Posted by Gardai facing heavy criticism for ‘knuckleheaded actions’ as 14 arrested in Dublin
6th June 2021
Gardai are facing heavy criticism this weekend for what was described as ‘knuckleheaded actions’ towards crowds gathered in Dublin on Friday.
Similar to last weekend, crowds of people gathered on South William Street on Friday evening to enjoy a drink in the sunshine.
Pictures emerged later in the day of a large Garda presence which lined the narrow street in a bid to move on the crowd which had gathered.
It is understood that the Public Order Unit in attendance drew batons as they moved on the crowd which was ordered to disperse from the area.
The Gardai on foot were backed by a number of Garda vehicles which also drove down the packed street.
The response from the force faced criticism on Friday night and Saturday morning, as Gardai confirmed that 14 people had been arrested for public order offences.
Rollingnews.ie photojournalist Sam Boal, who shot pictures and videos of the encroaching Gardai was among those on South William Street who spoke out.
‘The scenes on Friday night were ones never witnessed before in Ireland,’ he said. ‘This was not a demonstration turned ugly. Nor was it a peaceful protest overtaken by emotion and events. Nor was it a crowd of thugs or bored teenagers looking for trouble or institutional reaction, as happened earlier in the day in St. Stephens Green.
‘It was for the most part a large group of citizens, some after a days work or an afternoon shopping, meeting friends for a takeaway drink and a chat in the warm Friday afternoon sunshine.’
He went to say that there were ‘the usual suspects looking for trouble’ around Dublin city centre on Friday, but he suggested that the Garda response wasn’t justified.
‘The scenes were straight out of a TV news report from a South American city in turmoil,’ Mr Boal commented.
‘We cannot deny there are issues which need to be addressed in relation to adherence to COVID-19 restrictions.
‘But this is not the way to do it and such knuckle headed actions will only spread disrespect and anathema towards the institutions of law and order, way beyond the gangland enclaves of some of the city’s poorer suburbs.’
In a statement following the incident on Friday, Gardai said: ‘Yesterday evening, Friday, June 4, 2021, large crowds were present in Dublin City Centre with the vast majority of persons socialising responsibly and enjoying outdoor activity.
‘A number of public order incidents occurred at various locations in the South City Centre, primarily involving large ‘organised groups’ congregating at a number of locations including South William Street, Saint Stephen’s Green Park and Templebar Square.
‘A significant uniform Garda presence was on patrol and interacted with various groups. In particular whilst interacting with a specific group at South William street, glass bottles and other missiles were thrown at Gardai.
‘Having attempted to engage with these persons, with no positive response, Uniform Gardai, supported by ‘soft cap’ Public Order Gardai then dispersed this particular group from South William Street.
‘In total, 14 people (nine adults and five juveniles) were arrested for public order offences and detained at Pearse Street and Kevin Street Garda Stations.
‘Six persons were charged with public order offences and released. Two persons received the Adult Caution while one was released pending a summons for public order offences. The five juveniles were released and referred for JLOs.
‘One Garda member sustained a leg injury and received hospital treatment. One Garda Patrol Vehicle was damaged.’
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