Jobstown protest: More than 20 people to be charged over water charge

During the rally in Jobstown last November, Joan Burton’s auto was unable to move for three hours when it was surrounded by protesters. She also compared the protest to “fascism”.

Approximately 40 people were arrested, and the incident sparked national debate about the evolving nature of Irish protests, and what constitutes appropriate behaviour from both elected representatives and civil society.

The DPP has reportedly directed that over 20 people are to face various criminal charges in relation to the incident – including violent disorder, false imprisonment, criminal damage and offences under public order legislation.

Mr Murphy and two Anti-Austerity Alliance councillors, Mick Murphy and Kieran Mahon, were among those detained and questioned last February.

They are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks.

“The Gardaí have sought a further seven people to be charged with District Court offences – more minor court offences – but the DPP didn’t rule within the six month timeframe for that, so those people are essentially off the hook”, said Ms Bracken.

Unlike the District Court, cases before the Circuit Court can be tried before a jury but the penalties upon conviction are more severe.

He described the alleged charges as an attack on the right to protest, and said any court proceedings will be “a major political trial initiated on foot of political policing”.