Stormont 3 Need Your Support

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Friday June 22, 2007 17:51

by éirígí - For a Socialist Republic

Defend the right to protest free from state violence

On the morning of May 8, 2007, three members of éirígí were assaulted and arrested outside Stormont Castle in Belfast.

The three were taking part in a peaceful protest, organised by the Belfast Anti-War Movement, aimed at highlighting the hypocrisy of British war-criminal Tony Blair claiming to be a ‘man of peace’ in Ireland, while directing the brutal occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the protest got underway, the RUC/PSNI responded violently by attacking demonstrators.

Despite remaining peaceful during the attack, the three éirígí activists were charged with a string of violent offences. The charges include Assault, Causing Actual Bodily Harm, Assaulting a Police Officer, Riotous Behaviour, Disorderly Behaviour and Resisting Arrest.

The arrests and the propaganda surrounding them were clearly an attempt to deflect attention away from the violent actions of the RUC/PSNI on the day.

There is a long history of politically motivated fit-ups in this country. The case of the three is a contemporary example and should not be allowed to proceed unopposed.

Also of critical importance is the right to engage in peaceful protest without the fear of suffering state violence in the process. It is totally unacceptable that state forces can use violence against protesting members of the public with impunity.

Whilst figures like Blair preach about bringing ‘democracy’ to countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, their own state forces are given carte blanche to stamp out democratic dissent and opposition.

The Stormont 3 need the support of all those who oppose state violence and political scape-goating.

By supporting events held to highlight this case, and by joining the protests held outside each court appearance, you can help to ensure a successful and just outcome in the cases of the three.

The Stormont 3 are to appear again at Belfast’s Laganside Courthouse on the morning of Friday, June 29.

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Comments (4 of 4)

good luck

by Peter

Mon Jul 02, 2007 14:18

good luck lads

Anniversary

by JM

Sun Jun 24, 2007 22:59

Rossport

I've no doubt police brutality is alive and well on this island, we are well aware of it here in Mayo.

Another connection is the date of the court case... two years to the day the Rossport Five were sent to jail. I hope justice is better served on this occasion.

Support the Stormont 3

by Someone Out There

Fri Jun 22, 2007 22:27

This whole case is a joke. Best of luck to the lads.

Storemont 3

by Don 79

Fri Jun 22, 2007 22:14

Just reading comment about the so called Storemont 3. Seems that the PSNI are up to their old tricks again. Its interesting that it was three éirígí activists that were dished out some rough stuff, they must be upsetting people somewhere! Seems like some things have not changed in the six counties and its certainly not a police force to be supported while this sort of justice is still dished out. Would like to know more about the campaign, but any party/organisation standing up to British bullyboy tactics would get my support in future.

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Stormont 3 Need Your Support

Comments (4 of 4)