Call for investigation is not a criticism
Amnesty has made no criticism of An Garda Siochána, nor has it commented on any aspect of the operation.
In cases where lethal force has been used by members of An Garda Siochána, an independent and transparent investigation needs to be held, both in the interests of gardaí themselves and in the interests of public confidence and accountability. In other jurisdictions such cases are automatically referred to an independent investigative body such as an ombudsman. We still do not have such an office in the State.
Amnesty accepts, and international standards recognise, that police must sometimes be permitted to use force or lethal force to do their job of keeping communities safe and protecting people from life-threatening attacks.
But the force used must not be arbitrary: it must be proportionate, necessary and lawful and only be used in self-defence or against the imminent threat of death or serious injury.
Independent reviews and transparency safeguard both the integrity of the gardaí and public confidence. Requesting an independent investigation does not imply the police acted improperly. Had the incident happened in Northern Ireland, Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan would have initiated an investigation, as a matter of course.
Sean Love
Executive Director
Amnesty International (Irish Section)
48 Fleet St
Dublin 2
