1000 people Reclaim the Streets of Dublin

dublin | miscellaneous | feature Tuesday May 07, 2002 03:49 by IMC Editorial Group - IMC Ireland

Bank Holiday Monday: up to 1000 people partied hard on the streets of Dublin on the south side of the River Liffey along Burgh Quay and George's Quay. The east end of the quay at Butt Bridge was blocked and at 3pm the party was in full swing with three sound systems, capoeira, football, twister, dancing, bongoing, cheering and guerrilla gardening. As a disused car was pushed onto the street the Gardai made their first attack, arresting 2 or3 people including one on crutches. After 2-3 hours of partying the crowd disbanded into smaller groups, one making its way towards Dame St. and then Civic Offices, Wood Quay. The Gardai then continued attacks with batons, injuring many including children and passers-by and making over 20 arrests. There have been many accusations from all sides of overuse of excessive force by Gardai, and of removing their numbers in order to be anonymous.

New: RTS Legal Update
A meeting of the Legal Defense Group will take place on on Wednesday 29th May - all those who were beaten or charged are invited.
Reclaim the Streets information on legal situation. See also reports of treatment of people who have made complaints: 1   2

Photos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Audio Video
Full reports of street party + violent aftermath: 1 2 3 4 5

Censoring the media: This photo sequence shows indymedia camerapeople being prevented from filming. Also a camera battery was taken from an Indymedia journalist and an Irish Independent photographer was arrested

Statements from Reclaim the Streets: 1   2   3

Legal Defense Group
A legal defense group has been set up to deal with issues arising from the behaviour of the Gardai, and a solicitor has been retained to persue legal action against them. All those who were assaulted by the Gardai, or witnessed an assault, are being urged to make contact.
Meeting on Wednesday 29th May

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