A CRIMINAL prosecution, believed to be first of its kind before an Irish court, has been dismissed against a Limerick woman who refused to pay a fine after organising a protest against gender violence during a level five Covid lockdown last year.
Aislinn O’Keeffe, (41), originally from Cappamore and now living in Caherdavin, appeared before Limerick District Court today charged with organising an event at Thomas Street in Limerick City, in contravention of the Health Act on March 18, 2021.
Judge Carol-Anne Coolican dismissed the case when a prosecuting Garda said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had withdrawn the charge.
Ms O’Keeffe had refused to pay a €500 fine for organising the protest event, contrary to public health restrictions.
The outdoor protest organised by the socialist feminist movement, ROSA Limerick, of which Ms O’Keeffe is a member, involved between ten and 30 people.
It was held following the kidnap, rape, and murder of 33-year old London marketing executive Sarah Everard by Metropolitan police officer, Wayne Couzens.
Speaking outside the court afterwards, Ms O’Keeffe, supported by a group of fellow ROSA members who had called for the case to be dismissed, said: “I feel relieved because it has been a long year since that protest took place.”
“I feel vindicated that we were right to protest and to highlight gender violence as we did. I also feel quite angry that I was ever put in this position in the first place and I’ve had this case and the fine hanging over my head for almost a year.”
Ms O’Keeffe argued that the March 2021 protest was safe as it was held outdoors with face masks, and it was socially distanced.
She said attending the court had been a daunting experience.
“I have been someone who has experienced male violence, and I know lots of women in my life who have, and the perpetrators of violence against us have never had Gardaí call to their door with a court summons.
“They’ve never received a fine. They’ve never received a court date, so I felt quite angry that I was been brought to court for highlighting the issue of male violence,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
She added that she felt quite happy and relieved the court struck out the case against her.
“ROSA and I had built a campaign over the last year, but especially over the last four weeks, and we were hoping that the State would see sense and that they would realise that these charges would have to be dropped and thankfully that did happen.”
Ms O’Keeffe said the prosecution against her had been an insult to all victims of violence.
Covid restrictions imposed at the time by the Irish government made it a criminal offence to organise or attend all indoor or outdoor gatherings.
Ms O’Keeffe said that throughout the pandemic, victims support groups reported increases in domestic violence and violence against women, and that ROSA “will continue to campaign” on the issue.
“Last year we had ten people at that small protest that I was facing prosecution for. This year, we want ten times that number at Bedford Row in Limerick City on International Women’s Day, which is on March 8.
“We ask people to come out and join that protest at 5pm and to get involved in building a movement to finally tackle gender violence.”
Solidarity TD, Mick Barry, who accompanied Ms O’Keeffe in the courtroom, said afterwards: “I’m delighted for Aislinn O’Keeffe, and for ROSA and the socialists feminists here in Limerick, and for fighters for women rights all over the country.”
“This case should never have come near a courthouse, but it’s a victory, and I think the International Women’s Day day protests are the next step,” he added.
