A number of protests are being planned in Irish cities this week following the murder of Sarah Everard in the UK.
ROSA (for Reproductive rights, against Oppression, Sexism & Austerity) is organising the protests in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway this week.
As the Irish Examiner reports, the group said that the “socially distant protests” have been called “in solidarity with women protesting the murder of Sarah Everard and the daily threats women face from gender-based violence”.
Ms Everard, 33, went missing while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on March 3, and her body was found on March 10.
Serving police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with Ms Everard’s kidnap and murder.
On Saturday, the UK’s Metropolitan Police faced intense criticism for its handling of a London vigil in memory of Ms Everard, with officers accused of “grabbing and manhandling” women during clashes with the crowd.
While the vigil in Clapham, south London, was largely peaceful, scuffles broke out at the front of a crowd of hundreds as police surrounded a bandstand covered in floral tributes to the 33-year-old.
At one stage, male officers could be seen grabbing hold of several women before leading them away in handcuffs, to shouts and screams from onlookers.
End Gender and Police Violence#ReclaimTheStreets solidarity protests
- Dublin (Spire) Tues. 16th @ 12pm
- Cork (Grand Parade) & Limerick (Thomas St) Thurs. 18th @ 4pm#EndViolenceAgainstWomen pic.twitter.com/ZKKLlrG0Qm— ROSA - Socialist Feminist Movement (@RosaSocFem) March 14, 2021
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Reclaim The Streets
The Met said that four people were arrested for public order and coronavirus regulation breaches.
ROSA said in a statement: “The European Fundamental Rights Agency reports that 83 per cent of women are restricting their movements and lives because of fear of sexual harassment and assault. An epidemic of gender violence existed before the pandemic, but has accelerated.
“Women have had enough of misogyny. There are indications of a worldwide movement against sexist violence with protests throughout Australia today and tomorrow.
“Events in London last night have horrified so many people who saw repression and police violence used against women peacefully protesting violence against women! The London police ended up defending their own and a system that perpetuates the misogyny women experience every day.
“The protests in Ireland are called by ROSA, Socialist Feminist Movement, and by former TD, Ruth Coppinger, a leading campaigner on gender violence.”
ROSA has urged attendees to wear face coverings and bring posters.
They said that people who can’t attend due to travel restrictions ‘can watch online & post solidarity pictures or videos with #ReclaimTheStreets”.
