Gardai raid homes of republicans

Posted by Jim on February 10, 2018

 

In a series of early morning raids in Dublin this week, eight
republicans and their families were subjected to armed police forcing
entry to their homes.

One home targeted by armed and masked men was occupied by a woman and
her two 12 year old daughters. In another home, a 15 year old member of
Saoradh’s youth group, Eistigi, was held at gun point by screaming
members of the ‘Emergency Response Unit’, leaving him shaking with
fear.

Personal property was seized including phones, laptops and other
computers. The confiscated items included those belonging to children
and work related equipment. In several cases the legally required
receipt for seized items was not issued.

Saoradh estimated the number of Gardai involved in these raids is 60.
“With recent cuts to overtime and the lack of rural policing along with
the high profile gangland feud in Dublin and the drugs epidemic, this
is a shocking misuse of resources,” they said.

Those targeted had been engaged in normal political activity,
highlighting national issues such as internment and the homelessness
crisis, as well as local issues like road safety.

“Several of the activists targeted yesterday are vocal in their
condemnation of the 26 county administration,” Saoradh said. “They have
faced ongoing harassment and intimidation from the state while
providing aid on the streets. These raids are a blatant attempt to stop
republicans embarrassing the state by showing how they have failed the
people.

“Saoradh will continue to campaign for and help the victims of this
crisis, regardless of the efforts to silence our activists.”