THE GARDA Síochána Ombudsman Commission has received 28 complaints about the behaviour of gardaí at a student demonstration in Dublin last Wednesday.
The number of complaints received has more than doubled in the last two days.
The largest student protest in a generation was marred when some protesters were involved in violent clashes with gardaí.
Bricks, beer cans, eggs and placards were used as missiles and some protesters suffered cuts to the head and bloody noses. One garda was admitted to hospital with a broken nose while two others were treated at the scene for minor injuries
The Garda’s riot squad was deployed during the clashes and the force’s mounted unit and dog unit were also used.
The complaints to the ombudsman centre on allegations that gardaí used excessive force during disturbances. A spokesman said investigators would review each complaint and decide whether or not it was admissible before beginning an investigation.
The Union of Students in Ireland distanced itself from a group of breakaway protesters involved in clashes outside the Department of Finance on Merrion Street in Dublin. It blamed “left-wing” groups for the “destructive and anti-social violence”.
Supporters of Sinn Féin, the Socialist Workers Party and republican socialist group Éirígí were prominent among about 50 protesters who made it inside the Department of Finance building, only to be swiftly ejected by gardaí.
Three people were arrested during the protest. One was released without charge. The other two were charged with criminal damage and breach of the peace offences and released.