Hunger strike by Afghan asylum seekers ends after tense week in St Patricks Cathedral

dublin | racism & migration related issues | feature Monday May 22, 2006 00:17 by Jon, Revolt, Emma, Elaine, MarkG, RichardW, - Paula, Dunk, Anthony, Madam K, Fintan, MichaelY, Sheila, Jim, Ciaran, MAC.T.K.13, Deirdre, Justin also Seedot, Joe, Chris, Chekov, Kevin, Robbie, Shutterbug, Sovietpop, Taj, Laughlin, Redjade and all others.

A summary of the week, gathered by the IMC Ireland Collective.

asylum seekers removed by gardaí

On Sunday May 14th, a group of up to 41 refugees from war-torn Afghanistan occupied St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin city centre after the Sunday Service. At least seven minors were among the group of men. The group were seeking refugee status in Ireland and decided to go on hunger strike after losing confidence in the asylum application process. Indymedia Ireland began its week-long coverage of this action with this report.

Last night, Saturday May 20th, at around 9:30pm, a large contingent from the Garda Public Order Unit, aka the riot squad, moved into the vicinity of the cathedral. Vans were parked in St Patrick's Close, obscuring the view of the cathedral entrance. The minors, who had previously been made 'wards of the court', i.e. taken into state care, were firstly removed by ambulance. The tension mounted at this point, as the hunger strikers had previously indicated they were prepared to self-harm if any attempt was made to forcibly remove them from St. Patrick's. However, after several hours of negotiation, the Afghans reluctantly came out without resorting to such drastic actions.

As the Garda vans arrived, a small crowd of counter-demonstrators had gathered near the entrance, chanting for the asylum seekers to be kicked out (audio). They were soon outnumbered by supporters of the Afghans, who quickly made their way to the cathedral when the news emerged that the Garda were preparing to move in. The men were put into Garda vans and driven away to chants of "let them stay". One man lay down in front of the vans as they were driving away, but was gently removed by Gardaí (audio). The counter-protestors at this point had been hurling missiles at supporters, and were separated from the main crowd by Gardaí.

The Afghans were brought to a special late night sitting of the Bridewell Court on the northside of the city. Proceedings eventually wound up around 6am, when all men were remanded on bail until their court hearings on Thursday of this coming week. They were all granted free legal aid.

The week long hunger strike sparked intense debate both here on Indymedia and on the streets. The appearance of recognised fascist agitators caused alarm in some circles, while every day outside the cathedral tempers were running high as opposing viewpoints were aired at daily vigils.

The IAWM came out publicly early on in support of the hunger strike. On Day 3, fellow students of the minors involved had come down to offer their support, while two of the men removed to hospital suffering from dehydration were reported to be doing alright. At this stage, it was still possible to go inside the cathedral to talk to the men (photos). The matter was also raised in the Dáil. In an ever-increasing storm of media hyperbole and mis-reporting, the men explained their reasons for their action in the cathedral.

By the 4th day, the pressure was beginning to build as Michael McDowell indicated he was not going to bargain with the men (video). A solidarity picket took place in Belfast. On Day 5, the situation intensified, with Garda limiting access to the men, and the appearance of racist hecklers at a solidarity vigil. (more photos: [1] [2])

On Day 6, crash barriers were moved into St Paticks Close at 12:30 am. At 2:30am a camera operator from the Revolt Video Collective was approched by plainclothes Special Branch officers and told not to film. No independent observers were allowed access including Residents Against Racism, who had been consulting the men inside. At this point many were expecting a forced evacuation. A large amount of Gardaí were assembled around the cathedral. (images)

On the 7th (and final) day (Saturday), tension was high as the threat of self-harm and suicide by the men still hung in the air. An afternoon vigil at 2pm at the junction of St Patrick's Close drew a crowd of roughly 250 supporters, with approximately 30-40 counter demonstrators, who held signs with slogans such as 'send them home' and 'the inn is full - close the door'. As the riot squad moved in, it was obvious the end of a week of high drama in St Patrick's Cathedral was drawing to a close. Supporters outside hoped that whatever way it ended, there were no fatalities.

The men will be appearing in court on Thursday morning in Kilmainham. Residents Against Racism have called for people to come down and support the hunger strikers in court. On Thursday evening, the Revolt Video Collective will be screening a new comprehensive documentary of the weeks events at the Indymedia Film Night in the Connolly Room, Liberty Hall. This event starts at 7pm, and admission is only five euro.

Thanks to everyone who contributed text, photos, audio and video to Indymedia Ireland over the past seven days, including (but not limited to!) Jon, Revolt, Emma, Elaine, MarkG, RichardW, Paula, Dunk, Anthony, Madam K, Fintan, MichaelY, Sheila, Jim, Ciaran, MAC.T.K.13, Deirdre, Justin, Seedot, Joe, Chris, Chekov, Robbie, Shutterbug, Sovietpop, Taj, Laughlin, Redjade and all others.