A small yet passionate crowd gathered at the University of Limerick campus yesterday afternoon to protest the illegal detention of 16 Irish citizens on board the Global Sumud Flotilla.
This demonstration, organised by the University of Limerick branch of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, drew around 20-30 participants. This was slightly larger than the previously led protests by the branch.
The emergency protest at UL was one of many protests taking place around the country following the interception and detention by Israeli authorities of around 500 activists from around the world who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
UL student and member of the BDS campaign, Molly McNamara, who spoke at the event, claimed it was not just about the illegal detention, but also about solidarity with Palestine. She issued a call to action, saying:
“We should be emailing our TDs… there was Irish people on the Flotilla, this is an international war crime.”
“We should be doing things for the international community because it’s the right thing to do… Having signed the Genocide Act in the EU, in the ICC, in the ICJ, these are all legal entitlements that us as Irish citizens have to, you know, stop a genocide.”
Turnout from undergraduates has remained relatively low, with postgraduate and international students more prominent at the demonstration. Local councillors, including Shane Hickey O’Mara of the Social Democrats, have regularly attended events.
Molly also spoke briefly about a friend in Palestine and his appreciation of her and her fellow protesters’ efforts here in Limerick; “I’ll just post a story…obviously, it’s just a story, but he’ll swipe up every time and be like, thank you so much. This means the world to us.”
Molly understands that the current situation in Palestine can be “overwhelming” and “confusing”, but she pleads with students to show up in any way they can. She emphasis how just 20 people showing up can mean a lot to the people of Palestine.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said in a statement to Dáil Eireann in regard to the detained Irish citizens: “It is my understanding that those who have been detained will be given the option to leave immediately and if not they will have a hearing within 72 hours.”
The Tánaiste also outlined the Government’s efforts to “establish the precise whereabouts of every Irish citizen, to ensure their safety and dignity, and to secure their swift release”.
“…. making clear Ireland’s expectation that our citizens be treated fully in line with international law.”