Defend Gerry Carroll and his Peaceful Protesting - Protest Outside Court Hearing

antrim | rights, freedoms and repression | event notice Friday December 10, 2010 15:25 by Róisín

SWP member and anti cuts campaigner Gerry Carroll is up in court on the 5th of January. He is charged with committing a Provocative Act, Resisting Police and Obstructing Lawful Activity in a Public Place —charges Gerry strongly denies.

Gerry Carroll being dragged out of the crowd by officers

SWP member and anti cuts campaigner Gerry Carroll is up in court on the 5th of January. He is charged with committing a Provocative Act, Resisting Police and Obstructing Lawful Activity in a Public Place —charges Gerry strongly denies.

Gerry was arrested while attending the student Protest against fees at city hall. Police wish to single him out as an “organiser” and make an example out of him. This is a dangerous attack on democ...racy.

The truth is if anyone was acting provocatively it was the police. Their heavy-handed tactics against protestors, many of whom were quite young was a disgrace. They charged the crowd a number of times, kettled people into small areas and attacked a number of individuals.

Disgracefully, stringent bail restrictions have been put on Gerry. Until he attends court, he is not allowed to enter Belfast city centre at all. All of this because he wished to express his right to protest against the cuts that this government are introducing.

This attack on Gerry is an attack on the right to protest. We should all stand by him. We are calling on everyone who supports to the right to protest to come to Belfast Magistrates Court, on the 5th of January 9.30 am. Show your support and call for these ludicrous charges to be dropped.

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=183782241639021

Gerry Carroll speaking to the crowd during Belfast'sstudent protest against university tuition fee increases and education cuts