Appeal for Witness Statements From Baldonnel.

dublin | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Wednesday April 19, 2006 19:23

by APS - Anarchist Prisoner Solidarity

weknowitwasyou at riseup dot net

There was a well attended meeting held last night in Dublin where some of those arrested were present along with representatives from Anarchist Prisoner Solidarity, Anarchist Youth, Revolt Video, Peace Network and other campaigns.

There was a lot of discussion of how best to help those arrested at Baldonnel and future activities to support the 4 ( Details will be released very soon)

The legal support team who have been monitoring the recent events at Baldonnel have appealed for people who were present at Baldonnel to contact them with their accounts of the events.

It is important that people write up their experiences as quickly as possible while events are still fresh in peoples minds

Lots of film footage is currently being scrutinised by the Legal Support Team and we are aware that there is more footage and photos taken that day that may be of use in mounting a substantial defence for the 4.

Would people please forward their statements etc. asap to: weknowitwasyou -at- riseup -dot- net

Released On Behalf of Anarchist Prisoner Solidarity

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Comments (6 of 6)

Please remember!

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!!!

Charges

by Niall

Wed Apr 19, 2006 22:34

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

by anon

Wed Apr 19, 2006 23:39

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

yes

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!

Defending our country and ourselves

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.

Reasonable force

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.

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Appeal for Witness Statements From Baldonnel.

Comments (6 of 6)