Galway activists reclaim the streets building for ESF

Galway activists reclaim the streets building for ESF.

Activists for a wide range of issues reclaimed the streets of Galway on Saturday 1st Nov by holding a carnival of information stands on a wide range of issues. The colorful event was organised to highlight the upcoming European Social Forum, and also helped to reclaim the streets. In recent weeks, the authorities have been harassing campaigner’s rights to have a table on the street, with a community warden on one occasion calling the guards. The authorities are no doubt upset by Defend Free Speech, Assembly and Activity putting them under the public microscope. The harassment was an attempt to bully people using a law intended for the open road on a pedestrian street. Now NGO’s and political parties have united by writing a combined signed letter to each of the local news papers. The letter (stating that we the undersigned will not be bullied off our streets) was published in the Galway Advertiser, the Connacht Tribune and the Galway Independent. Saturday’s event re-established campaigners rights. Communication with the Guards was friendly, and the community warden stayed well away.
The event was well supported by groups with stands on Fair Trade, 3rd World and Debt Reduction, Amnesty International, Public Transport, Waste Management, Ireland Palestine Solidarity, Anti-war, Anti-Capitalism and Free Speech. Pictures available.