Support the Anglo Irish Accused Protest 10am Parkgate Street

dublin | anti-capitalism | event notice Monday January 17, 2011 16:06 by éirígí PRO - éirígí

Trial of Anglo Irish Bank Protesters to Begin

On Tuesday January 18th the trial of seven éirígí activists is scheduled to begin in Dublin. The crime of which they are accused? Participating in a peaceful protest against the bailing out of Anglo Irish Bank

A protest has been organised in support of the 7 - 10am Tuesday 18th Jan, at the courthouse Parkgate Street.

All Welcome!

The trial of seven éirígí activists who were charged with a variety of offences arising from a peaceful protest at Anglo Irish Bank Headquarters in Dublin on May 15 last year, is set to commence on Tuesday next (Jan 18).

All seven – Ursula Ní Shionnain, Daithi Ó Riain, Robbie Fox, Eoin Ó Se, John McCusker, Pádraig Ó Meiscill and Daithí Mac An Mháistír – are scheduled to appear in the Criminal Courts of Justice in Parkgate Street on Tuesday morning at 10.30am to face charges of trespass and a variety of public order offences.

Speaking in advance of the trial cathaoirleach éirígí Brian Leeson said that these activists should never have appeared before the courts.

Leeson said: “The fact that that these seven activists were brought before the courts and now face trial exposes the true nature of what passes for justice in this state. Four of the accused had mounted a dignified and entirely peaceful protest on the roof of the foyer at Anglo Irish Bank Headquarters on Stephens Green before being forcibly removed, arrested and assaulted. The other three accused have been charged as a result of trying to assist their colleagues who were being assaulted by Gardaí.” (Anglo Irish Protest & Garda Attack)

He added: “The contrast is stark between the swiftness with which state and Garda resources were deployed to arrest and assault peaceful protesters, with the total lack of action taken by that same police force against the bankers, developers and politicians that led us into the the current economic crisis. As Brian Cowen's golfing partner and former head of Anglo Irish Bank Sean Fitzpatrick continues to live a lavish and extravagant lifestyle, the only people charged in relation to the collapse of the bank have been those engaged in peaceful protest against the banks activities and the governments bail-out of it.”

Leeson concluded: “It is a disgrace that these seven now face trial when the bankers and politicians walk away scot free as do the Gardaí who assaulted them. éirígí are urging people to come along to the Criminal Courts of Justice on Tuesday morning and show their support for the activists involved, to oppose Garda brutality and to oppose yet another state attempt to intimidate and criminalise those engaged in peaceful protest.