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Harassment of Stalls in Galway, Again!

category galway | rights, freedoms and repression | news report author Sunday December 21, 2003 22:33author by Orla Ni Chomhraiauthor email nichomhrai at eircom dot net

There was more harassment of streets stalls in Galway yesterday.

Yesterday 6 Guards tried to move the SWP stall off the streets in Galway, giving different excuses for trying to stop their activities and trying to get rid of them. This follows on from a situation a while back where a city warden tried to move various groups off the streets, including, ironically enough, the Defend Free Speech, Assembly and Activity stand and Guards were called on a woman who had a stand on Fair Trade and Debt and Development. Various groups got together and published a letter of protest saying they would not be bullied off the streets (see http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=61962 )

This time the move seems to have come straight from the Guards, and they seem to be acting on orders from higher up. This is more than likely an attempt to get opposition groups off the streets in the run up to an EU presidency meeting which will be taking place in Galway in mid-January.

Comments (5 of 5)

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I'm all for free speech in theory
author by Damp Squibpublication date Mon Dec 22, 2003 02:21author address author phone

But still, I feel a little glow of pleasure when the SWP are being hassled. I hate those scumbags, they've ruined every demo I've ever attended.

Besides, they brainwash people. They're a cult.

short-sighted squib
author by badmanpublication date Mon Dec 22, 2003 02:39author address author phone

Do you think that the guards would have acted differently if it had been a nicer bunch with a stall? They weren't attacking the SWP, they were attacking the right to have stalls to distribute public information.

in support of Orla
author by giant squidpublication date Tue Dec 23, 2003 11:11author address author phone

The SWP don't brainwash people you idiot. It is a voluntary organisation that people join and leave at will. And the SWP have probably helped to organise most of the demos you have attended. If you don't like the bounce of their ball go get your own one. There is going to be a massive red scare next year and comments like the above are only going to help the government to quash all protest. This is one thing where the left really has to show a united front no matter who is being attacked

An attack on one is an attack on all
author by Sp memberpublication date Wed Dec 24, 2003 17:16author address author phone

I think to say the SWP is a cult etc is wrong, this is what the right wing media would like to portray all left wing organisations as.

As for the harrasment of their stall in Galway. regardless of your opinion of the SWP, this is an attack on the left and an attack on democracy. An attack on one is an attack on all. The SWP and all groups in Galway should be defended and fully supported in their struggle for free speech.

Agreed
author by Justin Morahan - Peace Peoplepublication date Sun Dec 28, 2003 14:07author address author phone

Is the Government trying to change Galway city into a police city so as to stop protests in mid-January? It looks like it to me.
A suggestion:
Start a Hyde Park-like "Speakers Corner" at Kennedy Park in Eyre Square.
Keep it peopled with speakers from all parties - a chance for some unity there as well.
Good luck

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