Masked Garda threatening people with batons in the aftermath of the violent eviction carried out by thugs in Dublin last night. Pepper spray, dogs and batons were deployed, there were 5 or 6 arrests and four housing campaigners required hosptial visits from injuries received in the course of the eviction of the Frederick St occupation [which is the second recent occupation].
The occupation was suddenly attacked by a gang of masked men who arrived in a van with no front registration plates, insurance or any other identifying details apart from a back plate which showed a UK registration plate. They smashed their way into the house using sledgehammers and industrial cutters. One housing activist who was outside and attempted to question them was thrown down the stairs and then arrested by the Garda.
Take Back The City – Dublin say “Gardai subsequently used force and pepper spray against peaceful protesters across the road” – our footage from about 20 minutes after the eviction shows masked Garda threatening people protesting the eviction.
The house that was occupied has been left empty for between 3 and 5 years and often had homeless people sleeping on the doorstep. Despite this, an injunction was rapidly granted against the occupation and when the occupiers resolved to stay in place we saw the violence of last night’s eviction.
It’s less that 1km from The Bolt which was evicted in 2015 and remains boarded up to this day. It’s 200m from The Barricade Inn which was also evicted in 2015 and also remains empty to this day. It’s less that 1km from the Debtors’ Prison which was evicted in 2015 and remains empty to this day.
Tens of thousands of buildings are left empty around Dublin, many of which could quickly be turned into accommodation for people. In other cities in Europe buildings being left abandoned was countered by the introduction of protection for squatters, allowing tens of thousands to house themselves. In Ireland they violently evict people who occupy buildings that have been left vacant for years, sometimes for decades.
Read this local residents account of the way she was treated by the Garda “When I asked him why he was wearing a balaclava he told me I had no right to ask that and to, I quote “fuck off ye stupid bitch”. He then grabbed my phone and put his hands on me. After I said he had absolutely no right to do so and he said he did. He then said “Ok, you are going to get arrested.” To be clear, this is on my lane way, where I live and I was asking a question.”
