Street Party in Dublin

Tuesday May 07, 2002 23:24

by Anna Banana

Around 800-1000 people converged on Dublin's city centre to participate in a 'street party' and to help us 'imagine what a city without cars could be like'. From the well-publicised meeting point at the GPO, the crowd moved to Burgh Quay where a barrier had been placed across the road. The fire brigade were brought out to break the barrier but it was there just long enough for the party to begin. A motley crew of actors, acrobats, performers, musicians, dancers, body painters, and children succeeded in creating a community space where normally there are cars and trucks belching out pollution.

Most of the party-goers had dressed for the occasion and many had brought flags, banners, subverted signs, gardening materials, bondage outfits, faeries, dryads and other tree life. At this point the Gardai were on the whole amiable enough. When an old car (previously prepared) was wheeled onto the street for a symbolic execution the police moved in, effectively to rescue the banger, and there was a stand-off for half an hour with minor scuffles and a few arrests. The police eventually got their car and everyone returned to the party.

Gardai attack party-goers

With the party on the quay coming to a close, th participants started to make their way to the garden of the Civic Offices on Wood Quay to disperse. There were protests at the attempt by an unmarked Garda car to drive through the crowd at high speed. Shortly afterwards, the crowd was pushed on to Dame Street where Garda vehicles were coming from all directions. Gardai were jumping out of cars and vans and drawing their batons. About 200 people, including passers-by, were penned in on the footpath and then attacked by the baton-wielding Gardai, as bus passengers and families in cars watched in disbelief.

In all, 22 people were arrested (including an Irish Independent photographer) and over a dozen hospitalised. There were wide reports that Gardai involved in the violence removed their identification numbers (which is illegal), though the Garda Press Office claim that some of them may not have had time to collect their jackets.

Legal Defense Group

A legal defense group has been set up to deal with issues arising from the behaviour of the Gardai, and a solicitor has been retained to persue legal action against them. All those who were assaulted by the Gardai, or witnessed an assault, are being urged to make contact (see related link below).