Latest news with #MothersAgainstGenocide
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Gardaí face personal injuries claim from woman arrested at pro-Palestine event
An Garda Síochána is facing a potential personal injuries claim from a woman who alleges she was arrested at a pro-Palestine event, before being detained and strip-searched, as a result of her political views. The woman's representatives, Belfast-based human rights lawyers Phoenix Law, wrote to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on May 14 to announce the claim on behalf of its client, a female protester who participated in a Mothers Against Genocide protest at Leinster House on March 30. That event, held to protest the ongoing violence in Gaza, saw 11 protesters, including the woman in question, arrested and detained at Garda stations in Dublin before being released several hours later. Those arrested subsequently claimed they had been subjected to excessive intrusive treatment by the arresting gardaí, including cavity searches, with some of those claims read into the Dáil record under privilege by People Before Profit TDs Richard Boyd Barrett, Ruth Coppinger, and Paul Murphy last month. In its letter to Mr Harris, Phoenix Law said its client had been held at Kevin Street Garda Station for three hours without questioning, that she had been subjected to a strip search, and that she had not been told why that invasive procedure had to occur. The firm alleged that its client's human rights had been breached. Details of the legal claim come after Mr Harris wrote to the Dail's business committee on May 16 accusing the three People Before Profit TDs of making 'unfounded allegations' in the Dáil chamber concerning the alleged treatment of a separate female protester, and Palestinian national. In his letter, Mr Harris said 'it has been verified by me that they [the arresting officers] treated those in custody with respect at all times'. He said that the protests and subsequent arrests had been recorded on Garda body-worn cameras which showed 'nothing that would substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing'. He added, however, that 'there are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched for obvious requirements for dignity and privacy'. It is in those cells that it is alleged the invasive searches of the protester in question took place. A spokesperson for Mothers Against Genocide said they note that 'An Garda Síochána has now acknowledged that there is no camera footage of the strip searches conducted on our members during the Mother's Day arrests'. The group has called on minister for justice Jim O'Callaghan to 'issue a public apology' for previous assertions that the accounts of the protesters regarding their detention had been false. A spokesman for An Garda Síochána said: "Material gathered by An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter has been provided to the Policing and Community Safety Authority for their review."
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Protesters seek apology from Minister in row over footage claim in strip-search allegation review
PRO-PALESTINE CAMPAIGN group Mothers Against Genocide have called on Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan to issue a public apology for 'spreading misinformation' about an internal gardaí inquiry into allegations of strip-searching of protesters. The demand follows a letter from Commissioner Drew Harris to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy last week in which he said there are 'no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched'. Mothers Against Genocide held a sit down demonstration blocking the gates of the Dáil's entrance on 1 April and 11 people were arrested on public order offences. Subsequently, a number of TDs from People Before Profit told the Dáil that they had been informed that a number of the women involved had been strip-searched. Speaking a number of weeks later, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated that he had asked that footage of the incident be examined and that following a garda review it was determined that the allegations were 'false'. O'Callaghan therefore urged politicians to be cautious when making claims under Dáil privilege. In his letter to the Ceann Comhairle, Harris reiterated that a 'comprehensive review' of the allegations had taken place and that all gardaí involved in the searches 'acted at all times professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with established procedures and legislative provision'. Advertisement He said the protest and the arrests were recorded by garda bodycams. There were also recordings reviewed from the garda stations involved, which Harris said 'show nothing that would substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing'. He added: 'There are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched for obvious requirements for dignity and privacy.' Harris's statement about a lack of footage in cells where searches take place has prompted Mothers Against Genocide to accuse the Justice Minister of attempting to 'discredit' the group. In a statement today, Mothers Against Genocide called this 'a grave matter of public interest and trust.' 'We expect the Minister for Justice to issue a public apology for spreading misinformation and for interfering with due process by repeating false statements and defending Garda conduct before investigations had even begun,' the group said. 'Many of those arrested have submitted subject access requests to the Gardaí seeking all footage and information held on them. To date, none of this information has been received.' Paul Murphy TD said yesterday that O'Callaghan did not disclose the 'crucial information' that there was no footage of what happened within the cells. 'The Minister gave the clear impression that footage had 'revealed' that our claims on strip and cavity searches were false,' Murphy said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
No video footage to show if gardaí strip-searched pro-Palestinian Dáil protesters
Gardaí have refused to clarify the extent of searches carried out at pro-Palestinian protests as the Garda Commissioner confirmed that there is no video footage to disprove allegations of strip and cavity searches taking place. It comes as Commissioner Drew Harris condemned the use of Dáil privilege to repeat the claims, which he insists are 'unfounded'. An Garda Síochána found itself at the centre of a media storm when members of activist group Mothers Against Genocide claimed that they were subject to intimate searches after being arrested at a protest. The group protesting over the situation in Gaza. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/ Garda HQ quickly denied the claims, with Mr Harris saying he could 'categorically state' no such searches took place. In a complaint to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy over the repetition of these allegations under Dáil privilege, the Garda Commissioner said an internal review found that gardaí 'acted at all times professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with established procedures'. He said the events of the protest and subsequent arrests were recorded on Garda body cameras that do not substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing – a point echoed by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan, who said the searches did not happen. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins But Mr Harris also confirmed 'there are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched'. On April 1 the Dáil heard allegations that female protesters were strip-searched following the Mothers Against Genocide demonstration in late March, at which 11 people were arrested. The group also alleged that one arrested member had been subjected to a cavity search. The claims were raised by People Before Profit-Solidarity TDs Richard Boyd-Barrett, Paul Murphy and Ruth Coppinger. In mid-April, the Garda Commissioner said he had ordered an inquiry into the allegations. Gardaí remove a protester at the Mothers Against Genocide demonstration held outside Leinster House last March. Mr Harris also took issue with the fact that the 'inaccurate' claims were made by TDs under Dáil privilege. In his official complaint to Ms Murphy, Mr Harris condemned the 'erroneous statements' from the TDs and defended the actions of the female gardaí who conducted the searches. An Garda Síochána said in a statement that it still refutes the allegations made in the Dáil. However, a spokeswoman did not reply to requests from the Irish Daily Mail seeking clarification on what searches did take place. The revelation over the lack of video footage of searches came despite the Justice Minister being told by the Garda Commissioner that video footage proved the strip or cavity searches did not take place. This discrepancy was highlighted by TD Paul Murphy in a statement on Thursday. He said: 'Commissioner Harris in his letter states, 'There are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched', but the [Justice] Minister, in his comments at the AGSI [Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors] conference on April 15 claiming our statements had been shown to be false, did not disclose this crucial information. TD Paul Murphy. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos 'On the contrary, the minister said at the conference that any investigation 'will also have access to the recordings examined by the Commissioner'. But the Commissioner has now made it clear there are no such recordings. This letter from the Garda Commissioner vindicates our claims and proves that the minister misled the public.' Mr O'Callaghan had said 'the Commissioner reported back to me… that his enquiries revealed that the allegations made by some members of Dáil Éireann were false'. A spokeswoman for the minister said he stands over his previous statement on the matter.
Irish Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Drew Harris ‘deeply concerned' over ‘erroneous' Garda strip-search claims made in Dáil
The Garda Commissioner has written to the Ceann Comhairle describing claims made in the Dáil about the treatment of women protesters by gardaí as 'wholly inaccurate'. Last month, People Before Profit-Solidarity TDs Richard Boyd Barrett , Paul Murphy and Ruth Coppinger told the Dáil that members of the Mothers Against Genocide group were arrested and strip-searched, and that one of the protesters was subjected to a cavity search. The group had held an overnight protest outside Leinster House to remember the mothers and children killed in Gaza on Mother's Day. Members of Mothers Against Genocide were among 14 people arrested following the vigil . READ MORE In a letter to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy , Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said the remarks made by the three People Before Profit-Solidarity TDs are 'erroneous' and he expressed his 'deep concern' at the statements. He said he 'initiated a comprehensive review of the allegations'. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris: 'Such unfounded allegations made by public representatives under Dáil privilege and repeated in media coverage cannot remain unchallenged.' Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Mr Harris wrote: 'I can confirm the Garda members involved in conducting the searches acted at all times professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with established procedures and legislative provision.' He said he has verified that gardaí treated those in custody 'with respect at all times' and ensured the safety of all within the Garda station. Mr Harris said the protests and subsequent arrests were recorded on Garda body-worn cameras and that there are also visual and audio recordings available from the Garda stations' custody areas. 'These recordings show nothing that would substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing,' he said. 'There are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched for obvious requirements for dignity and privacy.' Mr Harris said an allegation of mistreatment of any person detained in the custody of An Garda Síochána is taken 'extremely seriously'. 'As a direct consequence of these wholly inaccurate statements and the widespread coverage of them in the media, I am deeply concerned about the damage that may be caused to public confidence and trust in policing,' he said. 'Such unfounded allegations made by public representatives under Dáil privilege and repeated in media coverage cannot remain unchallenged.' He asked that copies of his letter be circulated to TDs 'to dispel any doubts as to the accuracy of the statements made by deputies Boyd Barrett, Murphy and Coppinger, but moreover, to reiterate the very serious harm they cause to public confidence in An Garda Síochána and the professional reputation of members of the service'. People Before Profit TD Mr Murphy reacted to the letter, claiming a line in it contradicts remarks made by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and 'vindicates our claims'. Mr Murphy highlighted how Mr Harris's letter states 'there are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched'. The TD added that the Minister made comments at a Garda association conference last month 'claiming our statements had been shown to be false' but 'did not disclose this crucial information'. [ Government facing crisis filling Garda Commissioner job amid 'entrenched' dispute Opens in new window ] Mr Murphy said the Minister 'gave the clear impression that footage had 'revealed' that our claims on strip and cavity searches were false'. 'On the contrary, this letter from the Garda Commissioner vindicates our claims and proves that the Minister misled the public,' he said. The Irish Times report on the AGSI conference last month quotes Mr O'Callaghan as saying: 'I asked that bodycam footage and any recordings be examined, particularly recordings from Garda stations. 'Having conducted his inquiries, the commissioner reported back to me last week in writing, stating that his inquiries revealed the allegations made by some members of Dáil Éireann were false.' A spokeswoman for Mr O'Callaghan said the Minister 'stands over his statement'.
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Drew Harris: TDs made 'unfounded' claims in the Dáil about garda conduct after arresting protesters
THE GARDA COMMISSIONER has written to the Ceann Comhairle expressing concern over what he says are unfounded allegations about the treatment of people arrested during a protest outside Leinster House. On 1 April, the Dáil had heard allegations that female protesters were strip-searched following the Mothers Against Genocide demonstration, during which 11 people were arrested. In a letter to Verona Murphy on 16 May, which was shared with the Dáil business committee last night, Commissioner Drew Harris said, after a 'comprehensive review' of the allegations, he can confirm that all gardaí involved in the searches 'acted at all times professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with established procedures and legislative provision'. He said the protest and the arrests were recorded by garda bodycams. There were also recordings reviewed from the garda stations involved, which Harris said 'show nothing that would substantiate any allegations of wrongdoing'. He added: 'There are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched for obvious requirements for dignity and privacy.' Last month, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan told the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference that the allegations were false and called on politicians to be careful when using Dáil privilege. Two TDs who repeated the allegations in the Dáil were Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger and her colleague Richard Boyd Barrett. The party said they have been vindicated by Harris's admission that there are no recording devices in cells when prisoners are being searched. Paul Murphy TD said the Justice Minister did not disclose the 'crucial information' that there was no footage of what happened within the cells. Advertisement 'The Minister gave the clear impression that footage had 'revealed' that our claims on strip and cavity searches were false. 'But on the contrary, this letter from the Garda Commissioner vindicates our claims and proves that the Minister misled the public. 'The Minister should now make a statement acknowledging that no recording devices were in cells when prisoners were being searched and he should apologise for misleading the public in this regard.' Allegations In the Dáil, Ruth Coppinger said she personally knew some of the protestors. 'Some of those women were strip-searched and one was subjected to a cavity search,' she said. She also alleged that protesters were told by gardaí: 'What do you think would happen if you were outside the White House right now?' Richard Boyd Barrett quoted from an account he said he received from one of the women involved. 'I was stripped completely naked and was asked to remove my underwear. When I questioned the necessity of this, I was told I would be forced violently, if I didn't comply,' the account read. 'After removing my underwear, they looked inside my private areas and touched all my sensitive parts.' In his letter to the Ceann Comhairle, Harris said the TDs were using Dáil privilege to spread 'misinformtion and disinformation,' which negatively impacts members of An Garda Síochána. He added: 'It undermines public trust and confidence in a fundamental institution of the state.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
