that is insighting public terror? If the Police enter a peaceful protest, or party, on a war footing of course they will eventually prove themselves right. As I saw it, coming up to the end of the protest, for every 10 protester that left another 5 gaurds arrived. It seemed obvious from quite an early stage that they were attempting to antagonise us into causing trouble and giving them an excuse to close it down. When we did not give them such excuses, they waited until or numbers had lessened and closed it anyway the only way they know how. Mindless flailing of batons and fists. I have heard from friends how they drove towards them in Police Vans and refused to stop even when the hands of protesters pushed against the van as they shouted "Peaceful Protest". Many of my friends were sitting on Dame St. as they were rushed by a swarm of Officers all kicking and swinging batons.
Where are the defenders of the Peace? Who Polices the Pigs?
This is not the country I thought I lived in.

-Shane

PS. My site below is soon to be an online Zine relating to Police and Bouncer Brutality, Legalisation and other world issues.

by Barry McCrea Wed May 15, 2002 00:52 barry_mccrea at mac dot com

One of the things I saw on Dame St was a garda van zig-zagging into a crowd to get them onto the pavement. I've a short video clip which shows a "zig" Surely using a vehicle in this way is answerable to the law? Any opinions?

by treena Wed May 15, 2002 15:33 treenarose at yahoo dot com dot au

about 240 euro has been raised so far (from thursdays demonstration) for people who were arrested and sustained injuries on may day. we are hoping to raise some more funds as people face the courts over the next few weeks/months to help pay for legal costs, fines, etc. for more information contact 087 942 5422.

by paul cummins Wed May 15, 2002 22:50 chewy at redbrick dot dcu dot ie

what was the contact number for the solicitor
again mail it to the above address

by treena Fri May 17, 2002 16:07 treenarose at yahoo dot com dot au

ferry solicitors are compiling a case against the police and want as many eyewitness accounts as possible. if anyone who was present on may day and witnessed (or experienced) any police brutality contact yvonne banbury (from ferry solicitors) on 0876599342.

her advise for anyone making a formal complaint to the police to have a solicitor present as it is questionable what this information is being used for. it is still important, however, to lodge complaints. yvonne is prepared to make herself available for this.

by treena Fri May 17, 2002 16:15 treenarose at yahoo dot com dot au 087 942 5422

"an injury to one is an injury to all"

most people who were arrested on may day are facing court on monday 20th may. lets accompany those people and show our support for them.

gathering on the corner of ormond quay and chancery place (on the quays, just before you get to the 4 courts) at 10:15am then moving round to the district court 46.

it has been requested that this not be a demonstration (no placards etc) but a show of solidarity and accompaniment. it is also an opportunity to find out what support people want throughout the post arrest process.

for those who are in court on monday and do not have legal representation yet and would like it you can contact yvonne banbury (solicitor) on 0876599342. she will also be at the district court on the day.

for more details contact 087 942 5422