Our right to protest

THE recently discovered video of Ian Tomlinson’s last contact with the police before his death at the G20 protests will probably not seem relevant to most Irish people, even if they are aware of it.

However, this type of policing is not alien to our shores, as evidenced by the infamous May Day riots of 2002.

As if it were the last great taboo, garda misbehaviour goes unquestioned and unanalysed in the Irish media.

As in Britain, there is a systemic lack of police transparency, accountability, and respect for the citizen’s right to protest.

Sean O'Deasunaigh

Evergreen Road

Cork