Union urges large attendance at tomorrow’s support rally

October 21st: Unite has expressed solidarity with the Jobstown teenager accused of ‘false imprisonment’ on foot of a 2014 protest where former Tánaiste Joan Burton’s car was delayed for some hours.  Pointing out that sit-down demonstrations are a common form of protest, the union’s Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly expressed concern that “democratic protest is being criminalised” and urged a large turnout at the rally scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday October 22^nd) in support of the Jobstown accused.

Unite is one of the unions involved in the Right2Water campaign.

A verdict in the case of the 17-year-old accused – who was just 15 at the time of the alleged offence – is expected today (Friday).

Commenting, Unite Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly said:

“If participation in the Jobstown protest is found to have constituted ‘false imprisonment’, this could effectively criminalise democratic protest, and that would have very serious implications for our democracy”.

The union’s Regional Officer for Construction Tom Fitzgerald added:

“Unite stands in solidarity with the young man who will again be in court tomorrow, and with the 18 others facing charges on foot of the 2014 Jobstown protest.  We are calling for a large attendance at the solidarity rally scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, October 22nd)”, Mr Fitzgerald concluded.