Independent Protest in Solidarity with Anti-Imperialist Activists

by Joe McIvor Sat Feb 09, 2013 13:10 joemcivor at gmail dot com

Two years ago the state spared no expense ensuring that the royal visit went off without any hitches. Gardai sealed every manhole in the city centre , houses of potential protesters were raided before the visit , during it several activists were arrested on spurious holding charges to keep them out of the way , bags were searched at every intersection along royal cavalcade routes, the was army mobilized . When it comes to the prosecution of the anti-royal protesters, the same state can't seem to get its act together. These innocent protesters have already been brought before the courts four times at considerable expense and inconvenience.

In 2011 it seemed quite extraordinary to me that groups styling themselves as “socialist” , and “anti-militarist” were not present at demos called against a visit by the billionaire head of the British armed forces. The oppressive response by the state has set precedents - similar curtailments on civil liberties were put in place for the visit of foreign ministers to Dublin at the end of last year for instance. PSNI measures aimed at protecting the G8 summiteers in Fermanagh in June will doubtlessly be made in coordination with aggressive policing operations being planned by the southern state . Has the gardai repression at the time of the royal visit contributed to the muted response by Irish activists to the G8 summit to date?

I’d endorse what Diarmuid Breatnach wrote in a recent article on this site where he called on left TDs to function as defenders of civil rights in this country . http://www.indymedia.ie/article/103244 . I’d also like to see left groups as a whole mobilizing support for these anti-royalty activists in time for their next court appearance.

by Nico Fri Feb 08, 2013 23:58

"Irish state bringing Political activists to court RECHARGED from back in 2011 - Anti Queen protests"
"On the 8th February at 10:30, political activists were brought before the courts on trumped up charges relating to the incursion back in Dublin 2011 against the Queens visit which was the first visit by a British monarch since 1911.
However news from today the Judge did not show up what was supposed to be a two hour legal debate on the case, and was put back till April 3rd, wait to see then."

by An Draighnean Donn - Páirtí Cummanach na Poblachta Sun Feb 03, 2013 17:53

I commend the organizers of this protest, and wish all the best to those being hauled before the free state "courts" for opposing imperialism. I hope to see as many anti-imperialists there as possible.