Amnesty report slams gardaí

A LACK of garda accountability, following a succession of scandals within the force, came in for heavy criticism in Amnesty International’s latest annual report.

Released yesterday, the report, which documents human rights abuses throughout the world, reserves it’s largest commentary on Ireland to policing. Singled out for mention were the scenes from last May’s Reclaim the Streets march where gardaí were seen to use excessive force against unarmed protesters.

Amnesty also said concern remained about racist violence and the harassment of ethnic minorities in Ireland. The report records the detention of large numbers of rejected asylum-seekers last July, and the Government’s announcement of plans to increase forcible deportations.