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Earlier today, Friday 18th September, Sean Clinton, a member of the anti-Lisbon campaign group Irish Friends of Palestine Against Lisbon (IFPAL) was arrested outside the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. His "crime" was erecting an IFPAL sign calling for a 'No' vote in the Lisbon Referendum.

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Aung San Suu Kyi

Burma Action Ireland welcomes the opening of a Book of Solidarity for imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi by the Lord Mayor Emer Costello. The Book of Solidarity calling for the immediate release of the Nobel Laureate and Freeman of Dublin was opened today in City Hall. BAI urges the public to sign the book in solidarity with Daw Suu Kyi and asks that we "use our freedom to promote hers".

Burma Action Ireland warmly welcomes the auspicious initiative of Dublin's Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello, in opening a Book of Solidarity for Burma's imprisoned democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. This is a most timely reminder to the citizens of Dublin that this brave Prisoner of Conscience, now in her fourteenth year under house arrest, is a Freeman of Dublin.

Speaking today, Gearoid Kilgallen, Chairperson, Burma Action Ireland said, “we are more than happy to endorse the appeal of the Lord Mayor to the citizens of Dublin, and all who may be visiting, to spare a few minutes to come along to the City Hall in support of a very courageous woman, whose name adds new lustre to the ancient list of Freemen of Dublin. Right now she needs the support of all who value the ideals of justice, freedom and democracy. These are bleak days for all the hapless people of Burma, but especially for the two thousand plus political prisoners languishing under brutal conditions in the ruthless generals' fetid prisons. We call upon all to respond to that poignant plea of Aung San Suu Kyi who is on record as saying, “I hope that the world will not forget us". Let us ensure that she and all who suffer in Burma will not be forgotten here in this ancient city of Dublin, to which we hope she will journey some happier day as a really free ' Freeman of Dublin' .

The Lord Mayor opened the book at City Hall, Castle Street on Monday 17th August 2009 at 1.00pm, calling on the Military Junta in Burma, to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. The book will be open to the public for signing on Monday 17th August from 1.00p.m to 5.00p.m, and from Tuesday 18th August to Thursday 20th August 2009 from 10.00a.m to 5.00p.m.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello, Former Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Freehill, Gearoid Kilgallen, Chairperson Burma Action Ireland (BAI), and Niamh Rooney, Co-ordinator, spoke at the City Hall event.

Niall with Garda Hugh Egan MY101

Shell to Sea campaigners Maura Harrington and Niall Harnett were sentenced to four and eight months in jail respectively at Bellmulet district court today. Both protesters have been convicted for taking action as part of a campaign of peaceful civil disobedience against the ill-fated Corrib Gas Project. Maura was given her four month sentence under Section 8 of the Public Order Act; 'failing to comply with the directions of a Garda'. The sentence was handed down in relation to an incident that occurred duing a protest at Shell's 'landfall' compound gate on 30th August 2008. Niall was sentenced to eight months in relation to two separate incidents. He was given a four month sentence under Section 8 of the Public order act, and another four months under Section 2, for the supposed assault of a Garda.

Related Links from Indymedia.ie:
A weekend in Erris at the national Shell to Sea meeting | Shell's Lackey's in the Media Out in Force Again | Message to an Bord Snip Nua. Resolve the Recession. Tax Shell! | Reports that Pat the Chief's boat was sunk last night | Massacre of Indigineous Amazonians in Peru - 25 dead and counting | The Pirates of Broadhaven Defeat Shell’s Armada | Prison van carrying Maura into Montjoy blockaded for 20 minutes by Dublin S2S | Shell security attack Willie Corduff after illegal Glengad compound dismantled | Scuffles At Mountjoy As Maura Harrington Is Jailed |

Related Links outside of Indymedia.ie
The website of Shell-to-Sea - CorribSOS.com
Keep the pressure up: Contact ALL TDs, Senators, and MEPs in Ireland and let them know how you feel about Shell in Rossport - Contact.ie

What Scandal Next?

The Ryan report into the abuse that occurred in the industrial and reformatory schools – which were run by the religious orders and supposedly under the supervision of the state – has recently been released. At this system’s height there were 7,998 children in the care of the state. Since the release of the report we have heard politicians rushing to condemn this system and saying how shocking it was. I find it incredible to hear the politicians pandering to the press in their condemnation of the old industrial school system when they know that children under their care in 2009 are being neglected still.

Related Links:
Closing the Book on Institutional Abuse | Time To End Church Control of Schools, Hospitals and Social Services | Child Abuse Commission | Residential Institutions Redress Board |

Considering the gravity of the Ryan Report it would be natural to assume that the government is now doing everything in its power to prevent the abuse of children in state care. You would like to think that considering how wrong the government got it in the past, they would be doing their utmost to protect the children in their care. However that is not the case.

Ireland's Next Top Model

Lesbian and political activist, Ailbhe Smith was the Grand Marshal of the largest Pride Parade to date in Dublin. Dublin Pride is one of many parades taking place world-wide to commemorate the 40th anniversary Stonewall Riots of New York 1969.

Related Links:
IRSCNA: LGBT Pride Solidarity | Solidarity with Queer Bulgaria | Pride in Latvia: To the Streets | Gay Pride in Riga, Latvia 2007 or Friendship Days |

Pride 2009 was the biggest held in Dublin to date with up to 12,000 people taking part. Ailbhe Smith was this years Grand Marshal - the first lesbian to do so in 26 years. She led off with whip in hand, saving it for the Government. The streets were thronged as passers by smiled, photographed and cheered. It's an incredible day when people can take to the streets and celebrate sexuality and diversity.