Campaigners call for international inquiry into policing of Corrib protests
Recording of Gardaí is only a glimpse into brutality of policing of project
Shell to Sea has called for an independent international inquiry into policing of protests around the Corrib Gas project. Their call was backed by a number of public representatives who attended a Shell to Sea press conference in Dublin today. These included TDs and councillors from Sinn Féin, the Socialist Party, the People Before Profit Alliance and several Independents. The call was also backed by Action From Ireland.
Speaking at the press conference, one of the two women who was arrested on March 31st by Gardaí in Mayo, Jerrie Ann Sullivan, said:
“I felt forced to come forward today because we were informed that personal details had been leaked to selected journalists, at least one of whom called to the Dublin address I had provided at Belmullet Garda station.”
“We want to be left alone. This is not about us. This is about women’s safety and about the ongoing intimidation of the communities living close to Shell’s inland refinery site in Mayo. Within hours of the announcement of the Garda inquiry into the recordings of Gardaí talking about raping people in their custody, their colleagues were intimidating and physically assaulting other protesters at the same site at Aughoose on Tuesday. A woman was punched in the stomach by a Garda.”
Shell to Sea spokesperson Caoimhe Kerins said:
“It is now essential that an independent inquiry is established into the conduct both of police and private security helping to force the Corrib Gas project upon the local community. For years, human rights organisations have been sending observers to the area. They’re not doing that without reason.”
“The response of An Garda Síochána and the state to the rape comments has been disgracefully inadequate. Garda representative bodies have failed to condemn the behaviour of these Gardaí. The Gardaí in question have not been suspended. This is yet another example of the culture of impunity surrounding policing of the Corrib protests.”
John Monaghan, a resident of Glengad, where the Corrib pipeline is due to come ashore, spoke about a similar experience of such intimidation suffered by him and his family.
“This type of abuse by Gardaí and private security on the Corrib Gas project is widespread and should be of concern not just to our community but to communities everywhere.”
Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins TD also attended the press conference and backed the call for an independent international inquiry. He also commented on the alleged leaking of personal information to journalists.
“If private information was handed on by Gardai to journalists, this should be investigated. If true, this would be reprehensible. There is a history of Gardaí spinning their side against citizens. I highlighted this in the case of Abbeylara and John Carty.”
Justice and human rights group Action from Ireland (Afri) also backed the call. Afri coordinator Joe Murray (who was not present at the press conference) said today:
“The behaviour of the Gardaí is out of control in a manner reminiscent of Garda behaviour in Donegal as documented by the Morris Tribunal - accountability urgently needs to be reasserted and Gardaí who abuse their powers need to be seriously disciplined; this can only be done through an independent, international inquiry.”
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