The Irish Anti War movement condemns the killing of innocent demonstrators and the violent suppression of protests on the streets of Tehran, Shiraz and other cities and notes with concern the escalation of the abuse of human rights in Iran. In addition to the dead and wounded, countless people have been arrested and severe restrictions have been imposed on travel.

Following the deaths of at least 10 demonstrators over last weekend whose only crime was to question the results of the recent election, the supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned against further demonstrations.

One of those killed, Neda Soltani, the young woman whose death was captured on YouTube, has come to symbolise the rebellion and the courage of those prepared to protest for the right to democratic change. Yet the authorities banned a scheduled memorial service at the Nilofar mosque in Tehran’s Abbas Abad district, in case it became a rallying point for the opposition.

The Irish Anti War Movement will hold a protest picket at Dáil Eireann this Wednesday 13 May at 12.30pm.

The Irish Anti-War Movement condemns the recent US bombing in Afghanistan that may have killed as many as 147 Afghans, including many women and children. If the reports of over 100 dead are true it will make it the most deadly incident involving civilians since foreign troops invaded Afghanistan in 2001. This one act of terror equivocates to over five Omagh bombings, which puts Hilary Clinton’s casual apology into stark perspective.

Press Statement – Embargo - 26th February, 2008

RTE Coverage of 2008 Lisbon Debate Unbalanced

and grossly in favour of Yes Side