Latest news with #PhoenixLaw
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."
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Kneecap threaten to sue critics as bid to ban TRNSMT act from performing Glasgow fails
Counter terrorism cops are also continuing to probe the band 'APOLOGISE NOW' Kneecap threaten to sue critics as bid to ban TRNSMT act from performing Glasgow fails Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KNEECAP has threatened to sue critics after a bid to ban the Irish rappers from the TRNSMT lineup failed. It comes after the Belfast-based band faced backlash after videos emerged of the self-proclaimed "Fenians" urging fans to "kill your local MP" and chanting "The only good Tory is a dead Tory". Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Counter terrorism cops are continuing to probe the band Credit: AFP 2 The band are set to perform at TRNSMT in Glasgow this summer Credit: Roddy Scott The videos sparked outrage, with many calling for them to be axed from playing Glasgow's TRNSMT festival on July 11 and Glastonbury on June 27. First Minister John Swinney was among those who backed these claims, saying it would be "unacceptable" for them to "perform on such a stage". Counter terrorism cops are also continuing to probe Kneecap's Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí after another video of a member appearing to chant 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' surfaced at concerts in 2023 and 2024. Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry. Phoenix Law on behalf of Kneecap The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed a man was interviewed under caution at a station in Belfast on Sunday as part of the broader investigation into the band. A spokesperson for the Met said: "The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. "Police interviewed a man who voluntarily attended an interview under caution at a police station in Belfast on Sunday, 18 May. Enquiries remain ongoing." A "private and confidential" email between music agents and Glastonbury bosses, pushing for Kneecap to be banned from the legendary festival, was allegedly leaked to the band. According to the Daily Mail, Kneecap hit back at critics with a legal letter from Phoenix Law, slamming them for making "untrue and defamatory" claims. It reads: "Your correspondence seeks to monopolise your status within the industry to impose direct and concerted pressure on Glastonbury, to restrict freedom of expression. "Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry." Kneecap movie sets sights for Hollywood The letter threatens to "commence high court civil proceedings for damages for the damage you have inflicted". It adds: "However, before our clients formally seek to issue pre-action correspondence, we write to offer you the opportunity to resolve these matters by way of an immediate and unequivocal apology." SNP councillors in Glasgow last week went against the First Minister's calls to pull Kneecap from TRNSMT. At a debate on the war in Gaza, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: "The UK is a state where MPs have been murdered in recent years. Words can and do matter. "That, certainly not on the part of the SNP group, doesn't translate into support for a ban on them playing in Glasgow or indeed anywhere else. "Or indeed does it take away from the point that the condemnation of Kneecap, particularly in the United States, much of it does appear to be driven by a wider dislike of their stances, not only their position in support of the Palestinian people but also their general stance of satirical provocation." Kneecap has since issued an apology to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess, who was killed by an Islamic State fanatic in 2021, and Jo Cox, who was killed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair in 2016.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
Campaign for fresh Summerland inquest 'marches on', survivor says
Campaigners calling for the Summerland fire disaster inquest verdict to be overturned have vowed to "march on" with their "fight for justice" after a bid to have a fresh hearing was Isle of Man's Attorney General turned down a formal application by Belfast-based human rights law firm Phoenix Law on behalf of the Justice for Summerland campaign deaths of 50 people in the blaze at the leisure complex on 2 August 1973 were ruled to be Hallam, who lost her mother and best friend in the blaze, said she was "disappointed" by what was "another hurdle in the path for justice". About 3,000 people were inside the leisure complex on Douglas Promenade when the fire, thought to have been started by three boys from Liverpool smoking, took hold on 2 August 1973.A public inquiry held in the aftermath found there were "no villains", only human beings who made the application for a fresh inquest in March, Phoenix Law argued there had been an "irregularity of proceedings in the original inquest", which had not commented on or addressed "substantial issues" including the cause of the the bid a spokesman for the Attorney General's Chambers said the investigations and findings of the report, produced by the Summerland Fire Commission in 1974, "comprised a thorough, effective and proportionate inquiry into how the fire took hold and spread, and how it came to be so fatal".The campaign group, which represents some of the victims and survivors of the tragedy, previously called the decision "deplorable" and confirmed they aimed to challenge it "before the High Court". Ms Hallam, who was 13 at the time, was on holiday with her mother Lorna Bryson Norton and best friend Jane Tallon when the fire broke the events, she said: "I made it out after being trapped, but I returned home alone."Ms Hallam said the campaign to have the verdict overturned was an "extremely difficult journey" for her and other members of the group connected to the disaster but it was "too important to let go"."We consider that this has been a debt outstanding, really it's been unaddressed and unpaid for almost 52 years." "We are fighting for people we lost and we are fighting for justice," she said."We were not surprised at the rejection but it has galvanised our resolve."We are not deterred, this is a campaign that is marching on."Phoenix Law has been contacted for a comment. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Now Kneecap threaten to sue industry critics who want them banned from Glastonbury
A controversial Irish republican rap trio have threatened to sue leading music industry figures after they allegedly called for them to be ditched from this year's Glastonbury Festival lineup. Kneecap - named after the paramilitary punishment of maiming traitors by shooting them in the knee - are currently being investigated by police after footage emerged of them shouting 'up Hezbollah, up Hamas ' and 'kill your local MP' at music events in 2023 and 2024 was revealed by The Mail. The Met Police confirmed that a man was interviewed under caution at a police station in Belfast on Sunday as part of a wider counter-terrorism investigation into the band. Now music agents have allegedly written to Glastonbury founder Emily Eavis and two other festival organisers, urging them to ban the hip-hop group from the iconic music festival. The email exchange - marked 'private and confidential' and circulated with over 30 individuals - was apparently leaked to Kneecap. A legal letter, seen by the Mail and sent by Phoenix Law on behalf of Kneecap, accused those behind the complaint of making 'untrue and defamatory' claims. It added: 'Your correspondence seeks to monopolise your status within the industry to impose direct and concerted pressure on Glastonbury, to restrict freedom of expression. 'Such a direct and coordinated approach seeks to create a chilling effect upon the wider music industry whereby those who hold opposing views, will seek to impose their own view on the wider industry.' The Met Police confirmed today counter-terrorism officers had launched an investigation into videos of the Irish rap trio including one calling for the deaths of MPs The rap group went on to demand the senior industry figures issue an 'unequivocal' and 'formal' apology approved by Kneecap's lawyers or face high court action. The letter continued: 'Whilst our clients feel particularly strongly about the freedom of expression, we cannot allow false statements to be asserted dressed up as statements of fact (...) 'To that end, we write to put you on notice that we are now formally instructed to commence high court civil proceedings for damages for the damage you have inflicted on our client's reputation. 'However, before our clients formally seek to issue pre action correspondence, we write to offer you the opportunity to resolve these matters by way of an immediate and unequivocal apology.' Last night a spokesperson for the Metropolitan police announced there were 'grounds for further investigation into potential offences' linked to two of Kneecap's performances. They said: 'On 22 April, we were made aware of an online video believed to be from a music event in London in November 2024. 'Following this, we were made aware of a further video, believed to be from another music event in London in November 2023. 'Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos. 'The investigation is now being carried out by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. 'Police interviewed a man who voluntarily attended an interview under caution at a police station in Belfast on Sunday, 18 May. Enquiries remain ongoing.' Kneecap have been dropped from a handful of music festivals this summer, including the Eden Project concert series after their comments surfaced. But other festivals like Wide Awake in Brockwell Park have stood by the band - refusing to cancel their performance despite calls to do so by politicians, campaigners and industry leaders. Glastonbury have refused to comment either way. The band, who have been accused of glorifying the IRA, Hamas and Hezbollah, used the cash to have a Land Rover painted in the livery of the Police Service of Northern Ireland for publicity pictures at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in the US Yesterday, speaking at the Conservative Friends of Israel luncheon, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Labour lacks moral courage. 'They crumble at the first sign of trouble. 'Just look at Kneecap. 'I refused to give them taxpayers money. Labour got in and handed it over. 'This is the reality of parliament for today.' Former X-factor judge Sharon Osbourne, who has been publicly campaigning to have Kneecap banned from Glastonbury, told the Mail: 'This is a band with below average talent, using this [controversy] as a marketing campaign.' In April Kneecap released an apology to the families of murdered MPs Joe Cox and David Amess, following their controversial comments about MPs. In a post on social media, the group said: 'Establishment figures, desperate to silence us, have combed through hundreds of hours of footage and interviews, extracting a handful of words from months or years ago to manufacture moral hysteria. 'Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians 'We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. 'An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.' Kneecap has been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bid for fresh Summerland fire inquest rejected
An application for a fresh inquest into the deaths of 50 people in the 1973 Summerland fire disaster has been rejected by the Isle of Man's Attorney General. A group representing some of the victims and survivors of the tragedy made a formal submission in March, calling to reopen the case. Justice for Summerland previously called for the original misadventure verdicts for the 50 people that died, to be overturned. With the latest application, the Attorney General said there was "no fresh evidence revealing any relevant or material errors or misunderstanding" in the original investigation in 1974. About 3,000 people were at the Summerland entertainment complex when a blaze broke out on the evening of 2 August 1973. It was thought to have been started by three boys from Liverpool smoking. A public inquiry held in the aftermath found there were "no villains" and only human beings who made mistakes. Belfast-based human rights law firm Phoenix Law, which represented the families, had made the application for a new inquest, saying there had been an "irregularity of proceedings in the original inquest" which had not commented on or addressed "substantial issues" including the cause of the fire. However, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Chambers said the investigations and findings of the report produced in May 1974, produced by the Summerland Fire Commission, "comprised a thorough, effective and proportionate inquiry into how the fire took hold and spread, and how it came to be so fatal". He said: "The application made to the Attorney General presents no fresh evidence revealing any relevant or material errors or misunderstanding in the detailed findings of the Summerland Commission Report. "Speculation that there might be evidence which might call the commission's findings into question does not constitute relevant fresh evidence." "The 1974 verdicts place no responsibility whatsoever on the innocent victims." Phoenix Law previously said it wanted to reopen the case to "ensure a comprehensive investigation" using "modern legal and forensic standards". In a letter from the Attorney General to the law firm, it said it recognised the sensitivity around the case, but had to consider the legal basis for reopening it without emotion. He added that nothing said was intended to add to "their burden or ongoing grief" and he was "very sorry if it does so". Phoenix Law has been contacted for a response. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Fresh bid for Summerland fire inquest submitted Bid for fresh Summerland inquest not yet received Commemorations mark 51 years since Summerland fire Campaigners to apply for fresh Summerland inquest Justice for Summerland Campaign
