Our cause was just, say teenage hunger strikers
Nine Afghan teenage boys who were part of the failed hunger strike in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin tonight insisted they did not intend to dishonour the church through their protest.
The teens, who were taken from the cathedral over the weekend, are now in the care of the Heath Service Executive and being looked after by children’s charity Barnardos.
They were among a 41 strong group of Afghans who occupied a wing of the church for six days last week refusing to eat or drink unless they were granted political asylum.
But the tense stand-off was dramatically and peacefully ended late on Saturday as gardaí stormed the church.
On several occasions during the six-day long protest a number of the men threatened to kill themselves by jumping from a 20ft high balcony in the cathedral.
But Barnardos guardian Freda McKittrick, who has been charged with looking after the boys, said the boys wanted to make it clear that they did not intend to dishonour a place of worship.
Ms McKittrick said the teenagers wanted it to be known that they saw the cathedral as a place of sanctuary and safety and that theirs was a just cause.
In a statement issued through their guardians, they boys said: “We went to the church to show to the authorities that we are having huge difficulties and wish to stay in Ireland, and if sent back to our country we will be at grave risk.”
Ms McKittrick said the boys are being cared for with the aim of returning to normality as soon as possible. They are receiving physical and psychological care after the ordeal.
They are also drinking and eating again after starving themselves during the six-day long protest.
President of the High Court, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, today extended wardship of the court on the minors. Ms McKittrick was appointed Guardian ad Litem, an independent person chosen to represent the wishes, feelings and interests of children and young people in specified court proceedings.
Mr Justice Finnegan noted that the boys had been at the heart of huge publicity over the weekend and urged lawyers to issue information about their circumstances. He said they were all high achievers in school despite coming from tough backgrounds.
And the judge also said that the HSE had acted with commendable speed and in the most appropriate way in dealing with the minors.
Their cases will be heard in the High Court again next month.
Ms McKittrick said each of the boy’s situations was unique but all were in education, with a number involved in sporting and community activities.
“Each of the young people has expressed a desire to be active members of this society but spoke of their difficulties in concentrating on their studies when facing such an uncertain future,” she said.
“The minors will now return to their studies and will continue to pursue their claims for asylum through the prescribed channels.”
Barnardos also noted that had it not been for the tireless commitment of the HSE, cathedral staff and gardai at the scene there was a real chance the protest could have ended in tragedy.
In a statement the HSE said: “The HSE will continue to assess and provide for the care needs of the minors who will remain in our ongoing care. We are satisfied that the current provision meets their needs and will continue to review it in light of progress.
Officials at the HSE also acknowledged the help and co-operation of those involved in the resolution of the St Patrick’s protest including gardai, the minor’s legal representative, the court appointed guardian and church authorities.
“The HSE is indebted to the very valuable work carried out by its own staff during the difficult circumstances of the protest and in the days since when they have cared for the minors.”
