We can stop them

mayo | environment | news report Friday April 13, 2007 23:30 by Shell to Sea

Activists disrupt peat haulage process at Bellanaboy Refinery Site

Today in Mayo activists from Shell to Sea disrupted the peat haulage process which has been going on since the beginning of April. In what was seen as a reconnaissance, a small group of protesters arranged to have a close look at the situation, and see if they could lock themselves on to the Iggy Madden haulage trucks as they passed.

Heavy-handed Garda tactics meant that none of the attempts were successful, although some were close enough to make those involved confident that the process of stripping the peat can be stopped by peaceful direct action protest methods.

The Gardaí, as usual, used violence rather than their legal powers to stop the protests, although the presence of two photojournalists meant that were slower than normal to follow through with the usual kicks and punches. Some frustrated cops however, used violence against the journalists, causing extensive damage to a camera.

Small groups of protesters spread out along the road, followed and hemmed in by gardaí. Attempts were made to block trucks and then lock on to them. These were met by overwhelming force from the large groups of cops, who used fists and feet against the activists.

Inspector Eamonn Murphy was asked, if the protesters were breaking the law, why they were not being arrested. He replied that it was his choice, and refused to explain himself further, instead treating the campaigners to his rather asinine views on the weather, then, as he lost his temper, ordering the road to be forcibly cleared, even though no trucks were moving.

During the lock-on attempts, one Shell to Sea campaigner suffered a sprained wrist, and another two cuts and bruises. Batons were drawn but not used. Police also carried out a forced search of one protester and stole his watch, presumably as a souvenir. This may have been revenge for his wiping the blood off of his hands onto a Garda's jacket.

With communities around the country crying out for more gardaí to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour, it was once again pointed out that the priorities of the government are skewed, when seemingly endless amounts of Gardaí can be found to attack and terrorise peaceful protesters against a dangerous scheme, which will have no benefit for the people of Ireland.

Activists were broadly happy with the results of the day, with weaknesses in the policing operation exposed, and many possibilities for further non-violent action against the government-backed scheme planned for the election campaign.