The Irish Times| Media Broadcast

[Drivindeath]

02 Jan 1997
RIOTS IN DUBLIN
Written by: Mary Doyle
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On the night of 31 Dec 1996 and into the next day riots broke out in the streets of Dublin after some back and forth tweets between @TheTruthIsOutThere and @TheRealIRA. Minister of State Pat Rabbitte gave a statement early this morning "The Irish Government does not support acts of violence. These deviants will be prosecuted with the fullest extent of the law." The Irish Republican Army as well as the British Government have yet to respond. Rabbitte went on to say "The government does not back the IRA or the lone tweeter. We want a peaceful resolution and to negotiate open borders with our counterparts across the channel. Open acts of violence, especially on our own people will not solve anything, let the diplomats talk." Rabbitte did not stick around to answer questions. President Robinson was not available for questions. Police arrived on scene soon after and began rounding up the rioters. The first arrest were made just after the new year at around midnight.

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A report came out from the aftermath of the riots. 5 injured, 0 dead, more than $10,000,000 worth in damages. Citizens were seen today cleaning and rebuilding. No one wished to comment on the events from yesterday. News anchor Michael O'Hare was on the ground during the time of the protest turned riot. O'Hare spotted many men wearing masks and dressed in camouflage as well as carrying an assortment of weapons. He said one man was shouting anti-British sentiments through a megaphone, stirring up the crowd. O'Hare proclaimed that once these men arrived the crowd turned from a peaceful protest into a violent riot. One store in particular a British tea shop was burned to the ground. At around 6:00 A.M. the crowed began to dissipate and O'Hare noticed that the men in camouflage where no were to be found.

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The Irish Government seems to be on the side of Britain and claims to want peace but is this truly want the Irish people want? More to follow on this story stay tuned.

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Written by: Mary Doyle​

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