Garda Special Branch continue to harass young republicans
Sinn Féin Youth has strongly criticised what it calls ``the
unnecessary harassment and intimidation'' of its members. Over the
last number of weeks Garda Special Branch detectives have stopped
and questioned several Sinn Féin Youth members. The increase in
harassment comes at a time when republican youth in Dublin are
firmly establishing themselves as a well organised body.
In one incident on Wednesday 12 November, Branch members parked
outside a UCD student's house and followed him to college. The
student, who doesn't wish to be named, found the experience
nerve-wracking: ``To be honest I felt very intimidated, but I
certainly will not be leaving Sinn Féin Youth, so they failed on
that score''.
Matt Carthy of Sinn Féin Youth claims that the gardaí are
increasingly seeing a republican youth movement as a threat: ``In
one sense we are quire proud that the Gardaí feel that our
members should be constantly checked up on, but that does not
mean we will allow this situation to continue. As far as we are
concerned, our duty is to work towards a lasting peace without
the interference of detectives trying to make the situation more
difficult''.
Meanwhile, at a Sinn Féin Youth Organisation Group held in Dublin
last week it was reported that membership of the movement has
increased dramatically. Over 40 people attended the meeting and
everyone contributed to discussion. Not surprisingly, a Special
Branch crew were outside to welcome members as they left.
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