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Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Minister denies Sinn Féin's claim anti-terrorism Bill contains a ‘Kneecap' clause
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has rejected Opposition claims that Kneecap band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh could be prosecuted under antiterrorism legislation being introduced in the Dáil. Sinn Féin justice spokesman Matt Carthy described provisions of the Criminal Justice (Terrorism Offences) (Amendment) Bill as the 'Kneecap clause' in the wake of the prosecution in England of the Belfast band member whose stage name is 'Mo Chara'. He was charged under UK antiterrorism legislation with showing support for a proscribed organisation. It is alleged he draped himself in a Hizbullah flag at a London gig last November and shouted 'up Hamas , up Hizbullah', referring to the Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups respectively. He is contesting the charge. The proposed new Irish legislation broadens the category of terrorist offences to bring it in line with a 2017 EU directive, to include travelling or facilitating travel for the purposes of terrorism and receiving or providing training for terrorism. READ MORE The Bill also revises the definition of provoking terrorism, stating that the glorification of a terrorist activity, including by praise or celebration, 'may be considered publicly provoking the commission of a terrorist offence'. Mr Carthy, who called this the 'Kneecap clause', said it is 'deeply problematic' because 'there is a real fear that this inclusion could lead to charges against political activism and legitimate freedom of expression, similar to the manner in which Mo Chara from Kneecap is currently facing terrorism charges in the UK'. This sort of antiterrorism legislation 'undercuts civil liberties, free speech and the rule of law, with little or no effect on actual terrorist activity', he said. 'It is exactly the type of language that has been used, in the North in particular, to attempt to curtail the rights of families to remember loved ones killed in the conflict in the six counties. It has equally been used in arguments against commemorating the 1916 Rising or wearing an Easter lily,' he said. But Mr O'Callaghan said 'what Kneecap is being prosecuted for in the UK would not happen here'. [ Fans rally behind Kneecap after London court appearance: 'If you're supporting Ireland, you're supporting Kneecap' Opens in new window ] 'Under this legislation, people would be entitled to say they support Hamas, although it has been involved in reprehensible behaviour,' he said. Describing the UK legislation as 'alarmingly wide' and a provision 'that would not be enacted by this House', he said that under the UK law it is an offence if a person in a public place 'wears, carries or displays an article in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation'. Sinn Féin's Mark Ward said people singing republican songs about Irish heroes could be prosecuted under the legislation. However, the Minister said the deputy could sing whatever songs he wants. 'People can sing songs about the Boys of Barr na Sráide and the Men Behind the Wire. In loyalist parts of Belfast, they can sing whatever they want.' He said TDs' 'concern that this will have a restrictive impact on protest or freedom of expression is not accurate'. 'The only time your message is going to come within the criminal law and face criminal sanction is if it is being done with the intention of inciting someone else to commit criminal terrorist activity.'
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Sinn Féin proposes orders to protect victims of sexual violence after offenders released
Victims of sexual violence could get increased protections from any potential threat by their attackers upon their release from prison under proposed legislation being put forward by Sinn Féin . Judges would be able to issue civil protection orders to apply after the offender's release under the Bill being put forward by the party. Protection orders typically ban contact with a victim, using or threatening to use violence against them, and watching or being near a victim's home. Sinn Féin's justice spokesman Matt Carthy was due to introduce the Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 at first stage in the Dáil on Thursday. READ MORE He said the legislation came about as a result of engagements he had had with a number of victims of sexual assault who 'have got increasingly worried and anxious as the date of the release of the perpetrator comes closer'. [ Ireland was a place where ruthless husbands were free to 'bounce a boot off' their wives Opens in new window ] Mr Carthy said recourse available to the victims 'has been incredibly limited', and that victims are 'dependent on the gardaí to follow up on other provisions in place'. His party colleague, Dublin South Central TD Máire Devine, said there is an 'epidemic' of violence against women, much of it perpetrated by former partners. She said protection of women and children, once offenders are released from custody, is 'of the utmost importance'. Mr Carthy said Sinn Féin's legislation would allow for a judge to apply a post-release civil protection order for offenders at the time of the initial trial, when a suspect is found guilty and sentenced. [ Anti-stalking protection orders: 'There are a lot of people who have been waiting a long time for this' Opens in new window ] He said: 'At present under the harassment law there is a provision for judges to apply these types of orders post-release, but this isn't there in terms of the civil protection orders in relation to sexual violence cases, so there's an anomaly there.' The Cavan-Monaghan TD said he is hopeful of support from all political parties and particularly the Government so the legislation can be enacted 'as a matter of priority'.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Sinn Féin TD denies 'tactical wee' after missing vote
Sinn Féin's Justice spokesperson says he missed a vote on his own amendment to the Offences Against the State Act - due to the need to answer nature's call. Matt Carthy said the Minister of State Niall Collins was able to ensure the passage of the legislation without any votes, describing the move as "petty". Deputy Carthy said these things happen, but the substantive point Sinn Féin wanted to make was that the government needed to accelerate the review into the law which he described as "outdated." Asked if it was a "tactical wee" in the words of cartoon character Bluey, Deputy Carthy said it was a tactical position on the part of the Minister of State, saying "it was an old fashioned political stroke all's fair in love and politics". "The Minister saw an opportunity to avoid a vote, and he took it." Sinn Féin has insisted that it would have abstained on the renewal of the Offences Against the State Act, but it was ultimately not put to a vote. Deputy Carthy had "stepped out" for a few minutes during the debate on the emergency measures that are renewed by the Oireachtas annually. When he returned, to an almost empty Dáil, he was told by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that the matter had been dealt with. Mr Carthy previously said that the emergency legislation, which dates back 90 years, should not be used on an ongoing basis. He called for the the introduction of a modern legal framework to tackle organised crime and to protect jurors.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Offences against the State Act renewed without vote
Sinn Féin has insisted that it would have abstained on the renewal of the Offences against the State Act but it was ultimately not put to a vote after the party's Justice spokesperson was outside the Dáil chamber when it was passed. Matt Carthy had "stepped out" for a few minutes during the debate on the emergency measures that are renewed by the Oireachtas annually. When he returned, to an almost empty Dáil, he was told by the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that the matter had been dealt with. Earlier, he had told the Dáil that the emergency legislation, which dates back 90 years, should not be used on an ongoing basis. Mr Carthy called for the the introduction of a modern legal framework to tackle organised crime and to protect jurors. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said that he has accepted in principle the recommendations from a independent review group. It called for the repeal of the Act along with the establishment of a non-jury court on a standing basis. It would be available when ordinary courts were inadequate. However, he said this would have to be approached with the utmost caution and he indicated that the new system may not be in place before the Offences against the State Acts are due for renewal again next year. The Minister said that so called 'dissident republicans', who have their origins in the Provisional IRA and the INLA, continue to pose a threat, the Dáil has heard. Despite the progress towards peace made over the years, they continue to seek to return to the fruitless violence of the past, he said. "They have remained resolute in their opposition to democracy and rule of law and all that the Good Friday Agreement stands for; and they remain wedded to brutality and criminality," Minister O'Callaghan said. He said that it is also important not to lose sight of the threat from violent extremism and international terrorism. The Minister added that terrorism - particularly jihadist and lone actor attacks - remains a key risk to the EU's internal security. Ireland is not immune from the threats arising in this changed security environment, and the country must have the capability to deal with them, the Minister said.
The Journal
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Sinn Féin criticised for 'heartless' opposition to extending temporary protection for Ukrainians
SINN FÉIN HAS been heavily criticised for its opposition to extending temporary protection to those fleeing the war in Ukraine, with a Ukrainian charity arguing its position is 'heartless and inhumane'. Last week, the party's migration spokesperson Matt Carthy said the government's decision to support a planned extension to the temporary protection directive until March 2027 was a 'mistake'. The Cavan Monaghan TD said it is 'now time to treat those fleeing war in Ukraine the same as all others fleeing war and persecution'. He argued that a person who benefits from temporary protection should be supported to return to Ukraine, if they are from a part of the country that is 'found to be safe' and that there should be a return to 'ordinary, permanent immigration rules which apply to all other states'. Responding to Sinn Féin's stance, one of the founders of Ukrainian Action, a charity in Ireland, said it was a 'very irresponsible' and 'heartless' position held by the main opposition party. Anatoliy Prymakov said that while it is true that some parts of Ukraine have been targeted more by Russia than others, it is a 'very irresponsible and heartless thing to say that parts of Ukraine are safe'. 'Russians have been known to target residential districts, maternity wards, children's hospitals and even funerals to exert maximum damage on the civilian population as part of their terror campaign of bombardment of Ukraine. 'Because of that, there is simply no guarantee that Russians will not target a specific city in Ukraine tomorrow, simply to murder civilians, as they have been doing since 2014,' Prymakov said. He added: 'It is disappointing and troubling that an elected TD, with a key position in his party, would take such a heartless and inhumane position. Advertisement 'Such statements hurt Ukrainians and are not productive, nor do they help with problems faced by Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection and Irish communities supporting those Ukrainians.' Sinn Féin's position was also criticised by Green Party leader and former Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman who said moving thousands of Ukrainians living in Ireland into the international protection process would be 'completely unworkable'. He said it would 'entirely swamp a system that is already struggling'. 'There is still a full-scale war taking place in Ukraine, so it is appropriate that we extend the temporary protection directive to provide support for Ukrainians here in Ireland and across Europe,' he added. Extension of current system The Temporary Protection Directive, a legal framework for hosting people displaced by war in Ukraine, was extended last year until March 2026. Earlier this month, the EU proposed extending the right for four million Ukrainians to stay in the bloc until 2027. The European Commission has urged EU governments to look at longer-term solutions, such as residency, work and student permits and visas. Governments in the EU have also been encouraged to set up programmes to promote voluntary return programmes to Ukraine. To offer a more stable and lasting perspective beyond temporary protection, the Commission has also proposed a set of measures to prepare a coordinated transition out of temporary protection. It is expected that integration into host countries and facilitating a smooth return to Ukraine will be promoted, with information hubs to be set up to provide guidance on integration and return options. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
