Gardaí face prosecution after demo

UP to six gardaí face possible prosecution after protesters were beaten during this year’s May Day rally in Dublin.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is to consider bringing criminal charges when he receives two separate reports in the coming weeks. It is understood an internal Garda investigation set up by Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne will document sufficient evidence to bring prosecutions against up to six gardai. A separate investigation, carried out by the Garda Complaints Board, is also expected to recommend charges against a number of gardai.

The Board’s inquiry, led by a retired Garda assistant commissioner, Jim McHugh, is at an “advanced stage” and a file is expected to be sent to the DPP next month.

All gardaí on duty during the Reclaim the Streets demonstration have been questioned during the internal investigation into the riots on May 6.

The team also interviewed witnesses and studied recordings from digital camcorders belonging to protesters and media as well footage from CCTV cameras on Dame Street. The Garda Complaints Board probe is investigating about 40 complaints against gardai, including claims of alleged heavy-handedness and failure of certain officers to wear compulsory identification numbers.

A number of gardaí have also been served with papers notifying them that they face possible charges for breaches of discipline. The deadline for prosecutions for minor offences is November 6. However, there is no deadline for more serious charges.

Meanwhile, another anti-globalisation protest has been organised for this Sunday. The march is being organised by the same protesters behind the May Day rally. The street party, followed by a march, coincides with the start of the All-Ireland football final and European Car Free Day.

A Garda spokesperson said they had not been informed about the protest and will not have a presence at the march, which begins at 2.30pm from St Stephen’s Green.

Garda resources would be available if necessary.

Meanwhile, 10 activists belonging to protest group Globalise Resistance will appear before the Dublin District Court today in relation to an anti-privatisation demonstration at the Burlington Hotel last October.