More than 100 demonstrators protesting against ramped-up Covid-19 lockdown restrictions clashed with police in Dublin, with 11 being arrested and an investigation launched into the organizers of the event.
Nine of the people arrested have been charged with public order offenses, as the protest broke lockdown restrictions, which only allow citizens to leave their homes for essential trips.
Law enforcement attempted to block a crowd at Grafton Street and ordered the demonstrators to disperse as they were “in breach of public health regulations.”
A small group managed to break through a wall of officers deployed to the area and video shows batons being used to stop the protesters and force them to the ground, where they were handcuffed.
Just another day in Irish paradise pic.twitter.com/9ty5KqhPxe
Protesters were pushed and told to leave the street as they cursed at officers wrestling with demonstrators who refused to disperse.
Vans were also parked on the street to help block the marching crowd and prevent a sit-down protest.
That’s a lot of backup. Wait for it pic.twitter.com/WbY9Guk5tY
The clashes were brief as many protesters dispersed as they were told.
Another video shows protesters marching through the city, with some yelling “take off the mask” as they walked.
? 11 people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences after an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin this evening: pic.twitter.com/AL23PAU2OK
“The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with public health guidelines and regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives,” police said in a statement about the clashes.
All 11 people who were arrested, aged between 20 and 60, have been released, and two were let off with warnings.
Ireland was put into a strict ‘Level 5’ lockdown this week with non-essential shops being ordered to close, home visits being banned, and citizens ordered not to travel beyond 5km away from their homes for exercise.
If you like this story, share it with a friend!
