News Reporter Kelly Smyth details the growing criticism of Taoiseach Micheál Martin and An Garda Síochána during Pro-Palestine protest in favour of The Arms Embargo Bill
A large crowd of Pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside of the Dáil on Wednesday 2 April in support of the Arms Embargo Bill, which would restrict the passage of weapons through Ireland to Israel.
Four Independent TDs were set to introduce the Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024 to the Seanad, with this largely being targeted at preventing the landing of US military carriers at Shannon Airport.
Protesters condemned the passage of US vessels and aircraft through Ireland, advocating for the bill to be passed as well as further sanctions against Israel.
The protest comes just two days after a peaceful vigil protest outside of Leinster House, in which 14 members of the group Mothers Against Genocide were arrested by Gardaí for public order offenses. The arrests drew widespread criticism online and from TDs, who believe the women were treated unfairly and violently for participating in a peaceful sit-down protest.
Following the incident, the women claimed they had been subjected to strip searches by the Gardaí, with one woman allegedly undergoing a cavity search. In response, the Gardaí issued a statement confirming the arrests, and that “any individual who believes that they have been treated inappropriately by a member of An Garda Síochána can make a complaint regarding the interaction to the independent oversight body, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).”
Outrage towards the Gardaí was expressed openly at yesterday’s protest, with the group shouting “Gardaí, shame on you!” as part of a series of chants. Criticism of Taoiseach Micheál Martin was also pronounced, with the crowd chanting “Micheál Martin, you can’t hide!”
When asked about the events of Monday’s protest by the University Observer, one pro-Palestinian protester described the treatment of Mothers Against Genocide as “unnecessary” and said the alleged strip-searching is “completely unacceptable in a democratic society”.
The protest ended prematurely as another scheduled protest advocating for school places for children with special needs arrived. The Pro-Palestinian groups showed solidarity with these protesters before dispersing.