- Blog
- News
- Who We Are
- Projects
- Campaigns
- Publications
- History
PR: YD Calls for Tribunal on Pro-life Arrests
09.09.2006
Youth Defence has said that the continued arrest and harassment of pro-life activists should be the subject of another Morris-like tribunal. Members of the pro-life group were arrested by Gardai in Galway today while distributing information regarding abortion. This is the third Garda assault on pro-life activists engaged in peaceful protest in as many months, and Youth Defence is certain that the arrests and seizures of property are politically directed.
Gardai in Galway today were extremely heavy-handed, pulling Youth Defence members’ hands off their information boards, and showing no concern for public safety. The Youth Defence Chairman, Eoghan de Faoite, said that, “The Gardai seem to believe they can act outside the law when dealing with pro-life people. A Tribunal should be established to deal with 12 years of politically motivated harassment of pro-lifers.”
Mr de Faoite confirmed that Youth Defence have in their possession confirmation from the Director of Public Prosecution that the material used in information sessions are entirely lawful . Gardai were shown that letter today yet the continued to bully, harass and arrest Youth Defence members.
Since the introduction of the Public Order Act in 1994, Youth Defence members have been the subject of continual harassment by the Gardai, who have made false arrests, assaulted teenagers and strip searched young women. No member of Youth Defence has ever been found guilty of any breach of the law following these arrests. The Morris Tribunal found that, in the case of the McBrearty family, continued baseless arrests, usually without charge, were a form of vicious harassment. Youth Defence members have endured this for 12 years.
Youth Defence chairman said that their solicitor would contact the Garda Commissioner on Monday to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.
End
