Irish-Australian activist arrested in Dublin while campaigning for Julian Assange

April 19, 2023
Issue 
Ciaron O Reilly. Photo supplied

Irish-Australian anti-war activist Ciaron O'Reilly was arrested outside Dublin Castle on April 13, while attempting to deliver a 2 metre-long key to Julian Assange's prison cell to United States president Joe Biden.

While detained, O'Reilly said: "Joe seemed to have dropped his key to Julian's cell — I was merely trying to return it!"

O'Reilly was wrestled to the ground by members of the Guarda Siochana, the Irish national police, outside the castle, where a banquet celebrating Biden's visit was underway.

In response to Guarda's demands to answer questions, O'Reilly repetitively responded with: "My name is Julian Assange, my address is Over 50 section of His Majesty's Prison Belmarsh, Western Way London, England."

O'Reilly said: "Dublin Castle is a former prison like HMP Belmarsh -where Julian Assange is presently being held. Many Irish people were tortured and killed here -just like Julian is being mistreated today."

Referencing William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, O'Reilly said: "Obviously, Banquo's ghost had better luck than me tonight-getting to the top table!"

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