This was in 2002, we'd just founded Indymedia a few months earlier. While shooting this footage a Garda (who wasnt wearing ID) attacked me, and ripped the battery from my camera. https://twitter.com/hexxem/status/1266291615225671685

This wouldn't have been a story, if we weren't able to upload the video footage to Indymedia. In the immediate aftermath, the media took the Garda line, it was the next morning when journalists saw what we'd uploaded that the narrative changed.

In the end, 7 Garda were charged, The force closed ranks, every rank & file officer there on the day, refused to co-operate with the investigate, leaving the identification of individual garda down to the video evidence. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-identify-colleagues-in-reclaim-the-streets-trial-25892941.html

The 7 trials took place over 2 years, & as I was the cameraman or part of the chain of evidence, I was called as a witness in every one. All but one Garda was acquited. A snr Garda (disgusted with the proceedings) told me, "you'll never convict a Garda in a jury trial in Ireland"

Despite the Gardai's acquittals, about 40 protestors took civil actions (for assaults and false arrest) every single case was settled by the Gardai before it reached trial. One of the aftermaths of the RTS, is that it was a spur in the formation of the Gardai Ombudsman.

You see the case had to be investigated mainly by retired Gardai, there was literally no system for police accountability in Ireland, & as I mentioned investigators couldn't even compel Garda to testify.

So when I see posts like this, I'm reminded of a quote by a former Lond Met Police Officer at the time of the riots; it was something like; "The Garda are one of the most uncountable police forces in Europe, & I'd be terrified to be in their custody". https://twitter.com/IrishPropaganda/status/1266092093690253312?s=20

I will say that the Gardai who formed part of the investigative team, were excellent, and diligent investigators, frustrated by the lack of accountability within their force, & the behaviour of their colleagues.

Oh yeah, thats the fecker who ripped the battery from my camera, and then walked off. No accountability at all. Another Garda assaulted an Irish Press photographer, seized his camera & at the station tried to remove the film.

From a digital camera.

This is hysterical tho'