Shell to Sea Blockade of Glengad Compound - Sat. 30th August

mayo | environment | news report

Saturday August 30, 2008 09:35

by FSB! et al. - RSC

More heavy-handed Garda shenannigans at Glengad today as Shell to Sea protests continue

Gardai have illegally detained two protestors in the back of one of their vans as they continue to use 'force' to police protests in Glengad Co. Mayo today. People were kicked, punched and dragged by the hair by Gardai as they attempted to break a protest at the gates of the Shell compound in Glengad this morning, according to initial reports. Solidarity Campers and local residents attempted this morning to blockade the Glengad compound, in another protest to show how unwanted the Corrib Gas project is in the 'receiving community' in NW Mayo.

At approximately 7am this morning, local residents and Solidarity Campers gathered at the gates of the Shell compound in Glengad, Pollatomish, Co. Mayo, and formed a blockade of the site. Gardai arrived soon after and attempted to break the protest using 'force'. Initial reports indicate that Gardai have been kicking, punching and dragging protestors by the hair, as well as pushing protestors and other forms of rough handling. Gardai also employed verbal abuse and malicious insult in their policing effort, with particular attention paid by them to prominent locals. The violent behaviour of a certain Garda MY 117 has figured prominently in early dispatches from the protest line.
Once again, Maura Harrington and her car were in the firing line, as they physically blocked the gates of the Glengad compound. Gardai forced the protestors away from Maura and her car, as a prelude to using 'force' on her and her property (she was informed by Gardai that they would smash up her car, drag her out and arrest her), as has happened to her and her family many times before. Loath to have her car smashed up a third time by 'the guardians of the pieces', she drove away from the gates to forestall possible Garda 'force'.
Two protestors have been 'arrested' by Gardai and have been 'detained' in the back of a Garda van. According to one of the 'arrestees' the detention is illegal as neither of the two were legally 'arrested'. Also, eyewitness accounts report the use of excessive 'force' during the execution of these 'arrests'. The picket ended at approx. 9am as protestors left the gates satisfied with the morning action and to regroup for possible further actions. Pictures and up-to-date reportage to follow during the day.

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Comments (13 of 13)

Real people power- we are proud of you !

by magic - none

Mon Sep 01, 2008 15:21

God Bless the protesters.

Why are not more there?

What is this government doing?

We saw what Shell did in the Niger delta. They are criminals and we have the Gardai
beating and abusing good people who are trying to stand up for the environment and the future of their children.

Is Ireland gone mad?
Is Fianna Fail in receipt of dirty money from these criminal?
I only ask....because, as we heard in the Tribunals....you know.....

Some video of Saturday's picket.

by Camper.

Mon Sep 01, 2008 14:41

Just to make the point that we, Shell to Sea, say that Gardaí do not have authority to direct protesters to do anything, given their facilitation of the illegal nature of the Shell site at Glengad and the giveaway of our natural resources which is repugnant to the constitution and the constitutional oath that Gardaí swear on appointment.

Caption: Video Id: 894 Type: Politube
Embedded video Politube

Links to Indymedia reports of other events/actions in Mayo this Sat.

by FSB! - RSC

Mon Sep 01, 2008 09:20

These links are to comments in other indymedia.ie reports where comments reporting events that happened here in Erris on Saturday were placed - this was done because of thematic linkage, i.e. it was all about Shell's War-Boat. I do this just to give you all a fuller picture of Saturday's action.

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/88885?show_all_comments...35065

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/88885?show_all_comments...35035

encouragement

by angel

Sat Aug 30, 2008 20:31

I am a local living away.
What you are all doing is so brave, please believe you are being supported, if not always by a physical presance.
Those of us who cannot be there are spreading the word about whats happening (and will come to attend when can) , was shocked to see how little someone whom I considered an 'interested environmentalist' knew about whats going on in Erris; but the daily reports here does much to keep people briefed, so well done on that.
Thanks to all of for being at the cold face of it day in day out in an effort to protect our area, and on the bigger picture, the integrity of the nation. You will see results for your efforts I'm sure of it.
See you at the camp soon!!

regards

by cable - Shell to Sea (Cambridge)

Sat Aug 30, 2008 20:20

Please pass our regards on to the ladies and lads who were disgracefully manhandled, especially those older people. It is immoral to treat any peaceful demonstrator in such a brutal way, but many times more cowardly and shocking to older members of the community.
Those pictures should be on the front pages of the national papers - come on, Irish Times et al.

To Starstruck mo chara

by Joe Byrne

Sat Aug 30, 2008 15:50

Is there a move to get an injunction to block any interference with the fishermen's gear and their lobster pots? This seems a real legal weakness for Shell and the State.

The fishermen, three of them, are holding firm it seems, but is their solicitor not seeking injunctive relief ? It could be a finger or a stopper in the plug hole to help prevent and delay the process going ahead.

Any thoughts on this Starstruck ? I know you know your law and the law seems to be the weakest link in Shell's chain, if it is used, and used against them strategically.

Can't get up there, but hopefully can do something in the capital. Solidarity to all.

International visitors to Ireland

by village voice

Sat Aug 30, 2008 15:42

Visitors to Ireland, if you have experience of Garda behaviour in Glengad/Erris, remember to write your experiences to the Irish Ambassador in your home country. Cead mile failte!

Irish Government declares war on protestors

by War Correspondent

Sat Aug 30, 2008 15:29

By bringing in the navy to protect the interests of Shell in Broadhaven Bay, the government is effectively declaring war on the people of Erris who are trying to excercise their right to peaceful protest and continuance of their traditonal way of life. Local fishermen have every right to continue fishing in the bay and clearly it is they who should be protected from the intrusion of Shell.

Latest Update

by Starstruck - S2S/WSM

Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:43

The two protesters arrested have,as mentioned above ,been released.
The Garda presence in the area is still heavy.
Several protesters were injured this morning,including one local woman who received a blow to the mouth from a Garda.
Other injuries are minor,including sprains and cuts.
There were about 60-70 participants in todays blockades,numbers are gradually increasing,there is fresh energy in the air.
The Navy gunboat looms on the horizon,its canon pointed at the people it is supposed to protect.
The State and Shell have escalated their brutality in response to the escalation in peaceful protest,more solidarity is needed!
Come to Erris,there is a role for everyone to play,one that will suit all capabilities,skills and limits.
The window is slowly closing on Shell in terms of the length of time they have the Solitaire and the weather remaining reasonable,it is possible to delay this project significantly (several years wait to rent the Solitaire) by stopping their attempts at laying this section of pipe.
We can do it - for the beauty and safety of the area and for our people's natural resources!

Focus on Shell

by observer

Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:17

Where are the posters to tell us what is going on? Focus on Shell! On the State! On the causes of the problem!

More photos from today - some little light relief perhaps?

by TD & FSB! - RSC

Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:48

Photos by TD, silly captions by FSB!

Oh Shell! Only two more baton parties before I retire!

It's so funny why we don't talk anymore..

Music soothes the savage beast, but maybe not in Glengad

A word in your ear, mister protestor!

More photos from this morning - arrest & Garda 'force' series

Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:35

When the protestor pictured was 'arrested' this morning, he was treated to an exhibition of Garda 'force' on his body. When both 'arrestees' return to camp soon a more accurate report of their treatment in Garda custody will be posted.

Mob-handed 'arrest' of protestor this morning

'Arrested' protestor after he experienced some Garda 'force'

Protestor in Garda handcuffs in van after 'arrest' and 'force'

More Garda 'force' - possible illegal form of restraint

Photos from this morning's blockade

by FSB! & TD - RSC

Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:15

Photos by TD.

Update: the two men arrested this morning have just been released without charge. Both of the arrested men have made complaints regarding Garda and Shell conduct during the incidents in the bay last Thursday 21st August, when these two protestors were seriously endangered by the actions of Gardai and Shell subcontractors. The 'arresting' of persons who have made serious complaints against Gardai or Shell servants is a long-standing tactic of An Garda Siochana, in this dispute and many others throughout the state.

Elderly local grabbed by Shell Insecurity Guards