Gardai arrest two women for no apparent reason-Leinster House Protest (John D Waslsh Video) 20-09-23

Two women were seized by Gardaí for no clear justified reason and dumped into Garda vans at the end of Wednesday's protest at Leinster House. These were non-violent peaceful protesters being falsely arrested (as if the Gardai were instructed to make 15 arrests irrespective of the circumstances!) I was there as a witness- all the thugery came from the Gardai - none from the protesters. At least two were injured who posed no threat to the Gardai. One man laid on the ground for ages in front of at least 50 Gardai in Merrion Square (one was sniggering) and they didn't have the basic common decency to call an ambulance for the poor man - he had been shoved to the ground by two Gardai even though he was on a crutch!!

The front of Leinster House was cordoned off by barriers which were put up the previous evening. However at Merrion Square (the back of Leinster House) there were no barriers. Protesters gathered at the entrance gates at Merrion Square blocking cars from exiting Leinster House. They were asked to move but did not do so. This led to several arrests. If barriers had been put there also this would have avoided the clash between civilians and Gardaí. The main car park space is at the back of Leinster House and politicians and civil servants were advised to use this exit.