Arrests Made As Activists Chain Themselves To Department Of Justice For Gaza Visas

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 as holding students from Palestine to “impossible” standards. Activists also pointed 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” 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”, 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 comes as an academic conference due to be held in Maynooth discussing solidarity with Palestine was cancelled in light of the FF/FG decision.