Right to protest must be protected
Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove has expressed her concern at recent attempts to stifle protest in Ireland and abroad.
Senator Cosgrove said:
“Peaceful protest is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. The reported actions taken against women outside Leinster House, from Mothers Against Genocide protesting against the horrific war in Gaza, on Monday morning are deeply concerning.
“No one should be targeted for their peaceful activism and at a time when Israel shows no sign of backing down, it’s more important than ever that we protect our human right to express solidarity.
“The reaction by the Gardaí appears to have been a disproportionate response to the protesters present. There is a sharp contrast in the recollection of events and Garda tactics between the Gardaí and the protesters. This is very concerning.”
Commenting on the situation in Berlin where two Irish citizens have been issued with deportation orders for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protest, Senator Cosgrove said:
“I want to express solidarity with Shane O’Brien and Roberta Murray in Berlin who have been issued with deportation orders. I know Roberta and her family, and they have been steadfast in their support for the people of Palestine.
“It’s very concerning to see an EU Member State take such an action against citizens of another EU country for protesting and raising the plight of people in Gaza.
“People have a right to protest peacefully and all States have a duty to respect and protect this right. The message that the German Government appears to be sending worldwide is that only some protesting is legitimate. The reported heavy handed approach by German police attending Gaza rallies has been well documented, and many Irish living in Berlin who want to express their solidarity with Gaza have been on the receiving end of this.
“Our Foreign Affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has written to the German Ambassador in Dublin to express Labour’s concern at this matter and to call for the immediate rescinding of these deportation orders.
“It’s incumbent on the Irish Government to express its commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest. What’s happening in Gaza is utterly shocking and cannot be ignored.”