The deportees back on Irish soil

Today family, friends and supporters welcomed home the five Irish MV Rachel Corrie passengers who were this morning deported from Israel. The five – Denis Halliday, Mairead Maguire, Fiona Thompson, Derek Graham and Jenny Graham – were greeted in Dublin airport by cheers and hugs from the assembled crowd who were there to salute their bravery, as well as a large media presence.

Related Links: At Least 9 Internationals Killed As Israel Attacks And Hijacks Gaza Flotilla In International Waters
Israel to deport all 680 Flotilla passengers - Irishman reported 'roughed up' by interrogators
Gaza Flotilla: Press Conference with Shane Dillon today at 2pm, Central Hotel, Dublin
Freedom Flotilla: Irish on the way home (via Istanbul) / Audio of Shane Dillon / Dublin Demo on Sat
Freedom Flotilla: Fintan Lane speaks of his harrowing experience
Full Steam Ahead for MV Rachel Corriie
MV Rachel Corrie 80 Miles from Gaza
MV Rachel Corrie Boarded by Israeli Forces
Following Flotilla Massacre, Repression Continues Apace in the West Bank

At least 9 international human rights activists may have been killed and dozens more injured after Israeli commandos attacked the unarmed Gaza Freedom Flotilla early this morning in international waters, according to reports from the flotilla organisers, while Israeli military sources confirmed at least 9 dead. This attack is a clear breach of international law.

Related Links:
youtube footage from RT | BBC news | Times report | Cowen condems attack (independent) | Al Jazeera report
Earlier reports as story broke-
Israeli War Ships approaching Freedom Flotilla to Gaza in international Waters | Israeli warships harass Gaza Flotilla in International Waters | Israel forces attack Freedom Gaza flotilla - Activists critically injured
Previous related reports- Gaza Freedom Flotilla in final stages of trip | Waterford IPSC Thanks Local Builders, Trade Unionists, Individuals Who Donated To Gaza Aid Flotilla | Israel continues to threaten Flotilla despite Irish TDs promise to deliver letter to Shalit | Freedom Flotilla of Aid expected to reach Gaza within 48 hours despite threats from the Israeli Navy
Take action:
Express your disgust at Israel's behaviour to your TD here..
Protests on Monday 31st May 2010 in reaction to massacre-
Protest in Cork today at Israeli massacre
Belfast Protest in solidarity with the Freedom Flotilla
Galway demo at M&S
Ramallah Protest Against Massacre of Human Rights Activists in Gaza Freedom Flotilla
Update (Monday 31st 17:48) -
3 Irish safe after Israeli assault on Freedom Flotilla – 2 refuse deportation, still in detention

Israeli pirates board the IHH ship 0.05 Mb

State Repression (as it always has been)

Not really sure where to post this—just got thinking about repression and state power etc. and thought I would share some observations on the subject with whoever’s interested. Yes, it ended up being more of an essay than a post but what the hell—feels good to get it off my chest.

Related Links: Court rules Garda Supt. M. Larkin responsible for Violation of the Rights of Shell to Sea activists. http://www.indymedia.ie/article/96213
Shell ignores the law but gets campaigners jailed http://www.indymedia.ie/article/96137
Erris Rally of Solidarity with 'the Chief' Pat O'Donnell. http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95932
Eoin O'Leidhin - Interview http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95907
Another Shell to Sea Campaigner Imprisoned. http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95900
Shell retreats as solidarity with Pat O'Donnell continues http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95880
Court Report from Mayo http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95776
Shell Corrib Gas - Who are the real Thugs & Bullies? http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95795
Massive Works Planned in Erris Waters while "The Chief" is in Jail http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95785
Community Power at the Rossport Solidarity Camp http://www.indymedia.ie/article/95731
Bolivian Peasant leader comes to Ireland to demand IRMS investigation http://www.indymedia.ie/article/94855
Corrib Pipeline (Bord Pleanala Decision) http://www.indymedia.ie/article/94649
Orwellian Ireland http://www.indymedia.ie/article/70223

Anger and tears on the streets of Dublin

Thousands turned out for a rally of solidarity and love in memory of Toyosi Shitta-bey who tragically lost his life in Tyrellstown, West Dublin on Friday 2nd April.

Related Links: Audio: Ronit Lentin on Race and State in contemporary Ireland https://www.indymedia.ie/article/95577
An Injury to One is An Injury to All https://www.indymedia.ie/article/92991
Múrphictiúr frith-chiníoch nochta in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste (Anti- racism mural unveiled in West Belfast https://www.indymedia.ie/article/92845
Anti- racism World Cup launched in Belfast https://www.indymedia.ie/article/92739
South Belfast Anti-Racist Rally Attacked https://www.indymedia.ie/article/92729
racism - Fascism https://www.indymedia.ie/article/92709

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Watching them watching us. Shell's sinister shadow still looms large

Around the time of the visit of Shell’s pipe-laying ship the Solitaire in June it became clear that the Gardai had been told that they could do anything to remove Shell to Sea campaigners from the scene and they would be looked after. Rulings from the district court, in particular the denial of bail to 7 campaigners charged with the most minor of public order offences removed people with vital water skills from the area by interning them in Mountjoy and Castlerea prisons. Local fisherman Pat O’Donnell had one of his boat sunk from under him when four masked men boarded the boat in the middle of the night and held Pat and the other crew member at gun point while they sabotaged the boat leading to its sinking. When Pat took to sea in another boat as the Solitaire arrived he was arrested under the Public Order Act for loitering and once more sent to prison leaving the way clear for the Solitaire.

Related Links:
A Shadow Over Erris | The 420 Billion giveaway: How Ireland is losing its valuable natural resources | Shell to Sea campaigner Niall Harnett sentenced to 5months in jail | 27 Shell to Sea campaigners face court "special sitting" | éirígí slam Devins over Corrib gas controversy | Erris Rally of Solidarity with 'the Chief' Pat O'Donnell | Joe Higgins MEP visits 'Shell To Sea' Activist, Pat o'donnell, In Castlera Prison | Eoin O'Leidhin - Interview | Court Report from Mayo Shell Corrib Gas - Who are the real Thugs & Bullies? | Review of the week of Shell to Sea court hearings Court rules Garda Supt. M. Larkin responsible for Violation of the Rights of Shell to Sea activist