Three arrested at Stormont

RUC/PSNI attack anti-war protesters outside Stormont

The 'new approach to policing' was there for all to see today as members of the RUC/PSNI got stuck into those protesting at Tony 'man of peace' Blair's presence in Ireland.

Three members of éirígí were assaulted and arrested outside of the Stormont building in Belfast this morning. The three had been taking part in a protest which had been organised by the ‘Belfast Anti-War Movement’ to highlight the hypocrisy of Tony Blair claiming to be a ‘man of peace’ in Ireland while simultaneously ordering a brutal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

The arrests occurred as roughly thirty people attempted to stage a peaceful ‘sit-down’ protest as Tony Blair’s cavalcade approached the main Stormont building. It was at this point that the RUC/PSNI attacked the protesters. The most serious incident saw Cormac Ryan of éirígí, who was photographing the RUC/PSNI attack, knocked to the ground and temporarily knocked unconscious. While Cormac was still recovering from the attack he was handcuffed and arrested. As other protesters attempted to assist Cormac they too were attacked and two further arrests were made. The three were then removed by police vehicle to Strand Road barracks.

Commenting on the attack Pádraig Ó’ Meiscill from éirígí and the Belfast Anti-War Movement said ‘Today, once again, we see that the only ‘new’ thing about the PSNI is their uniforms. The tactics used today are identical to those used by the RUC. While those inside Stormont clap each other on the back and congratulate themselves on achieving ‘peace’ in Ireland the RUC/PSNI are attacking peaceful protesters within earshot.

‘Over 600,000 human beings are already dead in Iraq as a result of Blair’s war; an illegal war waged without UN sanction on the basis of weapons of mass destruction that didn’t exist. Today’s demonstration was in solidarity with the people of Iraq who are witnessing the complete collapse of their society and country due to the actions of Blair and Bush. Those who applaud Blair as a ‘man of peace’ would do well to remember the hundreds of thousands of dead in Iraq before they raise their champagne glasses.

Padraig concluded ‘No doubt those protesters attacked and arrested today will be charged with ‘riotous behaviour’ or assault. In this the ‘new’ police force is using just another ploy regularly used by the RUC to draw attention away from their own heavy-handed tactics. Regardless of this we will continue to highlight the fact that Tony Blair is more a war criminal then a ‘man of peace’

As of 13.30 the three arrested remain in police custody.

ENDS