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28th Mar 2018

Rallies are being held nationwide in the aftermath of the Belfast rape trial: here are the details

Olivia Hayes

Sparked by the not guilty verdict delivered at the Belfast Crown Court, protests and rallies will take place across the country on Thursday.

The organisers have stated on social media that the get-togethers are in response “to the impact of the recent rape trial”.

They continue: “There is a lot of anger and upset among women… we want to create a platform for that anger to be expressed”.

They add: “Join us to stand in solidarity with all survivors who are retraumatised by a justice system which judges and shames them.”

Those in attendance are being asked to bring a yellow rose or flower.

The details are as follows:

Laganside Court in Belfast at 12.30pm. For more information, visit here.
Cork City hall at 12pm. For more information, visit here.
The Spire, Dublin at 12.30pm. For more information, visit here.
Dundalk Courthouse at 1pm. For more information, visit here.
Bedford Row, Limerick at 12.30pm. For more information, visit here.

On Wednesday, and after 3 hours and 45 minutes of deliberation the jury of eight men and three women reached a unanimous verdict on all counts.

Paddy Jackson (26), from Oakleigh Park, has been found not guilty of rape. Jackson has been found not guilty of sexual assault.

Stuart Olding (25), from Ardenlee Street, has been found not guilty of rape.

Blane McIlory (25), of Royal Lodge Road, has been found not guilty of exposure.

Rory Harrison (25), of Manse Road, has been found not guilty of perverting the course of justice and not guilty withholding information.