Appeal for Witness Statements From Baldonnel.

by Coilín Fri Apr 21, 2006 04:18

I agree with Seán on his last couple of points. In my understanding, it is the duty of every citizen to intervene if a Garda is using excessive force, as this constitutes battery, and the intervening citizen may use reasonable force to prevent a Garda using more force than is necessary to make a justified arrest.

This applies particularly if - as alleged in this case - a Garda puts a knee on the detainee's neck and/or a boot to his face at a point when the detainee poses no threat to anybody.

I comment without prejudice, as the photos and video footage do not show everything, but I would advise any Garda who may be reading to stay away from the head and neck, as you may end up with a very bad conscience if you give somebody a spinal injury. If you do not act in a disciplined manner, then the citizen who intervenes to restrain you may be doing you a big favour.

Lest I be seen to be entirely prejudiced, let me say that I have every sympathy for the Garda who was struck with a petrol bomb on 25 February, and for her colleagues, and very little for the stone-throwing mob. Leaving aside the important questions about the broader context for the riots, I thought the police on that occasion acted with considerable patience and restraint to clear O'Connell Street of the enemies of free speech. (At least the bottom half of the street: I arrived after they had reached Jim Larkin.)

But I have little sympathy for a burly Garda who might apply unnecessary force to the neck of a skinny teenager. If you do that, then you deserve to get done for it.

Be careful out there!
Coilín.

by Seán Ryan Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:11

Tisn't unusual for the DPP to make activists make many court appearances before bringing any charges or dropping them.

With regard to witness statements the more the better, irregardless as to how little any witness feels their potential evidence may be, please believe, anything that is remembered can be used to defend these defenders of our very nationality.

Not only would I urge anyone who saw anything to come forward and be counted, I would urge them as individuals to report any crimes they witnessed to the Gardaí.

This reporting of crimes could potentially be very important.

One of the activists who was arrested, was arrested after intervening in the assault of another activist. It would be my contention that the 'crime' of trying to prevent an assault is a lesser crime than whatever charges will be eventually brought against this particular activist. And that this activist had legal justification to intervene. A uniform does not give a Garda the right to break the law and in my opinion a citizen has the legal right and obligation to intervene and prevent a Garda breaking the law.

Let us remember that all this is about holding up our values irregardless as to what way the 'system' spins it.

by lord k - wsm personal capacity Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:34

I think thats right - at least 1 was a section 6 - relatively minor.
Mind you its not unknown for the guards to bring further charges later - sometimes the morning of the actual case!

by anon Wed Apr 19, 2006 23:39

I'm pretty sure there's 2 public order charges and a public urination charge.

by Niall Wed Apr 19, 2006 22:34

Can you tell us what the four were charged with specifically?

by APS Wed Apr 19, 2006 19:26

Please forward your accounts directly to the email address provided above rather than posting your responses on Indymedia for obvious reasons!!!