Peace activists to protest at ‘less-lethal’ weapons conference

Peace activists are due to mount a protest later today outside a “less-lethal” weapons conference being held at the Berkeley Court Hotel in the Ballsbridge area of Dublin.

The two-day conference is designed to showcase new technology and weapons like electronic stun guns and firearms that discharge bean bags instead of bullets.

The protestors have claimed that such weapons are frequently used as tools of torture and studies have shown that they have caused several deaths.

Green Party TD John Gormley has also expressed concern at the fact that members of the Gardaí are set to appear as speakers at the conference.

He said the Gardaí had no need for such “less-lethal” weapons and their introduction would only serve to intimidate members of the public from attending protests and demonstrations.