2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Video emerges in Cork of man appearing to perform Nazi salute amid jeering between protest groups
Two demonstrations, which both took place in Cork City last Saturday, clashed as they began their marches – one to support the people of Palestine, and the other against what 'Ireland says No' organisers label 'mass uncontrolled' immigration.
Gardaí say that they 'implemented a proportionate operation to police a number of public gatherings which took place in Cork City Centre.
'Three separate public gatherings took place, all of which assembled in the Grand Parade area. Over 100 members of An Garda Síochána were on duty in Cork City Centre,' said a statement from An Garda Síochána.
The demonstration saw the 'Ireland says No' rally finish outside City Hall, while the pro-Palestinian demonstration, which has taken place every Saturday since the beginning of the conflict, ended back on Grand Parade.
However, it was at the beginning of the march where a flashpoint broke out between the two protests that were separated by barriers and a police cordon.
Insults were shouted from one side to another, but in a shocking video, one man appears to have performed a Nazi salute, saluting from his chest with a flat arm before extending the flat palm outwards from his body.
The gesture appeared to have incensed pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who gestured back to the man, who was wearing a Celtic FC top.
Performing a Nazi gesture and displaying Nazi symbolism is illegal in many European countries, including France, Italy, and Germany. However, it is legal in countries like Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Gardaí meanwhile confirmed that a man in his 30s who was arrested during the march has subsequently been released without charge pending further investigations. He had been arrested under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. However, that arrest is not believed to be related to the gesture.
'Ireland operates as a constitutional democracy, ensuring that citizens have the right to express their beliefs and opinions freely, as well as to gather peacefully, in accordance with legal provisions,' said a statement from An Garda Síochána about the event.
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Chief Superintendent Thomas Myers said: 'I would like to thank the participants for gathering peacefully. A significant policing operation was deployed to ensure the safety of everyone involved. I would also like thank the community and public transport companies in Cork City Centre for their support throughout the afternoon.'
Uniformed frontline Gardaí were supported by colleagues from the Garda National Public Order Unit, Garda Mounted Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Garda Air Support Unit, Divisional plainclothes Gardaí and Gardaí from National Units, all in anticipation of the two events running concurrently.
