Cork anti-war activists before the courts yesterday
cork |
anti-war / imperialism |
news report 
Tuesday July 15, 2003 21:26
by Cork Anti-War Campaign
corkantiwar at hotmail dot com
Two members of the Cork Anti-War Campaign were up before Cork District Court yesterday in relation to a collection on an anti-war demonstration in the city on 22nd March.
At that demonstration, attended by more than 4,000 people, Gardai seized E1,054 which had been collected from among those protesting. It was generally felt at the time that this was in revenge for that morning's occupation by anti-war activists of Fianna Fail headquarters in the city. During the occupation Minister Michael Martin's office was invaded and, following a heated verbal exchange, he abandoned the building. Another factor leading to the seizure of funds may have been the spontaneous march held two days before, which ended in a mass sit-down covering Patrick's Bridge, the main bridge in the city. This demonstration (on 20th March - Day X) arose from a 4-500 strong vigil on Daunt Square at 6pm. As the protesters moved off the square and began marching up Patrick Street, the Garda in charge engaged in a heated exchange with Fintan Lane of CAWC, informing him that CAWC would "never be allowed to march in Cork again". In fact, anti-war protesters returned to the streets two days later in their thousands and, following a march through the city centre, staged a mass sit-down that covered and blocked off the entire length of Patrick Street for more than 20 minutes. The march then moved up to Daunt Square where protesters similarly blocked the road as a rally proceeded. It was during this march that the money was seized.
The outcome of yesterday's court case was welcomed as a victory by local anti-war activists. The judge effectively dismissed the charges (no convictions and no fines) and he agreed to the CAWC request that the money be donated to UNICEF Ireland. This brings the total donated by CAWC to UNICEF Ireland in the past few months to more than E3,500.
Following the outcome of yesterday's case, it is unlikely that the Gardai will proceed against others whose names were taken on the day. The original action was clearly driven by sheer bad-mindedness.
Comments (12 of 12)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12What were the CAWC people charged with? I was on that march and it was well marshalled, amazingly well supported (for Cork) and good humoured. Are you allowed to name the Garda who did the dirty? Maybe others have had similar bad experiences? Also, who was the wise judge?
Well done and congrats on the verdict. Could someone in Cork give us the names of those good people who put themselves in the line of danger when they were so badly needed. They all deserve to be remembered with thanks
They were charged with holding a collection without a permit. A legal head told us that the sergeant responsible is known as a member of the local 'God squad' - so-called because of their right-wing views.
Anybody else hear of a God-squad in Cork, or is this an urban myth?
Those charged were Hannah Stempel, Paul Daly, and John O'Sullivan. Good people all. No convictions before this case and none after. Well done to them!
Well, when you have a few dozen idiots gathered together you might as well fleece them. Could buy someone a new laptop.
What a racket.
It shows that attitude you people have towards law and order. Everyone needs permission to hold a collection but you lot, oh, since you're oh special that you can see thru the apparatus of the state, it makes you above the law.
My contempt for you 'activists' is burning. Especially when I see the photos of all you wispy bearded fuckwits.
But I mean it, why do you have to be so annoying, when you look back on yourselves in 10-15 years time you're going to be dying of embarassment.
For such a self righteous, hard working tax payer as you claim to be you seem to be spending an awful lot of time reading indymedia and thinking of 'caustic' comments to show how clever you are. Does your boss know what his model employee spends his time at. Careful Seanín boyo don't want to risk that promotion do you, Mammy won't be happy.
Or are you the thick son who had to join the Civil Service, how are Paudín the Cop and Thomasín the priest doing, do they still give you a wedgie at the back of the cow shed every christmas.
Great stuff. Keep up the good work!
Dear cork activist-
Its not a greast idea to publish peoples names without asking them first.
The names of those charged have already been published in the local press, there's nought to be ashamed of, so...what's your's problem, or are you just some low-level shit stirrer?
Don't disagree with Seainin. Don't have much respect for 'law and order' - and why the fuck should we if they spend their time robbing our money?
more power to ye.
By the way, if there's any of ye in touch with Jarlath or any other heads covered by Aer Rianta's Feb High Court injunction, there's good news, get in touch.
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