AAA TDs: Jobstown verdict sets dangerous precedent
Yesterday, a 17-year-old boy was found guilty of the false imprisonment of Joan Burton during the Jobstown protest in Dublin in November 2014.
However, the judge discharged the youth conditionally on good behaviour for nine months, meaning he will not have a criminal record.
“The decision to return a guilty verdict in the case of a 17-year-old charged with false imprisonment for taking part in a protest sets a very dangerous precedent for civil liberties in Ireland,” said Anti-Austerity Alliance (AAA) TDs.
“The verdict, rather than the sentence, is the key issue.
“It has set a very low threshold by which ‘false imprisonment’ can be proved.”
The statement was issued by deputies Paul Murphy, Ruth Coppinger, and Mick Barry. The AAA TDs also stated that the verdict had consequences for activists across Ireland.
“Trade unionists engaged in stopping strikebreaking vehicles could now be found guilty of false imprisonment,” they said. “Similarly, pro-choice or anti-war activists engaging in sit-down protests or slow marches could also be charged and convicted.”.
Meanwhile, Workers’ Party spokesman Seamus McDonagh described the verdict as vindictive and politically motivated.
Ms Burton and the Labour Party were asked for a response. A spokesperson said they would not be making any comment.
A Rally for Justice has been organised for 1pm today in Dublin, as a response to the verdict, to defend the right to protest.
