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# Arrests Made As Activists Chain Themselves To Department Of Justice For Gaza Visas
- URL: https://aontachtmedia.ie/arrests-made-as-activists-chain-themselves-to-department-of-justice-for-gaza-visas/
- Published: 2026-09-02T01:32:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-09T01:34:52.000Z
- Description: Activists from Jews for Palestine chained themselves inside the Department of Justice following a protest held today against the FFG government’s decision to reject 103 Palestinian student visas, leading to arrests.
- Author: Editor
- Tags: News

Activists from Jews for Palestine chained themselves inside the Department of Justice following a protest held today against the FFG government’s decision to reject 103 Palestinian student visas, leading to arrests. 

The action comes amidst a wave of protests over the issue. A protest was organised against the decision on July 31st and attended by large crowds of students and workers, while a further protest by Social Rights Ireland was held on August 25th, both outside the Department of (In)Justice. 

The decision has been [slammed](https://universitytimes.ie/2026/08/department-of-justice-confirms-it-has-no-plans-to-introduce-special-visa-arrangements-for-students-in-gaza-despite-unique-barriers/?ref=aontachtmedia.ie) as holding students from Palestine to “impossible” standards. Activists also [pointed](https://www.instagram.com/p/DceIIsbjM5a/?ref=aontachtmedia.ie) out that the decision is part of a broader Zionist-dominated system, in which 75 IDF soldiers are allowed to roam free in Ireland, while Palestinian students are denied the opportunity to study in Ireland, and noted that a Turkish anti-imperialist activist, Sami Kupiezewski, is facing a [“life-threatening”](https://aontachtmedia.ie/veteran-activist-sami-kupiezewski-issued-life-threatening-deportation-order-to-turkey-2/) deportation on orders of O’Callaghan. 

The government has confirmed that it has no plans to introduce exemptions from the immigration regulations which have been described by activists as [“overly-stringent”](https://universitytimes.ie/2026/08/department-of-justice-confirms-it-has-no-plans-to-introduce-special-visa-arrangements-for-students-in-gaza-despite-unique-barriers/?ref=aontachtmedia.ie), in response to which activists escalated their actions. 

The direct action was taken against Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (In)Justice Jim O’Callaghan, and followed a series of protests against the decision. A total of 4 people were chained inside the building. The handcuffs were removed, they were arrested and reportedly taken to Kevin Street Garda station. 

The [news](https://www.ontheditch.com/international-academics-call-off-irish-event/?ref=aontachtmedia.ie) comes as an academic conference due to be held in Maynooth discussing solidarity with Palestine was cancelled in light of the FF/FG decision.