{"id":12671,"date":"2020-02-01T15:01:13","date_gmt":"2020-02-01T19:01:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=12671"},"modified":"2020-02-03T13:02:26","modified_gmt":"2020-02-03T17:02:26","slug":"protesters-clash-at-free-speech-rally-in-dublin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=12671","title":{"rendered":"Protesters Clash at Free Speech Rally in Dublin"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"A number of protesters have clashed during a rally against free speech legislation in Dublin.<\/p>\n

Demonstrators from rival sides were forced apart by garda\u00ed as the rally took place outside Leinster House today.<\/p>\n

It is understood that supporters of the Irish Freedom Party were taking part in the demonstration.<\/p>\n

A number of people were waving Irish flags and holding placards stating \u201cfree speech is a human right\u201d.<\/p>\n

Videos posted on social media show clashes with a number of counter-protesters who were holding a rally.<\/p>\n

Garda\u00ed were forced to push the counter-protesters back as they attempted to move towards those taking part in the free speech rally.<\/p>\n

In a statement, gardai said: \u201cGarda\u00ed attended the scene of a demonstration which took place this afternoon in Dublin city center.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not known currently if any incidents had taken place or any arrests have been made in relation to this demonstration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said he wanted to strengthen hate speech legislation.<\/p>\n

A public consultation was launched last year in a bid to update Ireland\u2019s law on hate speech.<\/p>\n

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