Youth groups protest Garda powers extension

Youth groups, including Ógra Shinn Féin, held a protest in Dublin city centre on Saturday last over proposed amendments to Michael McDowell's Criminal Justice Bill.

They were showing opposition to amendments that will see, among other things, ordinary Gardaí issuing arrest warrants with a 24-hour validation, the extension of arrest powers and the possibility of gardaí being allowed to use force to obtain a saliva sample.

They were also were protesting the Justice Minister's suggestion of introducing so-called ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) in the 26 Counties. According to Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser Mickey Bravender, such a move would see young people being criminalised. "ASBOs affect anyone over ten and although you may not have committed a crime to receive one, you can receive a prison term for the breaching of one," he pointed out.