Anti-War Trial Adjourned

02/07/08

The trial of éirígí activists Cormac Ryan, Dominic McGlinchey and Scott Masterson was again adjourned today (Wednesday) amid the continued failure of the RUC-PSNI to provide evidence in the case.

The three men were assaulted and arrested in the grounds of Stormont in May last year while taking part in a peaceful protest against the visit of British war criminal Tony Blair to Ireland. They were later charged with several offences, including assault and riotous behavior.

Since then, all three have had to travel long distances in order to sign bail and attend the many court sessions that have been arranged.

It was hoped that today’s appearance would mark the conclusion of the trial, but Cormac, Dominic and Scott will have to attend Belfast’s Laganside Court yet again in six weeks time in an effort to beat the charges.

Attending a solidarity protest outside the court, éirígí chairperson Brian Leeson said: “The amount of time this case has dragged on has resulted in severe stress for all three men’s families and the sooner it is over the better.

“It was said at the time and it has been maintained ever since that Cormac, Dominic and Scott were involved in a peaceful protest, and no evidence has been produced since then to suggest they were involved in anything other than a peaceful protest.

“When the case is heard again in six weeks, I am hopeful that the truth will be told and our three members will be allowed to get on with their lives. Because the truth is, on the day in question the RUC-PSNI attacked a peaceful protest, assaulted and arrested innocent people and have shown themselves to be professional liars ever since.

“The attendance at today’s protest, however, was testament to the fact that our activists and supporters will not be intimidated by the actions of the political police in the RUC-PSNI.”