Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady has welcomed the not guilty verdict in the trial of the Jobstown protesters this afternoon.
Teachta Brady said:
“The verdict of not guilty is a victory for the right to protest. The charge of false imprisonment was clearly trumped up. There were charges with an obvious political purpose - to demonise water charges protesters.
“This trial will also serve as a significant burden to the taxpayer, with the cost of the trial expected to exceed €10m.
“The right to protest is a democratic and hard won right. It cannot be brushed aside or diluted to suit a political agenda.
“This was never a case about individuals; it was a case about the right of all citizens to protest. Thousands of people throughout County Wicklow took a stand against water charges and this is as much of a win for them as it is for the individuals vindicated today.
“This is good news for everyone who believes in the right to protest and it is a right that the Government must recognise.”
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