FGM case supporters to gather at Supreme Court tomorrow

by itchy Mon Apr 06, 2009 23:45

Its not helpful to label everyone who disagrees with an open door policy as a "racist". Neither is it helpful to call those who question dubious aspects of the Pamela saga as "racists". Ireland has a part to play in ending harmful traditional practices. For activists this could mean putting pressure on the Federal Republic of Nigeria's government through their Embassy. The Nigerian Ambassador claimed that Amnesty & other groups are wrong about FGM being an issue in Nigeria, not sure if she meant FGM doesn't happen or that people don't suffer from it. Either way she is wrong and it is outrageous that she could blatantly lie about such an important issue.

by Wayne - supporter of RAR Mon Apr 06, 2009 02:18

Rascism is a very very SICK AND DISGUSTING thing and this country should embrace cultural diversity and let whoever wants to enter it-the Irish went abroad for years and mant non nationals work in our hospitals. Racists need councilling and medical treatment. LET THEM STAY.

by Dave (RAR) - Residents Against Racism Fri Apr 03, 2009 23:25 rar.info at yahoo dot ie

Mary O'Toole wrote:
> What I am about to say is not a popular sentiment to express on Indymedia.

Freedom to comment is what makes this forum so important.

If I can just correct a couple of misconceptions in your comments.

As it always planned to, Residents Against Racism held a silent vigil at the court hearing today - no 'noisy barracking' - and did so with Pamela's full knowledge and support.

All of RAR's media work this week has put the focus squarely on Naomi and Jemima and the very real threat they face if the government deports the family. Now, with the pause in the court process, we are asking that the media leave Pamela and the girls in peace to enjoy the Easter holidays together.

by mary o toole Fri Apr 03, 2009 13:22

Her lawyers have come off record saying that they have received contradictory instructions from their client. No evidence was heard today.

The case has now been put back to next term (today is the last day of Hilary term) to allow the State present its new evidence and to allow Pamela obtain new representation.

The State has put her on notice that it will be applying to have her proceedings dismissed (as distinct from "struck out") at the adjourned hearing. It must be assumed therefore that the State will also be opposing any stay on the order of the court to allow it deport her forthwith.

by Wise Owl - Irish through and through Fri Apr 03, 2009 07:55

I suppose the authorities are under pressure to deport , this is not a forgone conclusion of course , and the well heeled Beaks will launch an appeal
based on' whatever' the system can take ,must be running into hundreds of thousands of euros this one , let us wait and see the drama unfold
shall we ..........

by mary o toole Thu Apr 02, 2009 20:05

What I am about to say is not a popular sentiment to express on Indymedia.

Would RAR for God sake keep away from this Court Hearing. Pamela's best chance is the very considerable disquiet being expressed by middle of the road and respected voices (I don't count Myers among this group) against sending her children back to Nigeria irrespective of whether she lied or fabricated her story, or whatever. There is just a chance that the government will pay heed to these voices of compassion if given a chance to save face, and if it feels that it will not be backing down in the face of pressure from the refugee lobby.

I would presume that tomorrow Pamela's case will be withdrawn, and that prior to coming off record her lawyers will apply for a stay on her deportation pending the decision of the ECHR. Given the nature of the circumstances that have arisen it is almost certain that the ECHR will also refuse her application. However it will buy her some time.

That time should be used to lobby the many mainstream politicians who have the ear of the government. People like Mary Hannafin are extremely uneasy about Pamela's children being sent home - regardless of whether or not Pamela forged her documentation. A noisy barracking of the Four courts by RAR and similar groups will only stiffen the resolve of the government to make her an example 'pour les autres'.

We should not forget that the issue here is not some 'cause celebre' for RAR, but the future of Pamela's children.

by Dave (RAR) - Residents Against Racism Thu Apr 02, 2009 15:59 rar.info at yahoo dot ie

Details now confirmed. Assemble 10.00 a.m., court hearing 10.30 a.m.